Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 352 Ridgway's gamble of annihilating over 100,000 elite Chinese troops! Wu Wanli's blitzkrieg in Jiangling: the key to breaking the deadlock!
Seoul, inside the UN Command Headquarters

"General, here is the latest comprehensive battle report from the western front."

Over the past 48 hours, the main force of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army has launched high-intensity attacks on the main defensive zone of our army from Goyang to Uijeongbu.

The enemy employed its usual tactic of concentrated assaults, repeatedly launching attacks on our pre-set fire networks, minefields, and anti-tank ditches.

Their fighting spirit was extremely strong, and they suffered heavy casualties.

However, with the strong support of our air force, the precise strikes of the attached artillery groups, and the well-constructed defensive fortifications built on favorable terrain, every offensive by the Chinese army was effectively crushed.

Although some sections of our forward positions were breached at one point, the reserve forces reacted quickly and launched a powerful counterattack, keeping all key points firmly in our control.

Currently, the overall defense system along the line from Gaoyang to Uijeongbu is intact. Although the fortifications have been damaged, they have been repaired in a timely manner, and personnel rotation and ammunition supply have not been interrupted.

"General, this directly means that our core defensive barrier on the western front is impregnable, and the Seoul defense perimeter behind it is safe and secure."

Chief of Staff Van Fleet's voice was deep and powerful, carrying a hint of barely perceptible confidence.

Before he could finish speaking, Deputy Chief of Staff Eckelberg, his face beaming with admiration, said, “General! This is proof enough!”
The fact that the western front was able to remain unshaken despite the enemy's relentless attacks is entirely due to your unparalleled strategic vision and tenacious defensive organization!

It was your strategic depth, fire coordination system, and precise application of mobile reserves that caused the Chinese army's "human wave tactics" to crash and bruise before our powerful defense system.

Your art of command was undoubtedly the soul and cornerstone of the formidable defenses on the western front!

Eckelberg's praise was like a command.

The group of U.S. military staff officers, who had been standing solemnly in various parts of the command room in their crisp uniforms, instantly became lively.

Praises poured forth like a gushing spring, vying to overshadow everyone else.

"Indeed, General!"

Your proposed 'magnetic tactic' concept is extremely ingenious. It not only effectively delayed the enemy's offensive momentum, but also exhausted their superior forces in the defensive battle!
On the western front, our defense has evolved from passive resistance to an active, meat grinder designed to wear down the enemy!

A tall staff officer spoke in a loud voice.

"General, what's even more crucial is the powerful firepower coordination of our army."

The timing of the suppressive fire by the Army Aviation Corps and ground artillery was almost perfect, delivering devastating blows every time the Chinese troops had just assembled and launched their assault.

Without your coordination of the air force, our defensive firepower could never have achieved such precise effectiveness!

Another U.S. military staff officer immediately chimed in.

"The fact that Seoul is able to remain as stable as Mount Tai is entirely due to your planning and determination, General!"
Every defeat the enemy suffered on the western front was the best testament to your outstanding command abilities.

The enemy's seemingly fierce attack was completely halted by the iron wall you erected; their blood merely stained the foundation of our victory!

Another voice rang out from a U.S. military staff officer, his tone even more fervent.

Flattery became increasingly frequent, and the language used became increasingly exaggerated.

The staff officers' faces glowed with an almost excited redness, as if the temporary stalemate on the western front had laid the foundation for a glorious victory in a decisive battle.

The entire command center was filled with a heavy, somewhat unsettling, sense of superficiality.

In this sea of ​​flattery, a figure stood out from the crowd near the huge bulletproof window in the corner of the command room.

As Chiang Kai-shek's chief military advisor to the United Nations forces, Chu Yunfei wore a neat and well-fitting KMT general's uniform and stood upright.

Unlike the others who stepped forward to join the praise, he wore a faint smile on his angular face, elegantly holding a cigar and taking a puff.

The rising wisps of pale blue smoke blurred his deep, sharp eyes.

He understood very well that the UN forces could not possibly have such a smooth run, at least the situation on the eastern front was still unclear.

Sure enough, just as the enthusiastic atmosphere of praise reached its climax, a loud "bang" was heard as the heavy oak double doors of the command room were violently kicked open and slammed against the wall.

A young U.S. Army major, a staff officer in charge of communications, was deathly pale, his forehead covered in a fine layer of cold sweat, as if he had just experienced a life-or-death escape.

He clutched a slightly wrinkled, sweat-soaked telegram tightly in his right hand, rushed straight to Ridgway's desk, and said in a trembling, hoarse voice, trembling with extreme tension and urgency:

"General! Urgent battle report! Eastern Front! The battlefield at Fupingli on the Eastern Front has collapsed!"

In an instant, all the sounds in the command room seemed to be choked by an invisible giant hand and completely disappeared.

Those staff officers who were beaming and full of energy just a moment ago because of the "good news" on the western front, suddenly froze on the face, turning into a blank, pale, and shocked expression.

All eyes, filled with terror and disbelief, were fixed on the trembling major.

Ridgway, who had been leaning back in his chair, suddenly tensed, his eyes flashing with cold light as he locked onto the major and said:

"Speak! What happened in Fuping Village?!"

Where is the 1st Cavalry Division? And the 2nd Infantry Division?!

The major swallowed hard, struggling to control his rapidly heaving chest, and read the telegram aloud:
"General! The 1st Cavalry Division... the main force of the 1st Cavalry Division is still about 35 kilometers east of Fupingli, and is making every effort to advance towards Fupingli to reinforce it... but... it's too late!"
The US 2nd Division suffered a fierce attack at the Bupyeong-ri battlefield, led by the Chinese 7th Steel Corps, in conjunction with its subordinate 5th Logistics Regiment and some local North Korean armed forces!

The enemy's tactics were extremely cunning and varied, employing methods such as multi-pronged infiltration, encirclement, and division...

Its main armored force unfortunately entered the enemy's pre-set ambush zone and suffered extremely heavy losses!

Division Commander Kaiser confirmed that the 2nd Infantry Division's command of its main combat units had been disrupted, and the troops were in a state of complete collapse! Its main force had suffered a devastating blow.

The organization was disrupted, and the remnants were forced to abandon all heavy equipment such as tanks and heavy artillery that they could not take with them.

They are currently making a chaotic attempt to retreat to the southeastern coast of Gangneung, seeking naval gunnery cover from the Seventh Fleet!

This news was like a bombshell dropped in the otherwise calm command center.

Absolute silence descended, with only heavy breathing and a few uncontrollable low gasps echoing in the stillness.

The faces of the U.S. military staff officers went from pale to ashen, their eyes filled with immense panic.

The 2nd Infantry Division! That's a renowned elite division in the U.S. Army!

One of the best-equipped and most well-trained units!

They were one of the mainstays of their strength on the Korean battlefield!

They were actually... defeated in Fupingli? Completely routed?!

An immense fear, like a cold, venomous snake, instantly coiled around everyone's heart.

The major's voice was even drier and more urgent, clearly indicating that the bad news was not over yet: "General, it's not just that!"

Based on the latest aerial reconnaissance intelligence and analysis of intercepted enemy wireless communications.

The main force of the Chinese Eastern Front Assault Group, commanded by Li Yunlong, is advancing at a rapid pace!
More importantly, they have already joined forces with the main force of the so-called Central Breakthrough Group, the 15th Army and part of the 60th Army!
Currently, this massive, assembled assault force is targeting Chuncheon, the linchpin of our army's eastern defense system!
Chuncheon City is currently garrisoned by a portion of the newly formed 1st Marine Division that has withdrawn from the front lines, but they have just been through battle, their organization is disorganized, and their defensive positions are not yet secure.

Originally intended to reinforce the main force of the 1st Cavalry Division in Bupyeong-ri, the division was hastily dispatched to support the remnants of the 2nd US Infantry Division, and its main force is now still waiting in the field assembly area east of Chuncheon.

"General, the situation on the entire eastern front... is completely disrupted! The defensive lines are shattered! Utter chaos!"

"Clap!"

A U.S. Army staff officer dropped his pen on the polished floor, the jarring sound amplified in the silent command room.

The situation on the Eastern Front is completely hopeless!

Fupingli fell, the 2nd US Division was annihilated and its main force collapsed, the unit called the 7th Steel Corps turned out to be the core assault force, Li Yunlong's main force joined up with its Central Group and turned to rush towards Chuncheon...

A series of shocking bad news struck like a hammer blow, leaving everyone in the command center stunned.

A buzzing murmur finally broke out from the extreme silence, turning into an uncontrollable commotion and whispering.

The eyes of the U.S. military staff were filled with bewilderment, confusion, and the deepest fear.

Ridgway abruptly stood up from his large chair, his tall frame exuding an oppressive aura as if a storm was brewing.

He ignored the chaos in the command room and glared at the major who was reporting, shouting:
"Give me a detailed report! Give me a detailed report immediately!"

Every single detail!
Damn it, what did they do?

How did the defenses of Fupingli collapse? What did Kaiser do?!

Detailed reports on the fall of Fupingli and the ambush by the US 2nd Division were quickly presented.

Chief of Staff Van Fleet, disregarding any potential rudeness, immediately moved closer to Ridgway to examine the not-too-thin stack of documents together.

From the surprise attack on the command post of the British, French and American mixed regiment, to the planning of a fake telegram to lure the main force of the US 2nd Division into a carefully selected ambush zone in the canyon, and finally the massacre of the enemy in the canyon by combined arms fire like a meat grinder.

As Ridgway read the report more deeply, his breathing became increasingly heavy, his chest heaving violently, and the anger building in his eyes resembled volcanic lava about to erupt.

When I read the report describing how the 7th Steel Brigade used captured U.S. Army communications officers to send false orders, luring the main armored force of the U.S. 2nd Division into that Death Valley...

Ridgway's anger reached its peak when the passage described how Wu Wanli commanded the ambush troops to perfectly utilize the terrain to set up an ambush and how the infantry, tanks, and artillery coordinated to carry out large-scale casualties.

"Snapped!"

With a deafening bang, Ridgway slammed the detailed battle report, which summarized the entire humiliating ordeal, onto the table.

"A sneak attack! An ambush! Shameless deception! Despicable tricks!"

Look what they did!
Under the cover of night, they infiltrated the position!

They shamelessly forced prisoners of war to send forged telegram instructions!

Lure our elite divisions into a pre-prepared death trap!
Organizing a massacre in a godforsaken place where even a tank can't turn around!

Is this war? No! This is an outright conspiracy!

A despicable trap woven with lies and tricks!

They have no idea what gentlemanly warfare is or what a real military duel is!
A bunch of utterly despicable scoundrels who only know how to scheme and plot!

Ridgway's roar seemed to vent some of the pent-up anger in his heart, but the sense of shame brought about by the deep wounds to his sense of honor and defeat as a soldier was far from subsiding.

At this moment, he was no longer the scholar-general who would calmly study the opponent's "Western offensive," but more like a furious lion that had suffered a severe blow.

His angry gaze abruptly shifted from the battle report, slowly sweeping over Van Fleet, Eckelberg, and then over every pale-faced senior U.S. military officer and staff officer in the command room.

Everyone whose gaze met his involuntarily lowered their head, unable to meet his eyes.

"But now is not the time to discuss these despicable people!"
The US 2nd Division was defeated and fled to Gangneung, and its armored forces were almost completely wiped out on the Eastern Front!
Fupingli has fallen!

That damned Li Yunlong has gathered all his forces and is about to seize Chuncheon!
At this moment, the Seventh Fleet's precious naval gunfire was being used to protect a group of defeated soldiers who had lost their weapons!

A massive, potentially fatal, breach has been torn open on the eastern front!

I need a plan! A plan that can immediately save the Eastern Front from this sudden and catastrophic disaster!

Li Qiwei clenched his fist and said.

However, after these words were spoken, there was complete silence below.

They can easily whip up a whole bunch of flattering words on the spot.

However, faced with the disastrous situation on the eastern front caused by Wu Wanli, they really couldn't come up with a solution immediately.

After an unknown amount of time, just when Ridgway was about to lose patience, Van Fleet finally stepped forward.

Chief of Staff Van Fleet met Ridgway's sharp, anxious gaze directly, and said in a calm tone:
"General, the setback on the eastern front is a painful accident, but it is by no means a global disaster."

The western front was still held by our strongest force. The Chinese People's Volunteer Army's 48-hour frenzied offensive was completely crushed here. The core barrier was as solid as a rock, and the Seoul defense perimeter was impregnable.

The strategic initiative on the western front remains firmly in our hands!

Looking at the Eastern Front, the 2nd Infantry Division, commanded by Major General Kaiser, did indeed suffer a devastating blow, with the blood of over 15,000 soldiers lost...

But these more than 7,000 elite soldiers who broke through the encirclement and arrived in Jiangling were the seeds of survival from a hundred battles!
Jiangling, General, Jiangling is not only the area covered by the powerful guns of the Seventh Fleet.

That was our logistics hub where we stored large quantities of weapons, ammunition, medicines, and military supplies!
There are also a thousand well-organized Marines stationed in the city who can be deployed to replenish Kaiser’s fighting force at any time.

Given a chance to catch their breath, they can recover and become a formidable force once more!

Upon hearing this, the intense storm in Ridgway's eyes subsided slightly, and his tightly pursed lips moved almost imperceptibly, signaling Van Fleet to continue.

Van Fleet's spirits lifted, and he quickly laid out his battle plan, saying, "Next, we just need to take a few steps."

Step 1: Immediately order the ROK 6th Division, which is closest to Gangneung, to advance into Gangneung in a forced march and join forces with the remnants of the US 2nd Division to defend the area.

At the same time, the logistics department must replenish the weapons, ammunition and medicines stored in Jiangling to Kaiser’s troops within 24 hours, take stock of the wounded, give priority to their treatment, and enable them to rest and recover their organizational capacity!

The second step was the shift in the mission of the 1st Marine Division in Chuncheon—from holding the line to a resilient defense that trades space for time.

Chuncheon must be made into a giant magnet, firmly attracting all of Li Yunlong's strength and attention!

Utilize the complex terrain of Chuncheon to resist step by step; if necessary, Chuncheon can be abandoned in an orderly manner.

Given General Li Yunlong's well-known combat style, he would not hesitate for a moment in the pursuit after a great victory!

Once he leaves the fortified positions in Chuncheon and advances his troops deep into the Gapyeong region, the main force of my 1st Cavalry Division will launch a fierce attack from his exposed eastern flank and rear, taking advantage of its swift mobility!
The 1st New Marine Division, taking advantage of the terrain, launched a full-scale counterattack against them from the front in Gapyeong!

Meanwhile, the Second Division of the United States, having replenished and rested in Jiangling and recovered its strength, can also be deployed.

This elite force can accurately penetrate the main artery of Li Yunlong's logistics transportation, completely cutting off Li Yunlong's food, ammunition supply and retreat route, and nailing it there firmly like a nail!
At the same time, we formed a powerful armored assault group from the 3rd Infantry Division and part of the 7th Infantry Division, which were on rotation or serving as reserves in the Goyang-Uijeongbu direction, and immediately and secretly moved northeast.

While the 1st Cavalry Division launched its attack, it also struck the western flank of Li Yunlong's group, compressing their living space!
General, surround us from all sides!
All the main forces of the Eastern Front Assault Group commanded by Li Yunlong—four of China's most elite army-level units, totaling twelve divisions and more than 100,000 troops—will be firmly surrounded by us in this meticulously planned pocket.

With the annihilation achieved, the outcome of this battle is now decided!

This is no longer just a loss on the eastern front, but a decisive victory that completely reverses the strategic situation on the entire Korean battlefield!

The deathly silence was instantly shattered, replaced by a chorus of suppressed gasps and whispers.

Many young U.S. military staff officers' eyes lit up, and their faces flushed with excitement.

One hundred thousand elite Chinese troops! Four ace armies!

If this can be achieved, it will be a glorious victory worthy of being recorded in the annals of war.

The immense allure of the Van Fleet scheme and the high returns behind its high risks began to tear a hopeful crack in the otherwise gloomy atmosphere of the meeting room.

"God... if it succeeds..."

"It's crazy, but I think it's possible to succeed!"

"The risks are huge, but the rewards...are unbelievably enormous!"

Several colonel staff officers who had been watching closely couldn't help but whisper among themselves, their eyes filled with admiration as they looked at Van Fleet.

Soon, amidst the buzzing of discussion, several senior U.S. military staff officers stepped forward.

"General, General Van Fleet's strategy demonstrates exceptional strategic vision!"

"Seizing the decisive opportunity from a disadvantageous position, creating a deadly trap through spatial and strategic feints! This is the work of a true master general!" A brigadier general in charge of operations said in a loud voice.

I second that!
Once the encirclement is successfully completed, it will be a glorious battle that will change the entire course of the war!

Risks exist, but to achieve such a large-scale encirclement and annihilation victory, any cost is worthwhile!

Another U.S. military staff officer added excitedly.

"The Chinese army penetrated deep into our pre-planned battlefield, and our logistics were completely cut off, leaving us surrounded by enemies on all sides."

Even China's most elite troops cannot sustain a long-term standstill if they suffer heavy equipment losses and supply disruptions!

As long as the 1st Cavalry Division and the 2nd US Infantry Division arrive on time to form a hard barrier, this Chinese army will have no chance of escape!

The third U.S. military staff officer's analysis appeared more confident, he said.

The voices of support gradually coalesced into a tide, washing away most of the dejected atmosphere that had previously enveloped the command center.

It was as if Van Fleet's proposal instantly injected the blood of a reversal into this losing battle.

However, just as this atmosphere of excitement began to build, a calm, almost icy voice rang out from the corner, like cold water poured on hot coals.

"I oppose this plan; it carries fatal and irreparable strategic risks!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw it was Deputy Chief of Staff Eckelberg.

He stood ramrod straight, his grey-blue eyes devoid of any fanaticism, only displaying cold analysis and insight.

All discussion ceased instantly, and even Ridgway's brow, which had just relaxed, furrowed again.

Ignoring the surprised or dissatisfied looks directed at him, Eckelberg spoke steadily but clearly, saying, "You all only see the tempting and enormous results, but selectively ignore the earth-shattering disaster that may be triggered."

I have two core questions!

First, Li Yunlong's personality is indeed as General Van Fleet said, possessing a strong aggressive nature.

But please note, he is Li Yunlong!

A general who can use tactical trickery to perfection.

We assume he will not hesitate to pursue to Gapin, but this is merely an optimistic assumption based on his past style.

What if, after capturing Chuncheon, he keenly senses the weakness of our army's 'just right' resistance in Chuncheon, and senses the possibility that we might have abandoned Chuncheon and set up an ambush?
What if he chooses not to rush into a rash advance, but instead consolidates his position in Chuncheon, clears the perimeter, and even expands his gains to the east and north?

At that time, not only will we be unable to form an encirclement, but we will also needlessly lose Chuncheon, the core defensive hub on the eastern front!
Its loss would immediately lead to the collapse of our entire eastern defense system.

The two reserve divisions slated to be deployed in the encirclement were the main forces drawn from the western front, and were the key reserve force that allowed the stalemate on the western front to be maintained!

What if the enemy forces on the western front, having lost the pressure from these two elite divisions, seize the opportunity to launch a larger-scale breakthrough?
If the eastern and western fronts collapse simultaneously, it will not be the annihilation of 100,000 Chinese people, but rather the collapse of the entire front!

Have you all considered the unbearable consequences?

Eckelberg's first question came like a heavy hammer blow, causing the staff officers who had just supported Van Fleet to change their expressions slightly.

His ruthless analysis tore apart the overly idealistic assumptions in the plan.

Eckelberg then raised a second finger, his gaze sweeping over Van Fleet before landing on Ridgway's face, and said:

"Secondly, even if the encirclement is successfully formed."

What makes you think we can quickly and effectively annihilate the besieged '100,000 elite Chinese troops'?
This is the steel blade that the Chinese command insisted on supplying to Li Yunlong, even under heavy pressure on the western front, to penetrate our eastern front!

Their soldiers were of extremely high quality and had an exceptionally strong fighting spirit.

In Fupingli, even bazookas and substandard mortars can unleash terrifying combat power in their hands!
When such troops are trapped in dire straits, the breakout power they unleash will be unimaginably terrifying.

General Van Fleet was hoping that the remnants of the US 2nd Division and the ROK 6th Division could intercept them on the supply lines.
Did they expect the 1st Marine Division, which had suffered heavy losses in Gapin, to be able to withstand their desperate charge head-on?

They hoped that the troops hastily transferred from the western front and placed in unfamiliar terrain could quickly cooperate with their neighbors to withstand the flank attack.

This seems more like wishful thinking!
Ladies and gentlemen, surrounding is one thing, but surrounding and efficiently devouring is another!

We have air superiority and naval gun support.

However, if any point in the encirclement is breached by a 100,000-strong elite Chinese army group fighting desperately for survival, the entire counter-encirclement operation will turn into a catastrophic defeat!
Then it won't be us annihilating them!
Instead, this large force will be like a red-hot dagger, cutting through the defenses; they might march straight towards Seoul!

He paused, his cold gaze sweeping across the room, taking in the grim faces that had become solemn from the horrific scene he had described, and continued:

"If that situation really occurs, the three-dimensional defense line painstakingly built by hundreds of thousands of troops around Seoul will collapse like a sandcastle!"
Even if they did not choose to attack Seoul directly, but instead formed a powerful counter-salient on the spot, or even broke through the encirclement and made contact with the main force of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army on the western front, how would our army clean up this earth-shattering mess?
The so-called "uncontrollable" and "unstoppable" threats mentioned in the plan are not alarmist, but rather a real threat with a very high probability!
General Ridgway, the risks and rewards of this strategy are completely disproportionate!
It wasn't about turning the tide; it was about gambled on the stability of the entire battle in exchange for a super result with an extremely slim chance of success!

I strongly recommend rejecting it and immediately shifting our focus to consolidating the existing defensive lines, reorganizing reserves, and seeking a breakthrough on the western front or a more secure counter-attack opportunity.

Eckelberg's resounding objection was like throwing ice into a boiling pot of oil.

In an instant, the optimism supporting Van Fleet came to an abrupt halt, and the meeting room fell into a more complex and oppressive atmosphere.

Many people frowned and began to carefully consider the two major risks he had raised.

An encirclement may not take shape, and even if it does, it may be too much to handle, potentially even breaking one's own teeth in the process.

"General Eckelberg's analysis... is extremely insightful..."

The troops transferred from the western front... were in too much danger..."

"A colonel who had previously favored Van Fleet muttered to himself, his face grim."

"Yes, if those 100,000 Chinese men really got serious, they could break through the US 2nd Division's line to the east and even storm into the Gangneung port area..."

Another U.S. military staff officer looked worried.

"Should we just let Chuncheon go like this? The cost would be too high, what if the western front..."

But if we follow the established procedures, are we just going to watch the Eastern Front continue to deteriorate?

General Van Fleet's plan, after all, offered a possibility of turning the tide...

New discussions arose again, but this time they were filled with doubt and hesitation.

The two opposing viewpoints clashed fiercely, unnoticed.

Ridgway's eyes darted back and forth between the two options, his inner balance swaying violently.

The temptation to annihilate 100,000 elite Chinese troops was too great, but the devastating risks pointed out by Eckelberg hung like the sword of Damocles over their heads.

His hand unconsciously scraped the edge of the telegram on the table, almost tearing the paper.

Time slipped away under immense, silent pressure.

Ridgway's gaze swept across the faces of the arguing generals, finally settling on a figure who had remained silent until now, standing quietly at the edge of the group of American generals.

"Advisor Chu."

You are an expert on Chinese military issues, and you have even directly clashed with General Li Yunlong on the battlefield many times. You must have the deepest understanding of his tactics and decision-making methods.

Given the current situation, do you think General Van Fleet's proposed encirclement and annihilation plan is feasible? Is it worthwhile?

Ridgway asked.

Suddenly becoming the focus of attention, Chu Yunfei, the former KMT general standing in the UN Command, still stood tall and composed.

He nodded slightly, calmly looking back at Ridgeway, but his mind was racing, weighing every thought on the line.

Chu Yunfei understood better than anyone the enormous trap of the plan before him and the tiny, yet real, enormous opportunity.

He understood Li Yunlong better than anyone else—a military genius who was rough around the edges but meticulous, incredibly bold, yet always able to pinpoint the key moments on the battlefield.

After carefully considering how to best help the Chinese People's Volunteer Army on the front lines without arousing suspicion, Chu Yunfei spoke in a convincing and professional analytical tone:

"General Ridgway and General Van Fleet's plan is indeed an extremely bold strategic idea."

Its core lies in capturing and utilizing two inherent characteristics of Li Yunlong.

Firstly, it was its strong desire to attack when faced with 'easy-to-get-the-fruits of victory' such as the pursuit after conquering Chuncheon;

Secondly, there is the objective fact that while its main forces are consistently adept at infiltration and rapid raids, their logistical support chain is relatively weak.

The two major risks pointed out by General Eckelberg are real and must be faced squarely.

One of the risks is whether Li Yunlong will, as we hope, immediately and without hesitation pursue the enemy to the pre-set encirclement area of ​​Jiaping after capturing Chuncheon; there is indeed a variable involved.

Based on my years of experience dealing with him, this man, beneath his rugged exterior, possesses a fox-like alertness and cunning.

If he sensed anything amiss, given the rapid mobility of his troops, he could very well rest briefly in Chuncheon and wait for the intelligence to become clear before taking any further action.

This is enough to disrupt my carefully planned time window for encirclement.

The second risk concerns the strength and direction of the possible breakout attempt by the besieged '100,000 elite Chinese troops'.

Objectively speaking, based on current intelligence, all units under Li Yunlong's command suffered considerable losses in the Battle of Fupingli, and the logistical support line was already long.

Once the supply lines are completely cut off, their offensive momentum will inevitably be dampened.

However, expecting them to exhaust their fighting strength or collapse easily in the short term would be a huge miscalculation.

Especially under the command of its commander Li Yunlong, this unit was best at finding opportunities to counterattack in desperate situations and using offense as a defense.

Its 'flexibility in command during battle' far exceeds the usual response mode of your army.

If they choose to concentrate their elite forces and launch a "central breakthrough" attack on the weakest link in the pre-planned interception points, and then launch a fierce assault with their troops skilled in close combat and night fighting, their strength should not be underestimated.

The staff officers who supported Van Fleet looked rather grim, while Eckelberg nodded slightly, seemingly acknowledging the validity of Chu Yunfei's analysis.

However, Chu Yunfei's tone suddenly changed as he said:

"But, General."

From the perspective of a pure battlefield commander, General Van Fleet's plan, though extremely risky like walking a tightrope, was not without a chance of success.

Especially at this critical moment when the Battle of Fupingli has caused a huge deficit on our eastern front.

There are three reasons.

Firstly, there are time and psychological factors.

Following the great victory at Fupingli, the morale of the Chinese eastern front troops was at its peak, and the confidence of each unit was soaring. Their command system was more likely to reach a unified judgment that "the enemy has collapsed and we should press on with our victory."

As a tactical expert, Li Yunlong had a keen grasp of the 'turning points' in the rhythm of the campaign, and this moment was the key psychological juncture in his judgment that he must aggressively pursue and expand the results of the battle.

This is human nature, and also the law of the battlefield, a law that has been successfully verified by the Fupingli luring-the-enemy tactic!
Even if he had reservations, the pressure of a fleeting opportunity would strongly drive his decision. Secondly, there were logistical shortcomings.

The capture of Chuncheon does not equate to securing a stable supply line.

Chuncheon Castle itself was severely damaged in the previous defensive battle, and most of its stored supplies had been destroyed by the 1st Marine Division in accordance with the 'scorched earth policy' plan.

If Li Yunlong's army is to maintain its combat effectiveness and continue its advance westward or southward, its supply line still needs to extend hundreds of kilometers from north to south. This long and fragile 'lifeline' is its Achilles' heel, and we possess absolute air superiority to continuously strike it!

Third, the command dilemma after being surrounded.

With over 100,000 troops compressed into a narrow area, their command structure will inevitably face significant challenges, including slow information transmission and congested and restricted troop movements.

If our encirclement can be formed quickly and effectively, its greatest advantage—command flexibility—will be greatly weakened.

Our side has continuous ground and air fire support, giving us the tactical initiative.

Admittedly, the catastrophic scenarios described by General Eckelberg are possible.

However, given the current situation where the enemy is stronger and we are weaker, if we proceed step by step to a defensive and contractionary strategy, we will completely lose the strategic initiative on the eastern front.

Riding on the momentum of their recent victory, Li Yunlong's army group could regroup and replenish its forces at a leisurely pace. With the support of fortified positions, it could use its expertise in tunneling and close-quarters assault tactics to exert pressure on the Chuncheon-Gapyeong salient in coordination with its western allies.

Our defensive posture on the eastern front will continue to deteriorate, leaving us in a passive and defensive position, and the stalemate in east-west coordination will remain unresolved.

Chu Yunfei's gaze sharpened and focused again on Ridgway, and he finally offered his advice, which aligned with his professional judgment and even carried a subtle hint of China-oriented guidance:
"In conclusion, from the perspective of a campaign commander, I believe that General Van Fleet's plan, although extremely risky, is still a tactical opportunity that could potentially create a decisive turnaround in an extremely unfavorable situation."

Its key support points are: our army must accurately execute operational deception, ensure that the resilience and reaction speed of each interception point greatly exceed the enemy's expectations, and continuously exert sufficient intensity of battlefield interdiction.

The core of this plan is: 'to exchange the greatest operational risk for the greatest possible war reward'.

Whether to act or not depends on the final decision of the Supreme Command regarding the execution capabilities of its own troops, their resilience in the battlefield situation, and their ability to seize opportunities.

After Chu Yunfei finished his analysis, the conference room fell into an even deeper silence.

He neither opposed it outright nor blindly supported it.

He clearly analyzed the enormous risks of the plan, but also calmly pointed out the only glimmer of hope for a comeback, and handed the decision-making power back to Ridgway.

This statement, which was extremely objective from a tactical perspective and even sounded more like an endorsement of VanVleet, perfectly concealed his true inner calculations.

This means further luring this massive U.S. troop group into a deadly trap of being deep in the battlefield and having its forces dispersed.

At the same time, it also provided Li Yunlong with the possibility of striking when the feigned movement was discovered and the enemy was forced to retreat.

Ridgway's body was like a stiff stone sculpture, only his tightly furrowed brows revealed the turbulent emotions within him.

Chu Yunfei's tactical analysis dissected this high-stakes gamble meticulously, confirming the logical basis for its existence as a possible success.

At the same time, it did not shy away from the catastrophic disaster warned by Eckelberg.

This was more powerful in shaking Ridgway's last defenses than mere incitement or pure opposition.

Annihilate 100,000 members of Li Yunlong's group!

This thought burned in Ridgway's mind like the flames of hell, bringing with it a doubt that would illuminate the ages.

"When you encounter a fighter jet, you must not hesitate to let it pass, or you will be punished by God..."

Issue my order: implement Van Fleet's plan in its entirety!
Order the 1st New Marine Division to defend the Chuncheon City area and wear down Li Yunlong's forces. Once they have worn down enough, retreat and lure the enemy deeper into the territory!
The order was given to the 1st Cavalry Division to remain concealed in a suitable area in the field and wait for Li Yunlong's troops to penetrate deeper before attacking his right flank.

Order the US 2nd Division to use the Seventh Fleet's naval guns and the ROK 6th Division to hold Gangneung well, replenish the thousand men, improve morale and equipment, and get them rested.

When Li Yunlong's group penetrates deep into enemy territory, they will strike out and cut off their logistical supply lines and escape routes!
The western front will continue to be strictly defended, but at the same time, preparations will be made to transfer troops to coordinate operations on the eastern front.

After Li Yunlong's group penetrates deep into enemy territory, we plan to send the US 7th Division to attack its western flank!
This is a high-stakes gamble to annihilate twelve Chinese divisions, more than 100,000 elite troops!

All troops must begin preparations immediately, without fail!

Li Qiwei slammed his hand on the table and roared.

"Yes, sir!!"

Unaware that Wu Wanli was about to lead a blitzkrieg, the American soldiers were full of confidence and readily agreed with their heads held high.

(End of this chapter)