Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 362 The entire headquarters is shocked! Major General Keiser, commander of the US 2nd Division, has been captured! A great victory at Jiangling!
Command Center

"Report! Fellow commanders!"

Urgent telegram from frontline commander Wu Wanli!

We have achieved a major victory in the battle in the Jiangling direction on the eastern front!
With the full cooperation of our navy and air force, the Seventh Steel Corps, the Eighth New Army, and the Ninth North Korean Army completed the complete encirclement and annihilation of the US Seventh Fleet in the early hours of this morning!

The Americans' Seventh Fleet was completely annihilated!

At this moment, a staff officer from the Chinese People's Volunteer Army rushed in and reported.

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Chief of Staff Xie's eyes widened and he abruptly stood up from his chair.

Deputy Chief of Staff Li's eyes widened in shock.

The entire command center was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; all sound had vanished.

"Confirmed sinking of major US warships including the battleship USS Washington and the cruiser USS Santa Fe!"

The USS Intrepid, flagship of the US Seventh Fleet, raised a white flag and surrendered!

The American aircraft carrier USS Intrepid has been captured by us!

The volunteer army staff officer took a deep breath and reported excitedly.

In an instant, this news exploded like a bombshell in the command center!
"An aircraft carrier?!"

They've captured another US aircraft carrier?!
And this time it's different; this is the flagship of the U.S. Seventh Fleet!

Minister Hong of the Logistics Department gasped, and the teacup in his hand fell to the ground with a crash and shattered.

“How is this possible?!
The US aircraft carrier fleet was completely annihilated and captured by the Chinese navy?!

The Seventh Fleet—that's the most powerful American fleet in the Far East!

Before the Korean War, we only had a few decent ships...

This...this is absolutely earth-shattering!

An elderly staff officer with gray hair spoke in a trembling voice, barely managing to stand by holding onto the corner of the table.

Before the shock had subsided, the staff officer roared out even more suffocating news:

"At the same time, the remnants of the US 2nd Division and the main force of the puppet South Korean 6th Division in Jiangling City, led by Division Commander Kaiser, attempted to launch a counterattack on Paotaishan as if they were trapped beasts."

But now they are completely surrounded by my New Eighth Army and the Ninth Army of North Korea in a narrow area at the foot of Paotai Mountain!
Comrade Wu Wanli is commanding the Seventh Steel Corps, the Eighth New Army, and the Ninth North Korean Army to launch a final general offensive against the enemy under the three-dimensional saturation bombardment of naval and air force guns, air force, and ground artillery!

The enemy's organization has been disrupted, they have suffered heavy casualties, and are on the verge of collapse!

It is expected that the entire unit will be annihilated soon!

"The US 2nd Division and the ROK 6th Division originally numbered nearly 20,000 men..."

The Second Division of the US Army was crippled by Wu Wanli in Fupingli and only fled to Jiangling a few days later.
They just replenished some of their elite troops, and now... they're almost wiped out?

Jiangling City is well-defended, and the US military relies on the port and the Paotaishan Fortress. How could they have run out of options so quickly?
Did Wu Wanli lead heavenly soldiers and generals in this battle?

Deputy Chief of Staff Li muttered to himself, his eyes somewhat glazed over.

The entire command center was engulfed in an unprecedented and shocking storm.

The tense atmosphere that had been tense on the western front was instantly shattered by this sudden and earth-shattering victory.

The staff officers forgot to take notes and the documents in their hands, all staring at the staff officer who was giving the report, as if trying to confirm whether every word he said was true.

To completely annihilate an entire US aircraft carrier fleet?

Captured flagship aircraft carrier?

Is it about to encircle and annihilate a well-equipped US-South Korean army force of nearly 20,000 troops?

Each of these achievements, taken individually, is enough to shake the world and be included in military textbooks!
However, they were completed at the same time and in the same place by the same elite force commanded by Wanli!

After the initial shock came a volcanic eruption of excitement and ecstasy.

"Great job! Well done!!!"

The boss slammed his fist on the heavy wooden table with a loud "thud".

The gloom on his face vanished, replaced by a relieved excitement, and he spoke in a thick Hunan accent that filled the room:

"Wu Wanli is a good lad!"

It was such a wonderful surprise!
Annihilate the Seventh Fleet and capture the aircraft carrier!
We also need to devour the US Second Division and the South Korean Sixth Division!

Hahahaha... That feels so good!
That was fucking awesome!

Chief Chen's face first showed extreme astonishment, followed by immense relief and pride.

He clapped his hands suddenly, paced back and forth excitedly, and said, "That's right!"

That was a brilliantly fought battle!

This was not only a great victory on the eastern front, but also a significant boost to our country's status!

The American fleet's flagship has been captured by our navy!
Let's see who dares to underestimate China's coastal defense in the future!

His eyes gleamed with intelligence as he quickly began to assess the deterrent effect of this victory.

"Miracle!
This is a true miracle of war!
From the moment the counterattack in Fupingli began, Comrade Wu Wanli has been creating miracles!

How many people opposed the decision to launch a blitzkrieg at the beginning?
Everyone thought it was like throwing an egg against a rock!
But now?
Comrade Wu Wanli not only touched it, but also smashed the stone to pieces!

They capsized the Americans' giant sea turtle!

Chief of Staff Xie shook his head repeatedly, his face showing a dreamlike expression, and his tone was full of the strongest admiration.

"The old commentator is right!"
This result is something that no one in the world could have imagined, let alone us.

Who dares to think?
A navy that was less than a year old, in cooperation with the army, managed to surround the U.S. Navy's Seventh Fleet!

This Comrade Wu Wanli is braver than the sky when it comes to fighting, and more meticulous than a needle!

Every step he took was fraught with peril, yet he managed to make it through! Amazing!

Deputy Chief of Staff Li was equally excited and remarked with emotion.

"Let's drink a big cup of wine!"
No matter how much logistical pressure we face, we'll sell everything we own to ensure their well-being!
That was a great battle! It was inspiring! It was satisfying!

Let's see who dares to say we 'country bumpkin guerrillas' only know how to hide in the mountains now!

Minister Hong of the Logistics Department rubbed his hands together excitedly.

The other volunteer army staff officers were so excited that they whispered among themselves, their faces flushed with excitement:

"My God, we've captured an aircraft carrier!"

How am I going to explain this to my family?
Can they be trusted?

"annihilate the entire US Seventh Fleet!"

If this news gets out, the whole world will be in an uproar!

"The Second Division of the US Army is their trump card!"
This time it's completely uprooted!

The eastern front is now completely open!

"Captain Wu is truly a war god descended to earth!"
This art of command is truly unfathomable!

"Quick! Tell me in detail!"
How exactly did they fight?

Could Wu Wanli really conjure soldiers from beans?

The U.S. Seventh Fleet is not made of paper, and Gangneung Castle is not made of mud!

How did nearly 20,000 US and South Korean troops get driven to the brink of defeat in such a short time, with even their base being destroyed?

The battle process!

I need the most detailed battle process!
"Exactly, down to the last word!"

Chief Chen immediately asked.

Startled by Chief Chen's powerful aura, the staff officer immediately straightened his back and reported:
"Reporting to my esteemed commanders!"
Comrade Wu Wanli's core objective in the Jiangling Campaign was to target the Paotaishan Fortress and its coastal artillery group, which controlled the vital passage to Jiangling Port.

Its campaign deployment was extremely bold and interconnected, making full use of the element of surprise and the nascent strength of our navy and air force!
Before the battle began, Commander Wu first ordered the main forces of the Korean People's Army's New Eighth Army and the Ninth Army to launch an extremely fierce feint attack on the four walls of Gangneung city and the main street entrances!
The fighting was extremely fierce, with the North Korean army even breaking into the outskirts of the city and engaging in brutal street fighting with the US forces.

This move greatly misled the defending enemy, leading them to mistakenly believe that our main objective was to capture the city of Jiangling.

They successfully pinned down the main force of the US 2nd Division in various parts of Jiangling City, leaving them neither the time nor the resources to quickly reinforce the port's core area, Paotaishan.

Upon hearing this, Chief Chen nodded slightly, his eyes revealing appreciation, and said, "Beat the city and attack its reinforcements; attack what they must defend!"

First, let the New Eighth Army and the North Korean Ninth Army entangle the enemy's main force and elite troops, making them unable to move, thus creating the prerequisite for the real killing move, the blitzkrieg at Paotaishan.

This first move was both precise and ruthless.

The staff officer continued, "In this way, the urban offensive and defensive battle will completely attract the enemy's attention, and the main force of the US forces in the city will be tied down."

Taking advantage of the opportunity in China, Comrade Wu Wanli personally led the main force of the 7th Steel Brigade, and under the cover of night and artillery fire, launched a lightning-fast and fierce attack on the puppet South Korean army's defense line in the southern part of Jiangling Port!

The South Korean 6th Division's defensive fortifications in this area mainly relied on warehouses and dock facilities outside the port. Compared to the core position of Paotai Mountain, its fortifications were much weaker in terms of solidity and firepower, and the defenders' will was far less tenacious than that of the US troops.

With tank units as the vanguard and infantry, tanks and artillery working in close coordination, the Seventh Steel Brigade launched an offensive as powerful as a tidal wave!

A huge gap was quickly torn in the enemy's defenses!

Once the breach was established, Commander Wu did not hesitate to order the artillery detachment under Lei Gong's command to provide high-intensity creeping barrage cover, while the armored battalion and guard battalion formed the assault arrowhead.

Completely disregarding their own safety, they braved enormous risks and charged at full speed towards the Paotaishan Fortress, braving their own artillery fire!
The battle was exceptionally fierce!

The U.S. military deployed multiple anti-tank trenches, minefields, bunker complexes, and crossfire points along the key routes leading to Battery Hill.

Our tanks were continuously destroyed or damaged, and our infantry suffered heavy casualties.

But the officers and soldiers charged forward one after another, and with their flesh and blood and iron will, they forcibly broke through several blockade lines in a very short time and reached the foot of the core fortress complex of Paotai Mountain!

At this point, the American troops on the mountaintop realized the situation was critical.

They not only used conventional firepower to block the attack, but also went so far as to adjust some of their large-caliber coastal defense guns to fire directly at our advancing tank formations!
This posed an extremely serious threat to our assault troops and caused heavy casualties!
At this critical moment, Comrade Wu Wanli remained calm and accurately judged the US military's intention to sabotage the coastal defense artillery.

On the one hand, he urgently ordered Lei Gong to shift artillery fire to suppress the US artillery bombardment unit, and on the other hand, he ordered Shi Qian and Yu Congrong to lead their troops in a strong attack to draw fire from the front.

At the same time, Comrade Wu Wanli also dispatched Pinghe to lead the most elite reconnaissance detachment to secretly climb and advance through the extremely steep cliff crevices on the side and back of Paotai Mountain!
Pinghe's elite detachment miraculously managed to get close to the rear of the fortress complex and blast open the key blast door leading into the tunnel!
Comrade Wu Wanli personally led the guard battalion soldiers to quickly join up with the Pinghe detachment, broke into the tunnel, and engaged in fierce close combat and bayonet fighting with the guarding American troops!
In the final moments of the battle for the gun control room, a U.S. Army technical sergeant was about to detonate a pre-set explosive to completely destroy the coastal defense gun!
Just as the explosion was about to occur, Comrade Wu Wanli, with his astonishing reaction and precise marksmanship, shot and broke the sergeant's wrist, successfully preventing the explosion!
Our army finally gained complete control of all the coastal defense artillery positions on Paotaishan!

The boss held his breath and instinctively clenched his fists.

The staff officers in the operations room listened with sweaty palms, as if they were personally witnessing the thrilling tunnel battle.

The capture of Paotai Mountain was fraught with sacrifice and danger at every step.

The next second, the staff officer's voice suddenly rose, filled with power:

"At almost the same moment that my Seventh Steel Brigade fought a bloody battle and paid a huge price to finally conquer Paotaishan and control the coastal defense artillery group!"

Under the cover of more than 300 fighter jets commanded by Comrade Wang Wei of the Air Force, the main naval vessels of the Wanli aircraft carrier battle group and the Dongfanghong battleship rushed through the US military's warning line at full speed with a desperate attack, firmly blocking the only sea outlet of Jiangling Port!

They trapped the main force of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, which had not yet fully reacted, within the narrow anchorage of Gangneung Port!

The coordinated air and sea attack has now been fully formed!

The commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet realized he had been tricked and urgently ordered all carrier-based aircraft that were bombing our ground forces in the Fort Hill area to immediately abandon all missions and rush to the anchorage at full speed!
But it's too late!
Our naval and air forces seized the precious window of opportunity presented by the successful diversion of US carrier-based aircraft and the weakest point in the fleet's air defenses, launching a preemptive and overwhelming offensive!

The staff officer quickened his pace, speaking with the excitement of witnessing history: "The air force squadron led by Comrade Wang Wei was the first to swoop down and fiercely attack the American warships in the harbor!"
Our submarine force also seized the opportunity and launched deadly torpedoes at the enemy fleet!

At the same time, Comrade Wu Wanli, who had just captured Paotaishan, immediately ordered the huge coastal defense guns, whose muzzles were still warm, to be turned around and aimed into the harbor!
Under Comrade Lei Gong's precise command, the heavy cannons on Paotaishan and the giant cannons of our navy's Dongfanghong battleship roared simultaneously!

The USS Washington, one of the flagships of the US Navy and a symbol of its powerful battleship force, was the primary target of their firepower!
Under saturation attacks from the sea, the sky, and the shore, the USS Washington's ammunition magazines exploded in a spectacular explosion, the hull broke apart, and it sank rapidly!
This battle became the crucial turning point in the entire naval war!

After the sinking of the USS Washington, the command of the US fleet fell into chaos. Although the remaining ships fought back fiercely and caused considerable losses to our ships, the defeat was inevitable!

With a shared hatred of the enemy, the Chinese Navy's officers and soldiers, along with the carrier-based aircraft of the Wanli and the air force fighters, launched a more intense attack on the remaining American ships.

Finally, after the coastal defense guns of Battery Hill once again proved their worth and accurately sank the cruiser USS Santa Fe, the USS Intrepid, the flagship of the US Seventh Fleet, raised the white flag on the bridge!
The U.S. Navy's Seventh Fleet... has been annihilated!

The entire operations room of the headquarters fell silent once again, with only the staff officer's slightly hoarse voice echoing with excitement.

The capture of Fort Hill and the encirclement and annihilation of the enemy at sea were carried out almost simultaneously, with each step meticulously planned and executed with terrifying precision!

The staff officer took a deep breath and delivered the final act of this grand drama:

"However, just as our army had taken control of Fort Hill and the navy and air force were engaged in fierce fighting with the Seventh Fleet!"

General Kaiser, commander of the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division, finally realized that the main direction of our army's attack was not the city, but the port and fortified hill!
He assembled a powerful assault group, consisting of the remnants of the US 2nd Division and the main force of the ROK 6th Division that could be drawn from Jiangling City, and rushed towards Paotaishan in an attempt to recapture the position or rescue the fleet!
Although Kaiser's movements were swift, he was ultimately a step too slow!
When he led his troops to rush to the foot of Paotai Mountain, what awaited him was not an empty position, but a trap that Comrade Wu Wanli had already set up!
After completing their mission of containing the city, the New Eighth Army and the North Korean Ninth Army quickly and secretly moved according to the pre-arranged plan.

Like two giant iron pincers, they silently closed in behind Kaiser's forces, forming a solid double-layered encirclement that completely blocked all routes for the US and South Korean troops to retreat back to Gangneung!

Kaiser's "reinforcements" were instantly trapped!
Even more critically, the Fort Hill was now firmly in the hands of our army!
Comrade Wu Wanli, from his elevated position, calmly directed everything.

He immediately called for the guns of our navy ships outside the harbor to turn their cannons around!

The Chinese Air Force fighter jets circling overhead are descending!

The giant cannons and Lei Gong's artillery detachment, which were just captured on Paotai Mountain, have had their firing range readjusted!

Target—the main force of the US and South Korean troops densely packed at the foot of Paotai Mountain!
Shells rained down on the US-ROK coalition forces, who were confined to a small area, like hailstones!

Kaiser's troops were caught off guard and suffered an unimaginable and devastating blow in an instant!
The military structure was disrupted, and command was paralyzed!

They thought they were on a rescue mission, but instead they stumbled into a slaughterhouse prepared for them!

This has led to our current predicament: surrounded, at our wits' end, and on the verge of total annihilation!

That concludes the staff officer's report.

Dead silence.

Absolute silence enveloped the operations room of the General Staff.

Everyone, including the seasoned general who had seen countless battles and countless corpses, and veteran commanders like Chief Chen, seemed to be frozen in place, as if under a spell.

Their faces no longer showed simple shock and ecstasy, but rather a profound sense of awe at the dual impact of the art and reality of war.

Every battle was absolutely amazing!

The New Eighth Army and the North Korean Ninth Army were used to hold back the main enemy force in the city.

The Seventh Steel Brigade launched a blitzkrieg to break through the South Korean defenses and, despite heavy casualties, launched a fierce attack on Paotaishan.

Then, at the most precise moment, the main forces of the navy and air force will blockade the port, trapping and beating the enemy.

Finally, using Fort Hill as a fulcrum, they set up an ambush, luring the main US reinforcements who came to "rescue" them into a pre-planned death trap, where they were subjected to saturation bombardment from the sea, land, and air...

This is hardly a war.
This is clearly dancing on a knife's edge!

Walking a tightrope along a cliff edge!
Any wrong step could have disastrous consequences!

Wu Wanli's Seventh Steel Brigade will be attacked from both sides and will be trapped in a desperate situation at the port and fortress mountain, resulting in the annihilation of the entire army!

The main fleet and valuable fighter jets of the Chinese navy and air force, which have been deployed in full force, will also be exposed to the naval and air firepower of the US military in the narrow port and suffer unbearable damage!

This is not gambling; it's a high-stakes gamble that puts the entire campaign and even the Eastern Front at stake!
Wu Wanli won his gamble!

Such a glorious and complete victory!
Every step was as precise as the most accurate clockwork, and every adventure brought unimaginable rewards!

"hiss……"

After a long silence, Chief of Staff Xie gasped, breaking the suffocating silence.

He shook his head, his face filled with utter admiration and lingering fear, and said, "Every step is fraught with danger! Every step is a fatal blow!"

This... this is no longer a simple offensive move; it's a risky move that combines offense and defense!
"If...if there is even the slightest mistake..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood how terrible the consequences would be.

"I'm convinced! I'm truly convinced this time!"
I used to think that this guy was clever when I heard him use the strategy of exhausting the enemy to defeat the US 2nd Division in Fupingli.

Later, he insisted on attacking Jiangling and the Seventh Fleet. I was still very worried and felt it was too risky!
Looking back now, I realize that my perspective was too narrow and my vision too shallow!
Comrade Wu Wanli was not only exceptionally courageous, but also incredibly resourceful!

Each of these steps struck precisely at the enemy's most vulnerable spot!

so amazing! "

Deputy Chief of Staff Li said this with great emphasis, his tone devoid of any jealousy, only filled with admiration.

A senior deputy director of the operations department, who had previously been the most vocal opponent of Wu Wanli's plan to blitz Jiangling, was now blushing furiously.

He took a sudden step forward, his voice filled with deep remorse and utmost sincerity as he said:

"Commander! Chief Chen! Comrades! I must make a self-criticism!"
When Comrade Wu Wanli proposed the plan to launch a blitzkrieg against Jiangling and annihilate the Seventh Fleet, I was one of the loudest voices of opposition!
I think this is overly ambitious and risking the resources of the military and navy!
They even... they even discussed it privately as individual heroism!

Now... now reality has taught me a harsh lesson!
I was so wrong!
I was short-sighted and conservative, and I completely underestimated Comrade Wu Wanli's strategic vision and command ability!
I...I apologize to the organization!
I apologize to Comrade Wu Wanli!

From this day forward, I will have no further objections!

I wholeheartedly support and admire any battle plan that Comrade Wu Wanli devises!

As soon as he finished speaking, several senior staff officers who had initially held reservations nodded in agreement, their faces showing shame and sincere admiration.

Wu Wanli won over the hearts of all the staff officers in the Volunteer Army Headquarters with an undeniable and brilliant victory.

Commander Chen had been listening intently, but at this moment, the excitement and pride on his face were suddenly replaced by a deep worry, and he immediately said:
"Boss! Everyone! Now is not the time to completely relax and celebrate!"
Wu Wanli and the Seventh Steel Brigade won a tremendous victory, but the price they paid was inevitably heavy!

Think about it, there were already casualties starting from the fierce battle against the main force of the US 2nd Division in Fupingli!

Today, a strong attack on the Paotaishan Fortress, with the counterattack of the US and South Korean forces, including the devastating firepower of the coastal defense artillery, is going to cost lives!

As the report just mentioned, tanks are being destroyed one after another, and the casualties among officers and soldiers are enormous!
Now, they are about to surround and annihilate thousands of trapped US and South Korean troops at the foot of Paotai Mountain!
This final encirclement and annihilation battle will be an incredibly brutal hand-to-hand combat!
"The Seventh Steel Brigade...how many soldiers do they have left?"

Chief Chen's words were like a bucket of cold water, waking everyone from their euphoria. Everyone's hearts immediately tightened.

Yes, such a brilliant victory must have been built on an iron will and enormous sacrifices!

The Seventh Steel Brigade, this legendary heroic unit, is likely facing a severe situation of depleted manpower and exhaustion at this moment!
What they may face is a desperate counterattack by elite remnants of US and South Korean troops!
"Commander Chen is right!"
Replenish!

We must immediately send the most elite reinforcements to Comrade Wu Wanli and the Seventh Steel Brigade!
And it has to be fast!

Otherwise, even if the remnants of the US 2nd Division were completely annihilated, the 7th Steel Brigade might be reduced to a mere shell!
Who will support the favorable situation on the eastern front?
Who will expand the gains?

Upon hearing this, Chief of Staff Xie immediately agreed.

"Yes! We must replenish it immediately!"
The New Eighth Army and the North Korean Ninth Army must have also suffered considerable casualties in the urban containment battles and the final encirclement battles!

Something else needs to be added!

Deputy Chief of Staff Li also immediately expressed his opinion.

Logistics Minister Hong immediately flipped through the lists of supplies and troop deployments at hand, his brow furrowed, and his face showed great difficulty:
"Commendations!"
The problem is... our mobile reserves, especially our well-organized, experienced veteran replenishment regiments, are extremely strained right now!
The western front is still fiercely fighting, with daily losses and all units reaching out for reinforcements!

On the eastern front, most of the previous reinforcements were prioritized for Li Yunlong's army group, which was mainly attacking Chuncheon...

Suddenly, where could one find several thousand elite veterans to immediately send to Wu Wanli?

The atmosphere in the operations room instantly became tense again.

Following the immense joy of victory came more real and pressing problems.

Without reinforcements, the heroic troops may bleed to their last drop.

Where to find it?

Western Front?

That was the main battlefield, and every reserve team was on the brink of disaster!

The boss stood there with a furrowed brow, like an iron tower, listening to the discussions of the crowd and the difficulties faced by Minister Hong of the Logistics Department.

When he heard Minister Hong of the Logistics Department mention the "Western Front," his eyes lit up.

The boss raised his head and said decisively:
"Of course there are! There are!"

Old Jie, Old Li, have you forgotten?
Isn't there a newly transferred elite force from China?

Five thousand people!
They were all combat veterans, many of whom were veterans of the War of Resistance Against Japan!

This morning, the frontline transport station reported that they had arrived at the supply depot less than 80 miles behind the front line, is that right?

Chief of Staff Xie was taken aback for a moment, then immediately nodded and said:
Yes! There is such a thing!
They were indeed 5,000 elite veterans, intended to reinforce several core columns on the western front and fill the huge gaps left by their continuous offensive!

According to the plan, they should be assigned to various units on the western front before dawn tomorrow…

"The plan has been changed!"
Send a telegram to that military post immediately!

Order these 5,000 elite reinforcements to turn around immediately!

March towards Jiangling at top speed!
Destination—Paotai Mountain, Wu Wanli Steel Seventh Brigade!

Tell them they are going to support our heroic troops who have just won a great victory and are in the final encirclement and annihilation of the US 2nd Division!
Anyone who falls behind will be court-martialed!
Minister Hong, you personally organized the logistics and transportation efforts!
Food, ammunition, medicine, and especially anti-tank weapons and heavy machine gun ammunition must be supplied along the way!

Make sure these five thousand fresh troops, carrying their best belongings, reach Wu Wanli's hands as quickly as possible!

The general waved his hand, interrupting the chief of staff, and said in a tone that left no room for negotiation.

"Yes! Promise to complete the mission!"

Minister Hong answered loudly.

Deputy Chief of Staff Li still had some concerns and reminded him, "General, on the western front... the main attacking armies have also suffered heavy casualties, and they are all eagerly waiting for this batch of key personnel to be replenished!"
"This... all of them have been allocated to Wu Wanli on the eastern front, and the attack forces on the western front..."

"If it's not available, wait for the next batch!"
The western front is important!
But Comrade Wu Wanli was waging a war of annihilation! He was aiming to completely wipe out the US Seventh Fleet and destroy the US Second Division as a whole!

The significance of such a victory for our new China and for the entire War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea cannot be overstated!

They fought valiantly on the front lines, demonstrating the might and prestige of the nation and its military.

We were in the rear, and due to limited conditions during the war, we could not immediately celebrate their achievements and award them medals.

However, weapons, ammunition, and personnel must be given priority and guaranteed with all our might!
This was earned with their blood, flesh, and battle achievements; who dares to utter a word of dissent?!
In addition, immediately send a telegram to the Korean People's Army Front Command in the name of the Volunteer Army Headquarters!

The New Eighth Army and the North Korean Ninth Army played a crucial role in the Battle of Jiangling, especially in undertaking the arduous tasks of containing the enemy in the city and encircling them from the outside. Their effective cooperation was invaluable!
They also suffered heavy casualties.

They were instructed to draw elite reinforcements from the nearby reserves and replenish the New Eighth Army and the North Korean Ninth Army as quickly as possible!
We need the best soldiers!
Tell them that now is not the time to be petty. Opening up the situation on the eastern front will be of great benefit to the entire war effort in Korea!
After this battle, a portion of the captured American equipment will be prioritized for replenishing their supplies!

The boss waved his hand abruptly, his tone leaving no room for doubt, conveying an absolute trust and favoritism towards Wu Wanli.

"clear!
I'll draft the telegram immediately! The wording will be very clear!

Upon hearing this, Chief of Staff Xie quickly agreed.

"it is good!

Tell Wu Wanli, tell the Seventh Steel Brigade, tell the New Eighth Army and the Ninth Army, tell all the comrades fighting in Jiangling!

The Communist Party and the people of the motherland are their strongest support!
"Shells, bullets, and soldiers—the supply is unlimited! Give them a good beating!"

"Yes!"

Chief of Staff Xie responded upon hearing this.

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

Meanwhile, at the foot of Fort Hill, the smoke of battle had not yet dissipated, and the air was filled with the stench of rust and blood.

More than 6,000 American and South Korean soldiers huddled inside the hastily dug circular defensive perimeter, like wounded and trapped beasts.

Division Commander Kaiser stood behind a half-collapsed lookout point, his bloodshot eyes fixed on the ever-tightening encirclement of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army outside.

The sporadic explosions of artillery shells echoed all around, each one causing the soldiers on the position to instinctively shrink their necks.

"Reinforcements! When will General Freeman's reinforcements arrive?"

Kaiser turned around abruptly, his hoarse voice carrying the last glimmer of hope, and asked the communications officer beside him.

The staff officer's lips trembled, but he hadn't answered yet.

The chief of staff of the 2nd Division couldn't help but speak up, his face revealing unconcealed exhaustion and despair: "Commander, we can't hesitate any longer!"

Before they fully converge, concentrate all armored forces and charge towards the junction of the New Eighth Army to the west; perhaps we can still tear open a path to survival!
General Freeman's main cavalry division... probably won't be able to come.

"Shut up!
The 1st Cavalry Division is the pride of America!

Freeman was a professional soldier; he knew what a soldier's honor was!
They will definitely come!
Send another telegram to General Freeman: "Our troops are holding the last position southeast of the fortress, coordinates repeated: X37-Y42."

The enemy's encirclement is rapidly tightening; urgent support is requested! At all costs!

Kaiser interrupted abruptly, veins bulging on his forehead.

Soon, radio waves, carrying Kaiser's last struggle, pierced the murky sky and flew towards the unknown distance.

He refused to look at the chief of staff's worried face any longer, and turned back to stare intently at the desolate mountains and fields outside the encirclement.

In his view, the 1st Cavalry Division's tank units should have been raising clouds of dust there.

Outside the encirclement, at the main peak command post of Paotai Mountain.

Wu Wanli put down his binoculars, his cold gaze sweeping over the ravaged circular position of the American troops below the mountain.

Even without a map, experience alone is enough to tell that hastily dug foxholes and makeshift fortifications built with sandbags and vehicle wreckage are no match for real heavy firepower.

"Commander-in-Chief, all units are in position. When shall we launch the general offensive?"

Quan Douguang, commander of the New Eighth Army, strode forward, his uniform covered in dust, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's.

Behind him, Lin Zhengshun, the commander of the Ninth Army, also looked at him intently.

"Now that the bombing should be ready, then proceed as I instructed: Thunder Artillery Detachment, Naval Artillery Group, Air Force Bomber Formation, target the US-South Korean ring defense perimeter at the foot of the mountain!"

Saturation coverage! Three rounds of rapid fire!

"Plow up those makeshift rat holes they dug completely!"

Wu Wanli clenched his fist and resolutely cut off the railway.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing quickly agreed and went to convey the message.

Soon, Wu Wanli's orders were transmitted to each fire unit instantly via radio waves and signal flares.

The deathly silent battlefield was suddenly torn apart!

On the sea to the northeast, the heavy artillery of the main force of the Chinese navy roared first.

Thick columns of water rose from the nearshore sea, followed by rows of heavy artillery shells that slammed into the front and depth of the US circular position with a piercing whistle!
Mud, gravel, broken limbs, and twisted helmets were hurled into the air amidst the smoke of gunpowder.

Almost simultaneously, on the artillery positions at Paotaishan, commanded by Lei Gong, all the cannons that could fire roared at full power.

Shells rained down like a storm, striking precisely the vulnerable fortifications constructed by the American forces.

The sandbags were blown to pieces, and the wreckage of the trucks they were using as cover burst into flames. The soldiers hiding behind them were like fallen leaves scattered by a strong wind.

The newly arrived mixed formation of the Chinese Air Force joined this grand feast of steel storm.

Wang Wei led a group of fighter jets that swooped down, their aerial bombs whistling as they fell, exploding into a continuous burst of flames in the densely populated American-occupied area.

Napalm sprayed thick flames that ignited the camouflage nets and soldiers on the position, and screams instantly drowned out the roar of the explosion.

Three rounds! A full three rounds of saturation bombardment!

The earth trembled violently beneath our feet, and the entire Fort Hill seemed to shake.

Thick smoke blotted out the sky, completely engulfing the small circular position.

Even from a great distance, the main command post could feel the shockwaves of that destructive power and the strong stench of blood.

As the echoes of the last aerial bomb faded and the lingering smoke subsided, revealing the true form of the circular defensive position, everyone gasped in shock.

The traces of fortifications that were barely discernible before have vanished, replaced by a place riddled with craters and burning debris.

Severed limbs and broken pieces were everywhere, burning tanks and trucks resembled giant torches, and faint groans of dying bodies drifted in the wind.

The entire US and South Korean military position was left with only a hellish silence.

A cold glint flashed in Wu Wanli's eyes. Without the slightest hesitation, he drew the signal pistol from his waist and pulled the trigger towards the sky!
Whoosh—bang! The bright red signal flare, like three drops of burning blood, pierced through the thick smoke and rose high into the sky!

"All-out attack!"

A roar like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami erupted suddenly from all directions!

"Comrades, come after me!"

Wu Wanli roared, picked up his Thompson submachine gun, and took the lead, leaping out of cover.

He was like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, pointing straight at the heart of that hellish place below the mountain!

Behind him, the remaining thousands of battle-hardened elites of the Seventh Steel Corps poured down from the main peak of Paotai Mountain like a tidal wave!

All the tanks that could still move roared to the front, their tracks crushing the scorched earth.

"Soldiers of the Korean Army! Annihilate the invaders! Forward!"

Lin Zhengshun drew his pistol and roared as he pointed it at the southern flank of the battlefield.

The soldiers of the Chaojiu Army, who could no longer contain themselves, surged forward like a flood bursting its banks, shouting slogans, and rushed from the south towards the unrecognizable enemy positions.

"New Eighth Army! Follow me!"

Don't let the brothers of the Seventh Steel Brigade and the Ninth Army of Chaoyang underestimate us!

Quan Douguang brandished his rifle and personally led his troops in the fiercest charge from the west.

The soldiers of the New Eighth Army, like tigers descending a mountain, pressed towards the core in dense battle formations.

The deafening shouts of battle, the fierce sounds of gunfire, the roar of tank engines, and the screams of the dying... all converged in an instant.

At the core of the circular defensive position, the U.S. temporary command post
Inside the carriage of a Sherman tank whose turret was blown askew and which was half-buried in scorched earth
Kaiser's ears were ringing from the devastating artillery fire, and his mouth and nose were filled with smoke and dust.

He struggled to his feet beside the communications soldier's body; his once crisp general's uniform was now filthy, riddled with holes and burn marks.

The deafening shouts of battle coming from outside were like a death knell.

"Commander! It's over! It's all over!"

The Chinese infantry are advancing! From all directions!

They're everywhere—to the west, to the south, and on the mountains!

We're surrounded! The brothers can't hold on!

A second lieutenant, his face covered in blood, scrambled into the tank wreckage, crying out in despair.

"Where's Freeman?!"

Where is the reply from the 1st Cavalry Division?!

"Speak up! Where's the call back?!"

Kaiser, as if grasping at a last straw, grabbed the communications officer by the collar.

The communications officer's face was ashen, his lips trembled, and he was on the verge of tears: "No...nothing!"
I called on all the bands…no response…only…only hissing noise!

"Impossible! Call again!"

Use the highest level of security!
Tell Freeman!
If he doesn't come soon, the U.S. Army will suffer an unprecedented humiliation in Gangneung!

An entire division! Will be slaughtered by the Chinese like turkeys!

Use the radio! Use signal flares! Use any means necessary!
Call Freeman again! Call him again! He has to come!

Kaiser shoved the staff officer aside and began frantically pounding on the cold tank wall, shouting with a series of dull thuds.

"Shock Freeman again! Shock Freeman again... Freeman... Freeman..."

Kaiser's voice gradually went from furious to hollow and hoarse, until finally only despair remained.

The chief of staff closed his eyes in anguish, leaned against the cold armor, and fell silent.

He knew that the last chance to break through had completely slipped away due to the division commander's obsessive obsession.

After an unknown amount of time, the hatch of the tank wreckage was suddenly pulled open from the outside, and blinding gunpowder smoke accompanied by a cold wind rushed in.

Kaiser instinctively roared, like a gambler who had lost everything, "Freeman's reinforcements..."

The sound stopped suddenly.

Wu Wanli, young, tall, and with a sharp gaze despite being covered in gunpowder, blocked the cabin door.

The cold muzzle of his submachine gun was steadily pointed into the cabin.

Behind him were the blood-stained bayonets and grim faces of more soldiers from the Seventh Steel Brigade.

Kaiser's fantasies about reinforcements and his frantic roars were instantly shattered in the face of this cold reality.

He saw clearly the calm yet all-knowing eyes beneath Wu Wanli's military cap; those eyes seemed to see through all his wishful thinking and folly.

“F...Freeman…”

Kaiser's lips trembled, and a strange hoarse sound came from his throat. It was as if all the blood in his body rushed to his head, making his face turn purple.

"what--!"

"Freeman is an amateur!"

puff!
A mouthful of scalding blood gushed from Kaiser's mouth, splattering across the twisted tank walls and his own tattered general's uniform.

His eyes widened, and he fell forward with a thud, crashing heavily onto the cold tank floor, whereupon he lost consciousness.

The chief of staff of the US 2nd Division smiled bitterly, silently unfastened his sidearm, gently placed it on the ground, and slowly raised his hands.

"Tie him up! Take him away!"

Wu Wanli's voice was icy cold and completely flat, as if he had just caught a tiny, insignificant bug.

He didn't even glance at the unconscious Kaiser on the ground, then turned and stepped out of the tank wreckage.

Outside, the battle was nearing its end.

Without unified command, the remaining US and South Korean troops were completely crushed, both mentally and physically, under the onslaught of the steel torrent.

Soldiers from the 9th Army and the 8th Army, with their gleaming bayonets, were clearing out the last remaining points of resistance.

"Reporting to Commander-in-Chief! The main battle is over! We are now gathering prisoners!"
Preliminary counts indicate that over 4,000 enemy soldiers were killed or wounded, and over 1,800 were captured. Major officers, including the commander of the US 2nd Infantry Division, Kaiser, were also captured.
Our troops are currently mopping up the remaining enemy forces!

Gao Daxing, his face stained with blood and gunpowder, ran over excitedly to report.

"here you go!"

Wu Wanli nodded, looking around at the land that had been completely ravaged by war.

The fortified hill was charred black, thick smoke billowed from the Gangneung port area, and the burning wreckage of warships could be vaguely seen on the sea.

The victory came at a heavy price; the Seventh Steel Brigade, the New Eighth Army, and the Ninth Army were all badly wounded.

Exhausted soldiers sat down beside their fallen comrades or on the scorched earth, their eyes revealing the numbness and deep weariness of the battle.

"Quickly clear the battlefield, evacuate the seriously wounded immediately! Treat the lightly wounded on the spot!"
The prisoners were to be gathered together and held in custody, then handed over to the arriving Korean People's Army troops! Tell the comrades…

He raised his voice, with an undeniable force.

"We have made history by taking Gangneung and annihilating the US 2nd Division and the 7th Fleet! But the battle is far from over!"

Just then, Political Commissar Liu Hanqing, carrying several telegrams, strode through the billowing smoke and headed straight for Wu Wanli.

"Wanli! Great news! Incredibly great news!"

Liu Hanqing's voice trembled slightly with excitement as he handed the telegram to Wu Wanli.

"Urgent telegram from the headquarters! The commander-in-chief and Chief Chen are personally inquiring about this! The people of our motherland are giving us their full support!"

Wu Wanli quickly took the telegram, his eyes scanning the text with lightning speed.

The telegram was clear and unambiguous:

"...The great victory at Jiangling shocked the world!"

Your troops are loyal and brave, the pillars of the nation!
The following order is hereby issued: 1. The Logistics Command is hereby ordered to immediately change the route of the 5,000 combat backbone and elite soldiers originally scheduled to be replenished to the western front and transfer them to the Jiangling front line at full speed, giving priority to replenishing the Seventh Steel Corps!

Second, we have coordinated with North Korea to have 6,000 elite soldiers from the People's Army be transferred from nearby areas to supplement the New Eighth Army and the Ninth Army!

Third, under the personal supervision of Minister Hong of the Logistics Department of the General Headquarters, all kinds of weapons, ammunition, medicines and supplies are being continuously transported to the front line!

I hope your department will continue its efforts and live up to the great trust placed in you by the people of the motherland! Respectfully submitted, General Headquarters.

A surge of scalding heat instantly coursed through Wu Wanli's limbs and bones!

Elite troops!

Moreover, a full five thousand combat veterans were given priority to replenish his decimated Steel Seventh Brigade!

In addition, North Korea has replenished the ranks of the New Eighth Army and the Ninth Army!

This will directly revitalize the entire Jiangling war zone!
The Chinese Communist Party and the people of the motherland provided the most timely and powerful support during the most difficult time!
This is not just a supplement, but a huge trust and a heavy expectation!

"Very good!

Comrades!
Did you all hear that?
Our motherland has not forgotten us!

Shiji is giving us his full support!
Five thousand elite reinforcements were given priority to our Steel Seventh Brigade!

The North Korean comrades also transferred elite troops to supplement the New Eighth Army and the Ninth Army!

Food, ammunition, and medicine are all on their way!

Wu Wanli looked at the soldiers and said loudly.

The soldiers, who were originally exhausted, suddenly had bright eyes, like embers being lit, and their backs straightened unconsciously.

"Give me the order!
All units immediately cleaned up the battlefield and took stock of the battle losses!
Seriously injured patients will be transferred to other hospitals, while lightly injured patients will receive centralized care.
All soldiers who can still move, get cooking and have a hot meal so you can rest and recuperate!
Once our fresh blood arrives, a new and tough battle will be right in front of us!

"Now that we've eaten our fill and rested our spirits, we have something big planned!"

As Wu Wanli spoke, he deliberately emphasized the words "major move," his sharp eyes sweeping over the crowd.

"Yes, Commander!"

The surrounding commanders responded with a resounding roar, their fatigue vanishing and replaced by high morale.

The order was quickly relayed, and the once silent battlefield gradually came alive with the clatter of pots and pans and the rare, relaxed sounds of conversation.

The aroma of food began to gradually dispel the smell of blood and gunpowder.

Commanders Quan Douguang and Lin Zhengshun strode over almost simultaneously.

Quan Douguang, even more impatient, wiped the soot off his face and grinned, "Commander Wu, once the troops arrive, we're going to have another big operation."
Our New Eighth Army, from top to bottom, will face any danger, without hesitation!

"I'll shoot wherever you point!"

Lin Zhengshun nodded vigorously, his eyes resolute, and said, "Commander Wu, you are the sword in your hand! The 30,000 soldiers of the Ninth Army are your sword!"

"Where do you want to attack? Just say the word, and I, Lin Zhengshun, and all my comrades in the army will absolutely cooperate without hesitation!"

Wu Wanli looked at his two comrades who had fought valiantly together and won the great victory at Jiangling, and nodded heavily.

He didn't answer immediately, but instead closed his eyes slightly.

In my mind, the mysterious and precise "Sky Eye Map" unfolded instantly, crystal clear.

A vast battlefield situation map emerged.

On the western front, enemy and friendly forces were intertwined, and the battle lines were locked in a stalemate, marked by red marks representing fierce fighting.

On the eastern front, the huge red arrow representing Li Yunlong's assault group is irresistibly thrusting straight into Gapyeong from the direction of Chuncheon!

After Gapyeong, the enormous goal—Seoul—was clearly in sight!

The tough nuts to crack on the western front seemed to be broken by Li Yunlong's "Bright Sword" spirit, cleaving them in two from the eastern front, from the direction of Jiaping!

His gaze lingered for a moment, unconsciously, on the point representing Chuncheon.

The blue dots representing the garrison forces were pitifully sparse, forming a stark contrast with the surrounding surging red arrows.

Suddenly, Wu Wanli asked a seemingly abrupt question: "What's the situation in Chuncheon right now? How many troops are stationed there?"

Liu Hanqing was slightly taken aback, but then he reacted and quickly reported the situation: "We just received news that Commander Li Yunlong has deployed all his main forces and is fighting very fiercely!"
The 1st New Marine Division abandoned Chuncheon and retreated towards Gapyeong shortly after our general offensive began!
Now, only one heavily wounded infantry regiment of our army remains in Chuncheon.

Commander Li Yunlong didn't stay in Chuncheon for long at all. His hundreds of thousands of troops were chasing the retreating main force of the US military and were heading straight for Gapyeong, the strategic junction between the eastern and western fronts!
He declared that he would fight a decisive battle in Gapyeong, and then launch a direct and fierce attack on Seoul from the eastern flank!
He also said in the telegram, "The tough nuts to crack on the Western Front, I'll crack them myself!"

Liu Hanqing's tone was filled with admiration for Li Yunlong's soaring heroic spirit.

"If that's the case, Chuncheon will soon be gone."

Let the soldiers rest well; retaking Chuncheon will be our first battle.

If I'm not mistaken, we're facing the 1st Cavalry Division, which is even tougher to deal with than the US 2nd Infantry Division.

Upon hearing this, Wu Wanli sighed and said.

These words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, causing everyone to pause in surprise.

Chuncheon was already far behind our Eastern Front Group, so how could it suddenly be gone?
Doubt and confusion were clearly written on everyone's faces, but they remained silent for only a few seconds.

Quan Douguang's initial doubt turned into determination: "Commander Wu, if you say we'll attack Chuncheon, then we'll attack Chuncheon!"

"We, the new Eighth Army, guarantee to be the first to charge in!"

Lin Zhengshun immediately straightened his chest and said, "The Ninth Army will resolutely obey orders!"

"You say where to attack, and we'll attack there. Chuncheon it is!"

"it is good!

All departments should take this time to rest and recuperate!

Once the reinforcements and supplies arrive, we will set off immediately!
Target—Chuncheon! Act fast!

If Commander Li Yunlong wants to go to Jiaping to tackle a tough challenge, then we'll go and thoroughly clean up the mess behind him!

"We must firmly grasp the retreat route of the more than 100,000 elite troops of the Eastern Front Assault Group!"

Wu Wanli clenched his fists, his gaze resolute.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, all the commanders and soldiers responded in unison.

(End of this chapter)