Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 336 Wang Yousheng is bullied and his supplies are stolen! Wu Wanli's reputation scares away the villains! Fierce battle between US and North Korean troops!
The outskirts of Fupingli, the headquarters of the Seventh Steel Corps

"In summary, the Second Division of the US Army in Yangkou City on the north side is going to break through and attack Fupingli."

The 1st Cavalry Division behind them is also ready to stab us in the back in Fuping.

The New 1st Marine Division of Hwacheon Castle on the northwest side has suppressed the North Korean 9th Army and the New 8th Army, and could rush out to assist in the battle at any time.

After listening, Wu Wanli analyzed the situation while looking at the battle map.

Upon hearing this, Yu Congrong kicked over an ammunition box and cursed, "Damn Ridgway! Three divisions with 70,000 guns want to surround us!"

Gao Daxing frowned and said, "Perfect! I'll use their heads as a sacrifice for our flag!"

Pinghe shook his head and sighed, "Our Steel Seventh Brigade's peak enemy annihilation was the annihilation of the South Korean Third Division at Yuantongli, but we have never independently annihilated an entire US division."

A standard U.S. Army division has a strength of nearly 20,000 troops, and often exceeds 25,000, with attached tank battalions, heavy artillery groups, and air wings.

According to the casualty ratio calculation by the Chinese Civil War Command, it would take nine main forces to encircle three US divisions.

"Right now we only have the 27th Army, the 12th Army, the New 8th Army, the 9th Army of North Korea, and the 7th Steel Brigade. Our combat strength is far inferior!"

Lei Gong nodded, took a puff of his pipe, and said:

"The North Korean People's Army might send some troops to help, but the US military also has the support and cooperation of the South Korean military."

If a real battle breaks out, the auxiliary forces on both sides will at best be evenly matched.

Liu Hanqing, with a similarly grave expression, said, "According to the coded telegram we just intercepted, the 1st Cavalry Division is equipped with the Pershing heavy tank battalion, and they have enough armor-piercing rounds to flatten two hilltops!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Congrong punched the earthen wall and shouted, "To hell with Pershing and Sherman! Our artillery is more than enough to crack their skulls open!"

Upon hearing this, Gao Daxing straightened his back and said:
"As long as the commander-in-chief gives the order, I can lead the assault detachment as the spearhead. If I fail to pierce through the American vanguard in half a day, I will commit suicide to atone for my sins!"

"We must not act impulsively; a head-on confrontation is not a good approach."

"Wanli, if all else fails, let's send a telegram to the headquarters for assistance."

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing patted Gao Daxing on the shoulder and said.

"No!"
This is a clash of a million troops! The Seventh Steel Brigade is stationed in Fupingli so that the western front can fight a decisive battle!

If we send two military aid teams to the eastern front today, the western front may collapse tomorrow. The Seventh Steel Corps cannot bear this responsibility!
"Lei Gong, how many artillery pieces are left in the artillery barrage?"

Wu Wanli asked.

Lei Gong tapped the ammunition ledger with his pipe and said, "Five salvos of 105mm grenades left, three basic loads of 122mm grenades, and plenty of 60mm mortars!"

"Keep bombing Fuping Village!"

The enemy remnants were huddled in their bunkers when I bombarded them with high-explosive shells!
Gao Daxing, take your men to Pingshan next to Fupingli and build an anti-tank triangular trench within two hours, digging at a 45-degree slope!

Yu Congrong positioned all his heavy machine guns on the south slope, their firing range covering the road bend!

Pinghe led a reconnaissance detachment to clear out nearby South Korean troops and eliminate US auxiliary forces!

I also personally led the armored guard battalion to clear out any nearby South Korean or small groups of US troops; we'd take out as many as we could!

Looking at the battle map, Wu Wanli immediately gave the order.

"Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief, a telegram has arrived from Wontong-ri. A division of the Korean People's Army says they are coming to provide support, but they want to enter Wontong-ri to obtain some supplies and weapons and ammunition."

Political Commissar Zhao Gang assigned our Seventh Steel Brigade to temporarily manage the garrison of the Fifth Logistics Regiment in Yuantongli, so Comrade Chenggong and Deputy Regiment Commander Wang Yousheng asked for our opinion.

At this moment, a staff officer from the Chinese People's Volunteer Army came to report.

"Hmph, let them do whatever they want. Success means becoming a regimental commander and all that. They don't need to ask for our opinions!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Congrong immediately snorted coldly.

Upon hearing Chenggong's name, most of the people frowned, their expressions somewhat complicated.

People didn't really like this soldier who had grown up in the Seventh Steel Brigade and then left.

"Tell Chenggong and Wang Yousheng that supplies can be provided, but weapons and ammunition are not."

After I finish clearing out the nearby South Korean troops, I'll go over there and tell them to guard Wontong-ri.

"The rest of you, act according to my orders."

Wu Wanli thought for a moment and then spoke.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately agreed.

....................................

One day later, in Yuantongli

In a half-collapsed brick and stone building near the former headquarters of the 3rd Division of the Korean Army, which temporarily served as the logistics center, a crooked wooden sign hangs at the entrance: "Logistics Regiment 5 Material Allocation Office".

Inside the warehouse, large piles of dark green canned goods marked with the letter US were stacked, and compressed biscuits wrapped in oil paper were visible in several open wooden crates.

Loose military-grade chocolates were spread out on the canvas like small mountains, and three whole rows of shelves were stacked with American-style individual ration packs.

Deeper into the warehouse, dozens of gleaming light machine guns were piled together, and several 75mm mountain guns lay silently, with wooden crates filled with shells scattered around them.

Boxes of Springfield rifle bullets, carbine bullets, and .45 caliber pistol bullets were neatly stacked.

There were even some "super bazooka" rocket launchers and spare rockets that were not used when they were captured.

"Reporting to the regimental commander, the chief commander said that supplies can be provided to the North Korean army, but weapons and ammunition cannot."

Only one regiment of the Sixth Division was permitted to enter first for rest and to retrieve designated supplies.

A staff officer from the Chinese People's Volunteer Army walked over and quickly said something upon seeing the success.

Chenggong nodded upon hearing this, his gaze sweeping over the eye-catching weapons and equipment deep inside the warehouse.

He understood Wu Wanli and the rear command's concerns. On the battlefield, where the situation was constantly changing and supply lines could be cut off at any time, these captured heavy weapons and ammunition were the lifeline supporting the Seventh Steel Brigade and could not be lost.

"Notify Deputy Regiment Commander Wang Yousheng that comrades from the 6th Division of the Korean People's Army have arrived, and only one regiment can be arranged to enter the inner city."

As per Commander Wu's orders, only food supplies were to be provided; other troops were to remain on standby on the outskirts.

Successfully, he said to the volunteer army communications officer beside him.

"Yes!"

The volunteer army messenger quickly agreed and hurriedly ran off to relay the order.

....................................

The north gate of Yuantongli was broken.

The unit that received permission to enter was a main force regiment personally led by Park Jong-ki, commander of the 6th Division of North Korea. At this time, he was surrounded by several regimental commanders: Colonel Kim, Colonel Lee, and Colonel Park.

When the volunteer translator in charge of relaying the message clearly explained the successful response, the discontent exploded among the North Korean officers like a gasoline barrel thrown into a fire.

Colonel Kim, his face flushed red, complained:

"They only give us food? They won't even give us bullets? The Chinese are so heartless!"

Our Sixth Division braved American artillery fire to reinforce Yuantongli, were we just here to eat porridge? Weapons and ammunition should be distributed equally!

Colonel Li, his face grim, stared at the direction of the city's warehouses, licking his chapped lips as he said:
"Are all those guns and cannons in the city just sitting there rusting?"

Many of our soldiers are almost out of bullets; it's going too far to give them none.

Colonel Park muttered under his breath, "At least give us some machine guns... or mortar shells would be fine too..."

Division Commander Park Jung-ki stood in front of the group, his lips pressed tightly together, the fine wrinkles at the corners of his eyes revealing worry and shrewd calculation.

Hearing his subordinates' complaints, he raised his hand to stop any potentially more heated words, and said in a deep but authoritative voice, "Shut up!"

What time is it now? The US military might launch a counterattack immediately! Let's go in first!

Once we get inside, everyone will be in the city... things will be much easier.

Resting and replenishing supplies to restore strength is the most important thing.

Regarding weapons and ammunition...we'll act according to the situation and obey orders!

The division commander's words were like an invisible rope, restraining the emotions of the several regimental commanders who were on the verge of exploding.

They exchanged glances, gleaning something from their commander's final, meaningful words, "We'll see how things go." Though still resentful, they could only suppress their anger and return to their ranks with grim faces.

Under Commander Park's stern gaze, the restless troops barely managed to regain a semblance of calm.

Colonel Jin and his men held their breath, no longer looking at the volunteer army messenger, but staring intently at the gate torn apart by artillery fire that led to the warehouse district inside the city.

Park Jung-ki took a deep breath of the murky, acrid air, straightened his slightly askew military cap, and loudly ordered, "First Regiment, follow me into the city! Accept the arrangements of the Volunteer Army comrades, rest, and obtain supplies!"

Other troops constructed makeshift positions outside the city and strengthened their vigilance!

In an instant, the city gates were wide open.

More than two thousand soldiers of the 1st Regiment of the 6th Division of North Korea, led by Division Commander Park Jung-ki, Deputy Division Commander Choi Yong-chol, and three regimental commanders, entered Wontong-ri in somewhat disorderly ranks.

The strong smell in the air irritated everyone's nasal passages.

On both sides of the street, there were mostly ruins and charred remains, with the occasional outline of a few corpses that had not been cleared away and were blackened and swollen by the shelling.

Leading them to the designated supply point was Wang Yousheng, deputy commander of the 5th Logistics Regiment, and a reinforced platoon of about fifty or sixty volunteer soldiers.

Wang Yousheng was stocky and always had the friendly smile typical of logistics personnel on his face. He tried his best to appear enthusiastic and said, "Commander Park, Deputy Commander Cui, and other regimental commanders, this way please."

As instructed by superiors, supplies are ready and plentiful!
A temporary supply depot is just ahead; we'll prioritize ensuring everyone has enough to eat and drink.

When the exhausted but greedy team finally arrived at the semi-open giant warehouse, the sight before them completely shattered their forced discipline.

The heat wave, a mixture of canned grease, compressed biscuits, icing sugar, and the metallic grease of fresh ammunition, swept over us, instantly igniting the primal desires that everyone had suppressed for so long due to hunger and scarcity of resources.

"My God! So much food!"

"American devils' canned goods! A whole stack! A whole stack!"

"Pure white compressed biscuits!"

"Look! There's chocolate over there!!"

The North Korean soldiers, who were starving, especially the ordinary soldiers who had been marching for days and were already lacking food and clothing, had their eyes light up when they saw such a large amount of food piled up like a mountain.

The formation of the queue instantly collapsed, and many people practically scrambled to reach the nearest pile of food.

They tore open the tin cans, grabbed the biscuits and stuffed them into their mouths. Some even stuffed the whole box into their clothes or backpacks, their actions rough and hasty.

The entrance to the warehouse was instantly a mess, filled with the sounds of chewing, swallowing, and satisfied groans, mixed with the officers' futile shouts to maintain order.

Seeing his soldiers pouncing like hungry wolves, a complex expression flashed across Division Commander Park Jung-ki's face.

There was surprise at the abundance of supplies, a subtle sense of satisfaction, but more than anything, there was a consideration of the plan being implemented.

He glanced around, then cleared his throat and deliberately raised his voice to instruct the battalion commanders beside him: "Comrades, you've all worked so hard! You're all starving! Quickly organize your men to help the volunteer comrades distribute food and improve efficiency!"
Also, look at those huge piles of equipment; bring out a few heavy machine guns and artillery pieces, and help our Chinese comrades clean them up.

Park Jung-ki's last sentence was ambiguous, but its meaning was clear.

Deputy Division Commander Choi Yong-cheol, a trusted aide of Division Commander Park, immediately understood.

He winked at the several burly guards behind him, and immediately led a dozen men, striding past the area where food was being distributed, heading straight for the shadowy depths of the warehouse where weapons and ammunition were piled up.

Wang Yousheng, who had been keeping a close eye on things, had a bad feeling.

Seeing Choi Yong-cheol leading his men towards the core area with a clear objective, he rushed forward, his face plastered with his signature smile, but his body intentionally or unintentionally blocking Choi Yong-cheol's path, saying:
"Hey, Deputy Division Commander Cui! Look how lively it is over here, everyone is eating so deliciously."

This is... this is the equipment area, it's a mess, let's not crowd in there, be careful not to bump into anything.

"Come on, we just opened a case of American ham up ahead, it smells amazing. Shall I get you a can opener so you can try some?"

As Wang Yousheng spoke, he extended his hand, which was covered in cotton gloves, and tried to subtly "guide" Cui Yongzhe to turn around.

However, as soon as he reached out, his wrist was violently slapped away by Choi Yong-cheol with extreme impatience!

The force was so great that Wang Yousheng's entire arm was flung off, and the edges of his palm burned with pain.

"Damn it! Don't give me that crap!"
Are you Chinese really that stingy?

We rushed here to reinforce you, and so many of our brothers died in the process!

Now that we're inside Yuantong, seeing all these good things, they won't even give us a single bullet?
Machine guns and cannons are getting moldy in the warehouse?
I'm going to move a few out today! Get out of my way!

Cui Yongzhe's voice was like sandpaper rubbing, carrying undisguised contempt and anger, and his spittle almost hit Wang Yousheng's face as he spoke.

Seeing the deputy division commander's anger, the North Korean soldiers behind him immediately circled around Wang Yousheng menacingly, making a move to rush in.

Wang Yousheng's face flushed instantly, both from anger and anxiety.

He knew full well the absolute importance of the weapons and ammunition deep inside the warehouse; it was a bottom line that could not be compromised!
He suddenly spread his arms wide, using his not-so-robust body to block the entrance, his voice rising for the first time, unusually sharp and trembling:
"No! Deputy Division Commander Cui! Absolutely not! This is a death order from Commander Wan Li of the Seventh Steel Brigade!"

Not a single weapon or ammunition can be moved! You are the Korean People's Army! Do you have any discipline? Do you have any integrity?!

"We gave you food and drink as a gesture of camaraderie, and you repay kindness with enmity, trying to rob us?!"

His roar sounded weak in the noisy warehouse, but it clearly conveyed his anxiety and anger.

"Credit? Gratitude?"

Giving a few cans of junk food is considered a favor? I'm taking back what's rightfully ours!

Choi Yong-cheol revealed a sinister sneer on his face, his eyes filled with contempt as he cursed.

He grew angrier as he spoke, and seeing that Wang Yousheng still wouldn't budge an inch, his obstructive stance seemed like a ridiculous provocation to him.

A long-accumulated sense of imbalance in his heart—that "China is rich while North Korea is poor"—finally erupted.

"Snapped!"

A crisp, loud slap, accompanied by the sound of something cutting through the air, landed hard on Wang Yousheng's left cheek!
The force was greater than anyone expected.

Wang Yousheng felt a buzzing in his head, and the left side of his face went numb instantly, followed by a wave of burning pain.

He stumbled, like a reed broken in the wind, completely losing his balance, and fell heavily to the ground with a "thud".

His dusty military cap rolled off his head, covered in mud, and rolled next to a box of ripped luncheon meat cans.

The area around the warehouse entrance fell into complete silence.

All the noise—chewing, snatching, shoving—was as if cleaved in two by an invisible giant axe.

Hundreds of North Korean soldiers who were scrambling for food and Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers who were distributing supplies all stopped what they were doing and stared in astonishment at the sudden scene.

Only the heavy, clanging sounds of someone moving weapons deep inside the warehouse remained, sounding particularly jarring at this moment.

Wang Yousheng was stunned for two or three seconds, his cheeks swollen high, and five clear finger marks were frighteningly red.

He lay on the ground, his mouth filled with the metallic taste of blood and dust.

An immense sense of humiliation instantly coiled around his heart like a cold, venomous snake, suffocating him.

He saw Choi Yong-cheol's disdainful and hostile eyes staring down at him, saw the numb or indifferent gazes of the North Korean soldiers around him, and saw the sudden surge of shock and anger in the eyes of his comrades.

Wang Yousheng's tears welled up uncontrollably, not entirely because of the pain, but because of the humiliation he had suffered so unexpectedly in front of everyone.

An overwhelming surge of grief and indignation burst forth from Wang Yousheng's throat. He abruptly raised his head, glared at Cui Yongzhe, and roared:

"Bastards! You fucking bastards!"
We feed you and give you drinks, and then you turn your backs on us after you've had your fill?!
They're stealing the guns and ammunition our brothers on the front lines risked their lives for?!
If you fucking have the guts, go fight the Americans yourselves on the front lines in China!

Go and seize it yourself! What kind of hero are you, running rampant in this den?!

As he cursed, he subconsciously rubbed his uninjured leg hard against the cold, dirty ground, as if to vent all his resentment.

Choi Yong-cheol was taken aback by the sudden and fierce cursing, followed by even greater anger and a hint of embarrassment at being publicly contradicted.

He completely ignored Wang Yousheng, who was hysterically screaming on the ground, as if swatting away a fly in his way wouldn't even warrant a second glance.

He waved his hand sharply at the elite guards who were waiting for orders and said, "What are you standing there for? Go inside! Move the stuff!"

Drag out those M1919 heavy machine guns on the left! And those boxes of ammunition too!
"Quickly! Anyone who tries to stop me, pull them away!"

His voice betrayed no arrogance or barbarity. Without further hesitation, the guards charged past Wang Yousheng like wolves and tigers, rushing into the core area where weapons were stored.

The clanging of the steel box hitting the ground, the screeching sound of the heavy gun barrel being dragged across the concrete, and the sudden click of the ammunition box being pried open rang out.

Just as Wang Yousheng was filled with shock and anger and was almost in despair, a series of hurried and rapid footsteps came from the warehouse gate.

"What are you doing! What are you doing! Stop!!!"

Successfully leading the 5th Logistics Regiment soldiers, about thirty or forty men, whom he had urgently gathered from several other supply points in Yuantongli, rushed in and roared.

Success's eyes were bloodshot and fixed on the shocking scene before him:
Wang Yousheng was lying on the ground with his face swollen, half of it marked with a clear palm print, covered in tears and dust, and his hat rolled off.
The warehouse entrance was piled high with canned biscuits that were trampled on and left a mess!
His gaze cut through the crowd and he could clearly see deep inside the warehouse that a dozen North Korean soldiers, under the direct command of Deputy Division Commander Choi Yong-chol, were frantically dragging heavy American machine guns down from the pile of weapons.

Several ammunition boxes nearby had been pried open, and bright yellow bullets were scattered out!
Even more alarming, some mortars and machine guns, along with boxes of ammunition, had already been moved to a bright spot near the entrance of the warehouse and roughly piled up there, almost filling half of the entire passageway!
At least 20% of the heavy weapons have been openly seized!
A chilling rage surged from the soles of Chenggong's feet to the top of his head in an instant!
The scene before him was ten or even a hundred times worse than he had imagined when he heard the report!
This is not a request, not a complaint; this is blatant armed robbery!
Seeing Wang Yousheng, who had been beaten so badly, ignited a sense of humiliation and anger in him, who was also a soldier.

"Wang Yousheng, what happened? Who the hell did this?!"
"Someone, quickly send an urgent telegram to Commander Li Yunlong and... and Commander Wu!"

Successfully rushed to Wang Yousheng's side, knelt down, and helped Wang Yousheng up from the ground with force and steadyness.

Wang Yousheng's face was swollen on one side, tears and anger mingling on his features. He pointed at Cui Yongzhe and said:

"Commander Cheng... it was... it was him! He was the one who hit him!"

I stopped them... they wouldn't let me take their weapons.

He hit me, said we were stingy, and then started robbing me!
Look... they've already managed to salvage so much stuff!"

"Leave your things, apologize, and then leave!"

Chenggong suddenly looked up, his gaze fixed intently on Cui Yongzhe's arrogant face as he cursed.

"I only have that little bit of weapons and ammunition. All of yours piling up in the warehouse is just a waste!"

"And what gives you, a regimental commander, the right to order around a deputy division commander like me?!"

Choi Yong-cheol felt a sudden jolt in his heart as he was stared at, and immediately gritted his teeth and asked.

"Snapped!!!"

"I used to be the captain of the Seventh Steel Brigade, and I was a soldier under Captain Wu!"
Do you think I'm qualified?!

After hesitating for a long time, seeing Wang Yousheng's miserable state, he immediately slapped Cui Yongzhe hard and shouted loudly.

"You... Captain Wu!?"

Cui Yongzhe was knocked to the ground and was getting up angrily, but when he heard Wu Wanli's name, he swallowed hard and felt a little guilty.

"Deputy Division Commander Cui, I heard that even Lin Zhengshun, the commander of the 9th Army, the top elite force in our Korean Army, obediently listens to that Commander Wu. It seems we're not quite up to the task..."

A North Korean army colonel, a regimental commander, leaned over and whispered something.

"More than that, Commander-in-Chief Wu is the Honorary Vice Minister of the Ministry of National Defense of North Korea, and has the power to supervise the entire North Korean army and make military recommendations."

Although it's a matter of reputation, if they're in the right, they can easily deal with small fry like us..."

Another North Korean military colonel, the chief of staff, said.

"That's right, Commander Chenggong is Captain Wu's man. Don't mess with him, all of you get lost!"

Wang Yousheng stood up and pointed at Cui Yongzhe, cursing loudly.

"Ah, damn it!"

If you were still a member of the Seventh Steel Brigade, I would respect you. But now you're just a regimental commander in charge of logistics, and you have no right to manage me!
Keep moving! If anything goes wrong, our superiors will cover for us!

Upon hearing this, Cui Yongzhe glanced at the machine guns and artillery, then at the division commander behind him, and shouted loudly.

"Hey, don't talk nonsense! I can't handle Wu Kaka's wrath!"

Park Jung-ki, who was already hesitant, immediately kicked Choi Yong-cheol in the buttocks upon hearing this and cursed loudly.

"Commander Park, I've been following your advice..."

Upon hearing this, Cui Yongzhe got up, feeling somewhat aggrieved.

"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom..." In an instant, the sound of aerial bombs exploding came from inside and outside Yuantong.

"what happened?"

Park Jung-ki was stunned for a moment when he heard the noise.

"Commander Park, a force of American troops, accompanied by South Korean troops... is attacking!"
They have tanks and artillery, as well as a large number of air force fighter jets for support!

At that moment, a North Korean military communications officer rushed over and shouted.

"Damn it! Let's go, everyone follow me to support the troops on the outer perimeter!"

Upon hearing this, Park Jung-ki immediately gave a loud order.

"Commander, what should we do with those weapons and ammunition?"

Upon hearing this, Cui Yongzhe asked in a low voice.

"Let's not worry about that for now. It'll be much easier to replenish our supplies after we return from this victory!"

As Park Jung-ki spoke, he drew his gun and rushed outside.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Cui Yongzhe immediately followed.

"Commander Cheng, what should we do now?"

Wang Yousheng asked, watching the departing figures of the North Korean soldiers.

"What else can we do? We've paid back the slap. Next, we just need to follow the orders from our superiors, close the city gates, and guard Yuantongli."

If Yuantongli is lost due to greed for merit and leaving the city, then it will be a huge loss.

Successfully watched the departing North Korean troops and snorted coldly.

"Too!
That slap really felt good!

It's still the Commander Wu's name that's effective; if you mention Commander Li Yunlong's name, the North Korean army might not even recognize him.

"But Commander Cheng, why did you give up such a valuable position following Commander Wu and come to this Fifth Logistics Regiment?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Yousheng laughed with satisfaction.

"I...I don't care about anything precious or not, I will only go where the Party and the people need me!"
"Have the command post set up. Commander Wu and Detachment Leader Ping are currently sweeping up nearby South Korean and American troops. They'll come over to inspect the defenses after they're done."

A wave of regret washed over him, and he quickly changed the subject.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Yousheng immediately agreed.

....................................

At the same time, inside and outside Yuantong

The 6th Division of North Korea is engaged in a major battle with a battalion and a regiment of South Korean troops under bombardment by American aircraft and artillery.

Actually, it wasn't that the US and South Korean troops deliberately attacked and attacked the 6th Division of North Korea.

They were originally keeping a low profile in a stronghold, waiting for the arrival of the 1st Cavalry Division before taking any action.

However, Wu Wanli led the guard armored battalion and reconnaissance detachment in a fierce attack, which resulted in their crushing defeat and forced them to flee.

After being chased for who knows how long, he finally managed to shake off Wu Wanli's pursuers to a certain distance. He was seething with anger when he ran into the Sixth Division of the Chao Army.

At this moment, on the US military battalion command vehicle
"Beat them! Beat them hard!"
The remaining tanks and armored vehicles were pushed forward, with the remaining 800 elite American troops leading the charge to break through the enemy's defenses, while 4,000 South Korean troops attacked from both flanks!

Air Force and artillery, bombard them hard! Block their escape routes into Yuantongli! Infantry, tanks, artillery, and air force, coordinate to crush them!

"We can't beat those damned Chinese Steel Seventh Brigade, but surely we can beat these North Koreans?"

U.S. Army Major Davis shouted.

"Yes!

"Don't worry, sir. The North Korean army on the other side only numbers around ten thousand. Defeating and capturing them will be a piece of cake!"

Upon hearing this, the South Korean regimental commander beside him responded with his eyes gleaming with fighting spirit.

When facing adversity, they retreat as swiftly as lightning; when facing advantage, they attack with the ferocity of a tiger. This is the fighting style of the South Korean army!
....................................

Soon, a fierce battle broke out between the two sides!
The violent explosion tore through the air inside and outside Wontongli, and the dense blast wave, carrying scorching shrapnel and burning soil, slammed into the unsuspecting 6th Division of the North Korean army.

Park Jung-ki had barely traveled 800 meters from the north gate of Wontong-ri when the sudden earthquake shook him to his core.

As far as the eye could see, the open area instantly transformed into a picture of hell.

"Take cover! Find cover!"

Park Jung-ki roared at the top of his lungs, but his voice was easily swallowed up by the even more ferocious explosion.

He saw a company of infantry at the very front, a dozen soldiers and their Colonel Kim, being tossed high into the air as the orange fireball expanded.

There were no screams; the massive explosion instantly silenced all sound.

"It's an aerial bomb! An American plane!"

Deputy Division Commander Cui Yongzhe fell awkwardly into a shallow ditch, covered in pebbles and sand.

He looked up, his face covered in dust, and saw at least three batches of a dozen or so F-86 Sabre fighter-bombers, painted with white stars, whizzing low overhead.

Black bombs, like the excrement of death, rained down from under their fuselages, precisely covering the positions and assembly areas that the North Korean army had just attempted to establish.

Each time a bomb hit the ground with a dull thud, it was accompanied by a spray of mud, vegetation, and even human bodies.

The thick smoke choked people and brought tears to their eyes; the smell of burning mixed with the stench of blood permeated the air.

Almost simultaneously with the aerial bombs raking the ground, the sharp sound of artillery shells piercing the air rang out in rapid succession.

"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom..."

In an instant, the sound of US 105mm howitzers firing simultaneously rang out.

A large number of shells traced high-arc trajectories, slamming heavily into the rear and flanks of the North Korean troops, forming a barrier that leaped with deathly flames, attempting to prevent them from escaping back to the relatively fortified defenses of Wontong-ri.

The artillery fire was very deliberate in its placement, not aimed at maximizing damage, but at creating chaos and disrupting the ranks. Clearly, the person directing the artillery fire was very experienced.

"Damn it! How could the Americans be prepared?!"

Park Jung-ki's heart pounded as he watched the troops descend into chaos.

His troops left the city hastily, their organization was chaotic, and most of the soldiers had just recovered from the frenzy of looting food and had not yet effectively transitioned from marching ranks to battle formations.

Bombs and shells rained down like hail, giving them no time to organize an effective defense.

The North Korean soldiers ran around like headless flies, searching for any hollow, crater, or the body of their comrades that could provide cover from shrapnel.

Colonel Lee scrambled to Park Jung-ki's side, his military cap long gone, his hair standing on end in the blast wave. "Commander! North! There's a Sherman north of the highway! And a Pershing!"

Looking through the billowing smoke, Park Jung-ki saw seven or eight steel behemoths rapidly approaching on the main road north of Wontong-ri, leading towards Hwacheon.

The first three were the massive M26 Pershing heavy tanks with thick gun barrels, followed by four or five relatively light but equally fire-breathing Sherman tanks.

The diesel engine roared dully as the tracks rolled over the broken road, kicking up clouds of dust.

The tanks' coaxial machine guns fiercely swept across any moving target in their field of vision, while their main guns bombarded any suspected firing positions or gatherings of people.

The Pershing tank's cannon roared deafeningly as a high-explosive shell struck a newly erected 82mm mortar position by the North Korean army.

In an instant, the artillery crew, along with their mortars, were reduced to a pile of twisted scrap metal and a cloud of blood mist.

"Anti-tank crew! Quick! Organize an anti-tank team! Bring out the Molotov cocktails!"

Park Jung-ki screamed, his voice filled with despair.

He knew that his troops were poorly equipped and lacked effective anti-tank weapons.

The few recoilless guns and anti-tank guns available were simply no match for these tanks head-on without effective cover.

However, the transmission of orders became extremely difficult amidst the immense chaos and continuous suppressive fire.

As several North Korean soldiers carrying makeshift Molotov cocktails crawled through shell craters and wreckage in an attempt to approach, the machine guns on the American tanks and the American infantry accompanying the tanks immediately noticed them.

A hail of bullets swept over them, pinning them to the spot and rendering them unable to move.

Occasionally, a brave soldier would attempt to leap and throw, only to be torn apart in mid-air by the crisscrossing net of fire.

"Tanks! Tanks are coming!"

A piercing scream rang out from the right wing.

Park Jung-ki turned his head in alarm and saw another plume of smoke rising from behind the low hills to the northeast.

This time, there were more tanks, all of which were relatively old M4 Shermans, but their large numbers made up for the lack of quality.

Behind these tanks, infantry surged forward in a tide, charging in relatively tight formations while wearing the distinctive steel helmets of the South Korean army.

"They're South Korean bastards!"

Choi Yong-cheol shouted through gritted teeth.

He recognized the enemy uniforms; their numbers far exceeded those of the American troops.

Park Jung-ki's heart sank completely.

The US military's tanks and air force were responsible for frontal assaults and firepower suppression, while the large number of South Korean troops were used to flank them.

The opposing commander's strategy was insidious yet effective.

"Colonel Park! Colonel Park! Your men hold the northeast flank!"
Colonel Kim's regiment... Colonel Kim was killed in action!
Colonel Li! Colonel Li, you're in charge of blocking the tanks head-on!

Park Jung-ki gave orders haphazardly to the several battalion commanders around him who were still in shock.

His regimental commanders either perished in the initial bombing like Colonel Kim, or lost control of their troops in the chaos.

The command system was on the verge of collapse within ten minutes of the start of the battle.

On the main battlefield, the American tanks, forming a wedge formation, crashed into the weak North Korean lines.

Each time the Pershing tank's cannon spewed fire, it could clear an area in a dense crowd.

U.S. infantry followed closely behind the tanks, using the tank hulls as mobile cover, and their Garand rifles and Thompson submachine guns accurately and efficiently picked off the North Korean soldiers who had managed to dodge the tank shells and machine gun fire.

The actions of the U.S. soldiers were calm, ruthless, and well-trained.

They provided cover for each other, advanced steadily, and maintained a steady and rhythmic firepower.

The bullets or anti-tank bullets fired sporadically by North Korean soldiers hit the Pershing tank's thick, sloped armor, sparking only as they were easily deflected.

Although the Sherman's armor was weaker, it remained virtually indestructible without direct hits from heavy weapons.

In the air, the Sabre fighter-bombers did not leave after dropping their bombs, but instead circled over the battlefield.

Several US warplanes switched to low-altitude strafing mode, with bombs hanging under their wings accurately hitting North Korean troops attempting to regroup, exposed anti-tank teams, and retreating troops.

Their 20mm cannons were like iron rakes plowing the land, leaving trails of dust and mud mixed with blood mist wherever they went.

Several other aircraft continued to drop napalm bombs, instantly turning large areas into a sea of ​​fire. The charred corpses and burnt vegetation emitted a nauseating stench.

The screeching sound of a plane diving down was particularly piercing, followed by the sound of machine gun fire and the heart-wrenching screams of North Korean soldiers.

Faced with absolute air superiority and superior armored forces, the sheer number of North Korean infantrymen appears insignificant.

On the northeast side, the South Korean army's offensive was as swift as a tidal wave.

Their commander seemed to be well-versed in the art of "taking advantage of someone's weakness to kill them."

Seeing the North Korean army being overwhelmed and thrown into disarray by American tanks and aircraft, the South Korean soldiers, who were usually timid and hesitant when facing strong attacks from the Chinese People's Volunteer Army or the US military, erupted with astonishing fervor.

The officers brandished their pistols and charged forward, shouting in rough Korean.

The South Korean soldiers howled, brandishing their Type 38 rifles or American-supplied M1 carbines, and pounced fiercely like hyenas smelling blood.

"Kill them! Avenge our brothers!"

"Good deed will be rewarded! Charge! Whoever captures Park Jung-ki will be promoted three ranks!"

"Damn it! Don't let others underestimate us. We're the fiercest when we have the advantage!"

In an instant, various roars filled with hostility and utilitarianism rose and fell among the South Korean troops.

The South Korean army did not have the same rigorous infantry-tank coordination as the US army, but the North Korean army's weak firepower due to its current disarray gave them the courage to run rampant.

Their charge was chaotic and frantic, firing as they ran, bullets flying like a deluge.

Although not very accurate, it can still be deadly in a dense charge and close-quarters combat.

Some South Korean soldiers even rushed to the flanks or rear of the retreating North Korean soldiers, shooting them at close range or stabbing them with their bayonets.

Park Jung-ki watched in horror as his Colonel Park, whom he had sent to hold off the northeast, was overwhelmed by the frenzied charge before he could even organize an effective defensive line.

Colonel Park attempted to fire with his pistol, but was instantly struck by more than a dozen South Korean rifles, his body trembling violently like a tattered sack.

He was immediately tackled to the ground by South Korean soldiers who rushed at him, punching and kicking him, and repeatedly stabbing him with bayonets.

Several North Korean soldiers who tried to protect their battalion commander were also instantly knocked down and captured.

"It's over... the right wing is finished..."

Park Jung-ki felt a wave of dizziness.

He saw South Korean soldiers cutting off the ears of dead North Korean soldiers and stuffing them into their pockets, excitedly showing them off.

They saw them kick over wounded North Korean soldiers who had fallen to the ground and smash their skulls with the butts of their rifles.

Seeing them loot any valuables from the North Korean soldiers, even stripping off their still-intact boots... chaos and barbarity were on full display during the South Korean army's favorable advance.

The American tanks in front had already rolled over the first rudimentary field fortification.

The remaining North Korean soldiers either desperately fired from shell craters and burning vehicle wreckage or scattered and fled.

The white stars on the turrets of US tanks looked particularly glaring against the backdrop of fire and thick smoke.

The US infantry accompanying the tanks began clearing the battlefield, treating the surrendered North Korean soldiers relatively "civilly."

The U.S. military brutally disarmed the North Korean troops and ordered them to line up with their hands raised.

But those who were still resisting or trying to escape were shot without mercy.

"Commander! We can't hold out any longer! Retreat! Retreat back to the city!"

Choi Yong-cheol and several guards held Park Jung-ki back as he tried to rush forward.

His face was blackened by gunpowder smoke, and blood seeped from his shoulder, clearly from being grazed by shrapnel.

Park Jung-ki looked around blankly.

The sturdy north wall of Yuantongli was less than 500 meters behind us, so close yet so far.

The road to the North Gate had been blocked by that terrible artillery barricade.

The advancing barrage of US artillery was extremely precise, covering the North Gate passage and the open areas on both sides.

Those who tried to rush forward, whether they were fleeing soldiers or organized covering forces, were all blown to pieces by the 105mm howitzers.

On the city wall, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, under the command of Cheng Gong, could only fire to disperse the scattered South Korean soldiers who tried to approach the city gate. They had neither the strength nor the will to rush out of the city gate to provide support.

"Retreat west! Retreat towards Yuanjiang! Use the reeds along the river for cover!"

Park Jung-ki grasped at the last glimmer of hope in his despair.

Yuanjiang is a river located northwest of Yuantongli.

The terrain there is relatively complex, with large areas of reeds and willow groves, which may allow them to escape the enemy's armored forces and air superiority.

However, the order was issued too late, and its execution was fraught with difficulties.

The retreat route to Wonjiang had already been partially cut off by the South Korean forces on the flank. After the US forces realized that the North Korean army intended to flee westward, they immediately adjusted some of their artillery fire to extend the range.

The circling planes immediately spotted the new target.

"Da da da da da!"

Several Sabre fighter-bombers spotted the fleeing troops surging westward and pounced like hungry wolves finding a flock of sheep.

20mm machine gun bullets, like long whips ploughing the ground, lashed fiercely into the crowd.

In their desperate attempt to escape, the fleeing soldiers huddled together on the dry riverbed and narrow mudflats, making it the perfect place for machine guns to mow them down.

Blood mist and limb fragments exploded like red fireworks.

Napalm bombs followed in quick succession, turning the withered reeds into a sea of ​​fire in an instant.

A series of piercing screams echoed through the fire as some people, engulfed in flames, rushed out of the inferno, tumbled on the shore, and were then killed by bullets or shrapnel.

The dried-up riverbed was like a slaughterhouse, littered with charred corpses, broken weapons, and red-stained snow or mud.

Park Jung-ki and Choi Yong-cheol, with the desperate protection of more than a dozen loyal guards, barely made it to the edge of the Yuanjiang River and hid in a dense reed bed that had not yet been set ablaze.

The division commander, who had been full of calculations in the Yuantongli warehouse, was now covered in mud and blood, his uniform tattered, and he looked utterly disheveled.

He looked at the seven or eight people who remained around him, then glanced back at the horrific battlefield, his body trembling violently from the cold and fear.

The entire Sixth Division of the Republic of Korea, with over ten thousand troops, vanished in just over an hour.

The sounds of battle continued in the distance, but had become noticeably sparser. It was South Korean soldiers clearing the battlefield, hunting down the remaining soldiers and the wounded. The sporadic gunfire was all the more deadly.

The sound of American tank engines turned towards Wontong-ri, forming a standoff with the Chinese People's Volunteer Army on the city wall.

"Commander... what should we do?"

Choi Yong-cheol's lips trembled, and the pain in his shoulder suddenly intensified.

Park Jung-ki didn't speak, but leaned against a cold reed in despair and closed his eyes tightly.

His meticulously planned scheme to enter Yuantongli and "act according to the situation" instead brought about utter disaster.

He originally thought he could use the "supplies" given by the Chinese to rest and recuperate, and even seize the opportunity to get his hands on the equipment, but instead he ran headlong into the guns of the Allied forces that had been driven mad by the Seventh Steel Brigade.

Just then, a shout in Korean and a flurry of footsteps approached rapidly.

"Damn it! There are footprints here!"

"They hid in the reeds!"

"Search! Search thoroughly!"

"Capture them alive! Especially Park Jung-ki!"

Led by a lieutenant, several South Korean soldiers parted the withered reeds, their bayonets gleaming, and searched for the remaining soldiers.

Their faces wore a hunting-like excitement and greed. Park Jung-ki's guards reacted quickly, attempting to raise their guns in resistance.

"Bang! Bang!"

Two shots rang out, clearly fired by the South Korean soldiers who were faster.

Blood gushed from the chests of the two guards who had stood up, and they collapsed without a sound.

Park Jung-ki opened his eyes and saw the dark muzzle of a gun pointed right in front of him.

Choi Yong-cheol's shoulder injury slowed his movements, and he was also slammed to the ground by two South Korean soldiers who rushed up with their rifle butts, his arms were twisted behind his back, and he let out a painful groan.

The South Korean officer leading the group walked up to Park Jung-ki and said in a mocking tone:
"Commander Park, Kaka? Didn't expect to meet you in a place like this, did you? Come with us, Major Davis is waiting to invite you for tea."

Upon hearing this, several South Korean soldiers nearby burst into rude laughter.

(End of this chapter)