Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 376 Chief Wu is attacking Seoul, the capital of the puppet state of South Korea. We, the direct descendants of Steel Seven, must lend a hand!
Chuncheon Castle, inside the headquarters of the U.S. 1st Cavalry Division

"General, in recent days, the harassment activities around Chuncheon have significantly decreased."

The intensity of the North Korean forces' offensive was much lower than before, and the main force of the "Steel Seventh Brigade" seemed to have disappeared.

There were only sporadic reconnaissance missions and small-scale probes. This was highly unusual.

Chief of Staff Johnson of the 1st Cavalry Division put down his pencil, rubbed his throbbing temples, and looked at Division Commander Freeman, who was sitting in the main seat.

Edward, the deputy division commander sitting to Freeman's right, snorted and interjected, "Disappear?"
I think they're plotting something even worse!
That Wu Wanli is as cunning as a fox.

His main force is nowhere to be seen, he must be plotting some shady business!

What on earth does he want to do?
Are they just going to keep stalling us like this?

Edward's words struck a nerve with Freeman's doubts.

Freeman took off his cigar, exhaled a thick cloud of smoke, and frowned: "Johnson, you're right, this is indeed unusual."

Wu Wanli's long period of dormancy was certainly not due to fear or inability to attack.

Perhaps he's waiting for the right moment, a moment he believes will cause us the most damage.

But the question is, when is the right time?
What is his goal?
Does he really think that such a small harassment will throw us into disarray and create an opportunity for him to launch an attack?

Freeman turned to the group of staff officers sitting around the long table: "Gentlemen, what are your thoughts?"

Where exactly are Wu Wanli and the main force of his "Steel Seventh Brigade"?
What are they planning to do next?

The brief silence in the command center was broken.

The intelligence officer spoke first: "General, according to our aerial reconnaissance and ground agents' reports, there is indeed no indication of the main force of the 'Steel Seventh Brigade' gathering in the vast area east and north of Chuncheon."

They appear to have broken up into smaller groups and scattered throughout the mountains.

I believe their strategy is to continuously harass and wage psychological warfare, trying to exhaust and relax us, and lure us away from the strong defenses of Chuncheon into the complex terrain that is advantageous to them for a decisive battle.

We just need to remain vigilant, rely on our fortifications, and continue to wait.

Time is on our side; their supply lines are longer, and the pressure is greater.

The operations staff then added, "I agree with the intelligence staff's analysis."

Wu Wanli suffered significant losses after the Battle of Jiangling. Although he was replenished, the new recruits needed time to integrate and the combat effectiveness would take time to recover.

His choice to lie low may be partly to regroup, and partly to wait for us to make mistakes.

As long as we remain calm and do not leave Chuncheon as a strategic foothold, he will have no opportunity to take advantage of us.

He will eventually have to attack Chuncheon, or break out from there, otherwise his main force will not be able to join forces with the Chinese army on the western front.

"Let's continue to wait; taking advantage of the situation and waiting for them to tire themselves out is the best option."

The logistics staff expressed a similar view: "General, our supply lines are relatively safe and our reserves are sufficient."

According to intelligence, the Chinese army's eastern assault group is engaged in fierce fighting in Gaping and is under tremendous logistical pressure.

As Wu Wanli's troops penetrated deep behind enemy lines, their supply situation only worsened.

A protracted war would be disadvantageous for them.

I believe they will eventually be unable to restrain themselves and will take the initiative to attack Chuncheon.

We simply need to strengthen our defenses and prepare to meet the enemy.

Other staff officers echoed this sentiment, with a strong consensus on the core idea: Wu Wanli was engaging in psychological warfare, attempting to lure the enemy.

Chuncheon is the key to locking down the Chinese army's throat on the eastern front, and Wu Wanli cannot bypass it.

The U.S. military should rely on strong city defenses, wait patiently, and respond to any changes by remaining unchanged.

Freeman listened to his staff's analysis, but his unease did not lessen; on the contrary, it intensified.

Deputy Division Commander Edward paced back and forth impatiently, saying, "Wait? Keep waiting?"

You make it sound so easy!

Wu Wanli is a cunning fellow; who knows if he's up to some kind of deception again?
His main force disappeared this time, he's definitely up to no good!

I feel like something's not right!

Just as an atmosphere of anxious waiting filled the command center, the door was suddenly kicked open.

Lieutenant Colonel Williams, deputy chief of staff of the 1st Cavalry Division, rushed in, panting heavily, his face pale, clutching a newly translated telegram tightly in his hand.

"General! Urgent military news! Kaping... Kaping has fallen!"

Williams, panting heavily, shouted.

"what?!"

The command center fell silent instantly, and all eyes were on Williams.

Freeman stood up abruptly, Edward stopped in his tracks, and Chief of Staff Johnson looked grave.

Williams took a deep breath and quickly reported: "Just received an urgent telegram from the front!"

Li Yunlong, commander of the Chinese Eastern Front Assault Group, concentrated all his forces and launched a general offensive against Jiaping!

The 1st Marine Division... The 1st Marine Division couldn't hold out!
Commander Iverson led his remaining troops in a breakout from the west gate, retreating towards Qingping Canyon!

The news came like a bolt from the blue, leaving everyone in the command center stunned.

Jiaping, the thorn in Li Yunlong's side that was expected to be used to trap and cripple the group, has actually been removed?

The New Marine Division 1 is the elite of the elite!
However, Williams' shock didn't stop there. He then dropped an even more unbelievable bombshell: "There's something even worse!"

Just as the remnants of the 1st Marine Division were retreating towards Qingping Canyon, and the US 7th Division sent an advance regiment to meet them, Wu Wanli suddenly appeared in Qingping Canyon with the 7th Steel Brigade!
They set up an ambush, and the vanguard regiment of the US 7th Division... an entire reinforced regiment, more than three thousand elite troops, were completely annihilated in the canyon!
Colonel Harris, the regimental commander, has been killed in action!

"what?!"

"This is impossible!"

"Qingping Canyon? How could Wu Wanli be there?!"

"Shouldn't he be on the outskirts of Chuncheon?"

The command center erupted in chaos, filled with exclamations and questions.

The faces of the U.S. military staff were filled with shock and disbelief.

Freeman felt a chill run from his feet to his head. He stared intently at Williams: "Say it again! Wu Wanli is in Qingping Canyon?"

Did they annihilate the vanguard regiment of the US 7th Division?
What about his main force?

Where exactly are we now?

Williams' voice trembled slightly, but remained exceptionally clear: "Yes, General! Confirmed!"
Wu Wanli's troops ambushed and annihilated the vanguard regiment of the US 7th Division in Qingping Gorge.

According to the latest intelligence, after completing the battle of Qingping Gorge, Wu Wanli and Li Yunlong's troops did not head north or east to try to break through the Chuncheon Pass as we had expected!

They...they joined forces and are rushing towards Seoul at full speed!

The target is Seoul!

"Seoul?!"

This word exploded like a bombshell in the command center.

Freeman, Edward, Johnson, and all the staff officers froze on the spot, their faces filled with extreme shock and bewilderment.

Deputy Division Commander Edward was the first to shout. He rushed to the map and pointed heavily at Chuncheon: "This...this is impossible!"
Seoul is in the southwest!
They were heading to Seoul, and Chuncheon was the only way through!

How could they possibly bypass Chuncheon?

Unless they grow wings and fly over there!
or……"

He suddenly stopped, a terrible thought flashing through his mind.

Chief of Staff Johnson looked puzzled and muttered, "Chuncheon is stuck on a major transportation route."

With so many men under Wu Wanli, there was absolutely no way they could slip past us unnoticed!
That doesn't make sense!
Unless... unless the force that ambushed the vanguard of the US 7th Division in Qingping Canyon was not Wu Wanli's entire main force?

Major General Freeman's face was terribly grim. He shoved Edward, who was blocking his way, and practically threw himself onto the huge battle map.

His gaze swept rapidly across Chuncheon, Gapyeong, Cheongpyeong Valley, and Seoul, his fingers moving and gesturing quickly across the map.

His brain was working at an unprecedented speed, frantically piecing together all the scattered pieces of intelligence from the past few days in his mind.

Time seems to have frozen.

The command post was completely silent; everyone held their breath and watched their division commander with bated breath.

Sweat beaded on Freeman's forehead, trickled down his cheeks, and dripped onto the map.

Suddenly, Freeman's finger stopped abruptly at a point on the east coast of the map—Gangneung Port!

His pupils suddenly contracted, and a clear and terrifying truth cleaved through the fog in his mind like lightning!
"Damn it! We've all been tricked by him! Completely tricked!"

Freeman suddenly sat up straight and slammed his fist into the location of Jiangling Port on the map, making a dull thud.

He turned around, his eyes burning with the anger of being fooled and a hint of belated shock, his voice hoarse with excitement: "Wu Wanli didn't leave all his main forces outside Chuncheon to wear us down!"
He pulled off a clever escape!
He left a small force to continue harassing the outskirts of Chuncheon, and may even have made a commotion in Hakuinri to attract our attention!
His real main force—the Seventh Steel Brigade and the New Eighth Army—had already boarded ships at Jiangling Port long ago!
They used the navy and the transport ships captured after defeating the Seventh Fleet to bypass our heavily fortified Chuncheon by sea!

They landed directly near Gaping and then quickly moved to Qingping Gorge to ambush the enemy!

Now, they have joined forces with Li Yunlong and are going to attack Seoul!

This madman!

His real goal was never Chuncheon, nor was it breaking through the siege; it was Seoul!
It's the UN forces' headquarters!

Freeman's analysis was like a thunderclap, exploding in the command center.

The staff officers looked at each other, their faces drained of color.

Naval maneuver! Bypass Chuncheon! Head straight for Seoul!

This audacious, almost insane plan was actually realized by Wu Wanli!

They thought they had their opponent firmly in control, but they never expected that their opponent would deliver a fatal blow from an unexpected direction!
"Oh, God……"

Chief of Staff Johnson gasped.

He finally understood why the main force of the "Steel Seventh Brigade" had "disappeared" and why Wu Wanli could suddenly appear in Qingping Canyon, hundreds of kilometers away.

The audacity and stealth of this tactic are truly chilling.

Deputy Division Commander Edward was trembling with rage, gritting his teeth as he cursed, "That cunning yellow monkey! That damned Wu Wanli! How dare he... how dare he..."

Just then, Deputy Chief of Staff Williams spoke again, his voice even more urgent: "General! And another thing! General Ridgway has sent an urgent telegram!"

As soon as he said this, everyone's attention was once again focused on him.

Williams quickly read aloud: "General Ridgway orders the 1st Cavalry Division in the Chuncheon direction to immediately assemble all available forces and rush to Seoul at the fastest speed, at all costs!"

Seoul is facing a direct threat from Li Yunlong and Wu Wanli's troops!

The general is determined to amass a large force outside Seoul and annihilate this elite group of Chinese troops in one fell swoop!
This order is extremely urgent and must not be made incorrectly!

Ridgway's order was like adding fuel to the fire; Major General Freeman's last trace of hesitation and shock was replaced by a raging fire of anger.

He felt that his authority and the honor of the 1st Cavalry Division had been trampled underfoot by Wu Wanli.

His meticulously constructed Chuncheon defense line has become a joke that the enemy can easily bypass!
"asshole!
Assemble! Assemble immediately!
Order! All combat units in the city, including the divisional guard battalion, artillery battalion, and engineer battalion, and all those who can pick up a gun, assemble immediately at the South Square!
Discard all unnecessary supplies and carry only weapons, ammunition, and three days' rations!
We must get to Hakugakure as quickly as possible and rendezvous with the 8th Cavalry Regiment there!
Edward, you personally contact the 8th Cavalry Regiment and tell him to hold Baekinri. Once we arrive, the entire division will immediately turn around and rush to Seoul at full speed!
If General Ridgway wants to deal with them there, then we'll go to Seoul!
I want to personally twist the heads off Wu Wanli and Li Yunlong!

Let these arrogant Chinese know the price of provoking the 1st Cavalry Division!

Action! Immediately!

Freeman could no longer contain his rage. He slammed his fist on the heavy oak table and roared.

"Yes! General!"

Deputy Division Commander Brigadier General Edward was the first to straighten up and loudly obey the order, his eyes also burning with the flames of revenge.

"As you command, General!"

Chief of Staff Colonel Johnson immediately turned around and began issuing specific assembly and marching orders to the operations staff.

"Yes! General!"

Deputy Chief of Staff Williams and all the other staff officers echoed in unison, and the command post was instantly enveloped in a tense, solemn, and spirited atmosphere.

The shock and confusion from before were thrown to the back of their minds, replaced by a fierce anger and an urge to avenge themselves.

The U.S. Army communications officer grabbed the phone and started yelling, and the messenger rushed out.

The entire 1st Cavalry Division command headquarters sprang into action like a war machine whose start button had been suddenly pressed.

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

Meanwhile, at the new ambush site in Shirogane Valley

Successfully standing behind a partially collapsed bunker, he sharply scanned the road below.

Behind him were hundreds of veterans from the Seventh Steel Brigade.

They silently inspected the weapons and ammunition, their movements swift and precise, their eyes revealing a composure forged in the crucible of war.

In addition, there are more than 10,000 soldiers from the remnants of the North Korean Ninth Army, which have just been reorganized and are scattered in various places.

Many of them had torn uniforms and their faces still bore the shock and exhaustion of the crushing defeat at Chuncheon.

The veterans of the Seventh Steel Brigade have been successfully dispersed and are ready to be placed in the battalion, company, and platoon levels of the North Korean Army as command backbone.

The veterans were quietly instructing the North Korean soldiers around them on the key points of the ambush, the deployment of firepower, and the retreat signals, trying their best to boost the morale of this low-spirited unit.

Lim Jung-soon, the commander of the North Korean Army, walked to Chenggong's side. This general, who had almost died in battle at Chuncheon, still had a deep worry between his brows.

He looked at Chenggong's young yet resolute profile, then glanced at the demoralized soldiers in the canyon, and finally couldn't help but speak up: "Comrade Chenggong, these brothers have just retreated from Chuncheon, and their morale hasn't recovered yet."

Let them ambush Freeman's main cavalry division...

That was the ace of the US military, with fierce firepower and extremely fast reaction.

Can we really manage to chew it up?

just in case……"

Chenggong did not answer immediately. He picked up his binoculars and checked the pre-set firing points and minefields on both sides of the canyon once again.

He put down his binoculars and turned to Lin Zhengshun, his tone calm but carrying an undeniable authority: "Commander Lin, Commander Wu's orders are very clear."

We don't need to annihilate the entire cavalry division here, nor do we need to win a major victory.

Our mission is simple: to give them a good beating when they enter the canyon unprepared!
Weaken their manpower and break their morale with artillery fire and bullets.

More importantly, it delays their arrival in Seoul!
Look at the terrain of Shirogane Valley; it's narrow at both ends and wide in the middle, like a pocket.

Freeman was in a hurry to go to Seoul to meet up with Ridgway. He never dreamed that although our main force had left, we would still prepare a 'generous gift' for him here.

He assumed that we only had a few scattered harassing troops left, and that our vigilance would be low.

We must strike him hard before he can react, and deliver the most powerful blow!
Remember, once the 8th Cavalry Regiment from the direction of Hakuin-ri arrives to provide support, we will immediately retreat along the predetermined route and will not linger in battle!
If we can keep Freeman here for half a day, that's a victory!

Besides, even without orders, if Chief Wu wants to attack Seoul, we, as the core members of Steel Seven, must lend a hand!

Looking at the calmness and decisiveness in Chenggong's eyes, and recalling Wu Wanli's trust and instructions to Chenggong before his departure, Lin Zhengshun's doubts lessened slightly.

He nodded vigorously: "Understood!"

Comrade Chenggong, all officers and soldiers of the 9th Army of Chaozhou, resolutely carry out the orders of Commander-in-Chief Wu Kaka!

Even if it means fighting to the last man, we'll keep Freeman here!

……

Soon, time ticked away in the tense wait.

The air in the canyon seemed to freeze, with only the suppressed breathing of the soldiers and the occasional soft clinking of weapons.

The veterans of the Seventh Steel Brigade remained steadfast in their command positions, like nails driven into the ground.

They reassured the tense North Korean soldiers around them with their eyes and gestures, conveying a silent belief.

Suddenly, the faint roar of an engine came from the direction of the canyon entrance, growing louder and louder as it approached.

Immediately afterwards, a cloud of dust rose at the mouth of the canyon. Through the binoculars, the steel torrent of the US military appeared.

Leading the way were several M24 Chaffee light tanks, their tracks kicking up dust, and the machine guns on their turrets turning alertly.

Following closely behind was a long convoy of M35 10-wheel trucks and jeeps loaded with infantry, as well as trucks towing 105mm howitzers.

Most of the American soldiers were holding their guns, looking relaxed, and some were even dozing off against the partitions of the carriage.

Clearly, as expected, Freeman and his 1st Cavalry Division concluded that there was no longer a large force of Chinese People's Volunteer Army threatening Chuncheon.

They were focused solely on rushing to Seoul to participate in the "feast" of encircling and annihilating Li Yunlong and Wu Wanli, and their vigilance was at its lowest point.

As the tracks of the lead American tank rolled over the widest part of the canyon, Chenggong suddenly raised his signal flare.

"Boom-bang!"

A bright red signal flare, trailing a long plume of flame, shot shrieked into the sky above the canyon, exploding into a blinding red light against the gray-blue sky!

"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The meticulously prepared mortar positions were the first to unleash their power! Dozens of 60mm and 82mm mortars roared simultaneously.

The shells, whistling with death, struck precisely at the center of the US military convoy in the middle of the canyon!

Violent explosions occurred one after another, flames soared into the sky, and thick smoke billowed!
An M35 truck full of soldiers was hit directly, instantly turning into a burning fireball, with limbs and broken weapon parts thrown high into the air! The truck towing the artillery was blown over, and the heavy gun barrel twisted and crashed to the ground!

The middle section of the entire US military marching column was instantly engulfed in flames and chaos!

"beat!"

Success's hoarse roar pierced the chaos, like a sharp sword cutting through thick smoke.

The soldiers lying in ambush on the steep cliffs on both sides immediately opened fire, their PPSh submachine guns, Mosin-Nagant rifles, and Browning light machine guns spitting out deadly flames.

A dense hail of bullets poured down like water, slamming into the American soldiers who were huddled together on the road with nowhere to hide.

The grenades traced short arcs, exploding into fireballs of blood and flesh amidst the American soldiers.

The high vantage point of fire gave each bullet a deadly penetrating power, easily tearing through the thin field uniforms and flesh of American soldiers.

Blood flowed like a river on the highway in an instant, and severed limbs mixed with twisted metal fragments covered the scorched earth.

The U.S. forward forces were completely paralyzed, and the command system was disrupted.

The surviving American soldiers huddled in terror among the wreckage of vehicles or in the crevices of rocks, futilely firing blindly at the indistinct outline of the cliffs.

However, this was only the beginning of the storm.

The 1st Cavalry Division, an elite US Army unit that prides itself on being a "founding father division," is renowned for its tenacity and ferocity.

The initial chaos and heavy casualties did not completely destroy their fighting spirit.

On the armored vehicles and troop carriers that had not yet been affected, U.S. junior officers and veterans displayed a chilling level of battlefield discipline.

"Hold on! Establish a defensive line!"

Machine gun crew, find a high vantage point!
Mortars, immediately mark the enemy's firing positions!

An officer wearing the rank of captain got up from beside the overturned jeep and roared in an unusually calm voice.

While firing his M1 carbine at the suspicious flashes of light on the cliff, he loudly directed the terrified soldiers around him.

His presence as a veteran officer was like a pillar of strength, quickly giving the panicked soldiers nearby a sense of security.

More American soldiers recovered from the initial shock.

Using the still-intact truck chassis, the massive rock ridges, and even the corpses of their comrades, they quickly established rudimentary but effective circular defensive points.

The Browning M1919A4 heavy machine gun was set up by the soldiers working together, its heavy body pressing down on the makeshift sandbags or rocks, the long ammunition belt rattling loudly.

The American gunner's eyes were fierce as he stared intently at the spot on the cliff face where gunfire was flashing. He pulled the trigger, and bullets sprayed like water onto the steep cliff, sending rock fragments flying and temporarily suppressing the exposed firing point.

Mortar platoon!
Target: the cliff promontory to the left front, 300 yards away. Three rapid-fire shots!

An artillery observer, lying prone behind a boulder, quickly locked onto the location of a machine gun position of the 7th Steel Brigade through binoculars and roared into the walkie-talkie.

On the highway behind, 60mm and 81mm mortar teams from the U.S. 1st Cavalry Division deployed at an astonishing speed.

The American gunners moved with practiced skill, quickly adjusting the barrel angle based on the rough parameters reported by the observers, while the loaders inserted the greased shells into the muzzle.

"Tum! Tum! Tum!"

The muffled sounds of firing rang out one after another, and the shells pierced the sky with their distinctive whistling.

Seconds later, it exploded violently above the cliff where the troops were hiding!

Although the accuracy was limited by the smoke and terrain and it failed to directly destroy the target, the huge shock wave and flying shrapnel from the explosion still caused a delay in the firing from that firing point.

Meanwhile, in the relatively open area at the canyon entrance
Several M24 Chaffee light tanks and M20 armored vehicles that had narrowly escaped the first wave of attacks began to awkwardly adjust their posture with a muffled roar from their engines.

The turret slowly rotated, and the dark muzzles of the 75mm tank gun and the vehicle-mounted machine gun began to point at the area with the most concentrated firepower on the cliffs on both sides.

US tank gunners nervously searched for targets through periscopes, and once they spotted a location continuously spitting fire, they opened fire without hesitation!
The deafening roar of the artillery was deafening. High-explosive shells blasted huge gaps in the mountainside, and debris rained down, posing a huge threat to the ambush troops.

Deep in the canyon, Major General Freeman's command vehicle, commander of the 1st Cavalry Division, was blocked at a relatively rear position.

The explosions and intense gunfire ahead were clearly audible, and the walkie-talkies were filled with chaotic and urgent reports, calls for help, and curses from various units.

Freeman's face was so dark it seemed to drip water, and his eyes burned with furious rage.

But as the head of a division, he forcibly suppressed the urge to rush to the front line, his brain working at high speed in extreme anger.

"Report casualties!"
Signalman, immediately connect me to all available units!

Order the vanguard to hold their ground at all costs!
Order the engineer company to blow up the tank wreckage blocking the way!
Artillery, provide cover fire to the ambush area for my captain!
"Slam all the shells onto those damn cliffs!"

Freeman shouted clearly into the walkie-talkie.

"Roger! Cover and fire on the enemy ambush area!"

All gun positions, fire rapidly!

The US artillery battalion commander on the other end of the walkie-talkie responded without hesitation.

A moment later, an even more muffled and terrifying roar came from behind the canyon!
The howitzer group of the 1st Cavalry Division roared!

Shells rained down on the ridges and cliffs on both sides of the White Hidden Valley like hailstones, with huge explosions occurring one after another.

In an instant, flames soared into the sky, thick smoke billowed, and the entire cliff trembled violently from the explosion.

Large chunks of rock were blasted to pieces, rolling down with mud and smoke.

This indiscriminate firepower, while unable to precisely kill well-hidden ambush soldiers, is still effective.

However, its terrifying power and the chaos it created greatly suppressed the firepower output of the 7th Steel Brigade, giving the American infantry on the road time to regroup.

Freeman didn't stop; he immediately connected to the Air Force support channel and shouted, "Air Force!"
A large-scale ambush has been launched at Shirogane Valley!
Coordinates...repeated coordinates...!
Requesting immediate air support!

Repeat, immediately!
"Use rockets and napalm to burn down both sides of those cliffs! Quickly!"

"receive!
Coordinates confirmed.

The nearest air force squadron will arrive in minutes!

Hang in there!

Soon, a calm response came over the radio from the US Air Force commander.

Almost at the same time as calling for air support, Freeman thought of the nearest available force—the 8th Cavalry Regiment stationed in Shirogane-ri Town.

"Contact Hakuinri immediately! Find Colonel Holmes!"

He yelled at the communications soldier.

The walkie-talkie connected quickly, and Holmes' slightly tense voice came through: "General! We've heard intense fighting in Shirogane! Do we need reinforcements?"

"Holmes! Listen!"

Our unit was ambushed by the enemy's main force at the "Gourd Pass" of the White Hidden Valley! We suffered heavy losses!

I command you, the entire 8th Cavalry Regiment, to rush to the aid of the canyon at top speed!

Drop all unnecessary baggage and come at full speed!
Arrive within twenty minutes, or face military law!

Freeman immediately gave the order.

"Yes, General!"

The 8th Cavalry Regiment is to depart immediately!

Colonel Holmes readily agreed.

With Freeman issuing his orders, the American troops in the canyon, who were on the verge of collapse, were given a much-needed boost.

Led by U.S. military officers and veterans, they used this brief respite to quickly complete the initial defensive reorganization.

Using the wreckage of armored vehicles, natural rock formations, and tunnels cleared by engineers, the U.S. 1st Cavalry Division established increasingly threatening firing positions.

The Browning heavy machine guns fired continuously, creating a crossfire, while the mortars, with corrections from the observers, became increasingly accurate, putting constant pressure on the ambush positions on the cliff.

Several Chaffee tanks and armored vehicles used their armor and firepower to slowly advance, attempting to clear a path for the infantry.

The pressure on the cliffs on both sides of the canyon increased sharply.

Although the veterans of the Seventh Steel Brigade were experienced in combat and had a strong will, they were able to lead and command the soldiers of the Ninth Army.

However, under the powerful counterattack of the US military's integrated air and ground forces and combined infantry and artillery fire, casualties began to increase inevitably.

Shells whistled past and exploded nearby, the scorching blast and deadly shrapnel penetrating everywhere.

The machine gunner was knocked down by a precise mortar shell while shifting positions, and the submachine gunner was hit by a heavy machine gun bullet fired from below while leaning out to fire.

Blood stained the rocks beneath them, and the muffled groans and suppressed cries of pain from the wounded could be faintly heard between bursts of gunfire.

Successfully, he lay prone behind a huge rock, his sharp eyes peering through the billowing smoke as he intently watched the orderly counterattack of the American troops on the road below.

He could clearly sense the subtle changes in the battlefield situation. The US military had ended the chaos, and its firepower density and accuracy were rapidly increasing, with its counterattack becoming increasingly fierce.

"The American artillery fire is too intense! The heavy machine gun of the third squad was blown off! Old Wu and the others..."

A soldier from the Seventh Steel Brigade, his face covered in soot, crawled to Chenggong's side, his voice filled with grief and anxiety.

Chenggong didn't turn around; he simply raised his hand to signal him to be quiet.

He listened intently to another sound coming from the air.

That was a distant, muffled rumble, different from our own artillery fire, coming from the direction of the canyon entrance; it was the US divisional heavy artillery continuously unleashing its power.

At the same time, he also caught the urgent report from the rear sentry over the walkie-talkie: "Report!"
A large number of US troops have been spotted in the direction of Hakugakure, rapidly approaching the canyon!

The distance is about three kilometers, and the speed is very fast!

Time! The most crucial time!
Success's pupils contracted sharply as he quickly scanned the battlefield: although the soldiers of the North Korean Army were also firing hard, their firepower was clearly weaker than that of the American troops.

Moreover, most of the soldiers' faces showed fear and exhaustion, clearly indicating that the shadow of the disastrous defeat in Chuncheon had not yet dissipated.

Faced with increasingly fierce counterattacks from the US military, their lines have shown signs of instability.

No more fighting!
The main force behind the ambush was the 9th Army of North Korea, not the 7th Steel Brigade; they couldn't possibly fight the US military head-on!

The element of surprise in the ambush has been lost; continuing to fight head-on will only result in the loss of all our precious troops in this narrow canyon.

Once the reinforcements from Hakuinri arrive, forming a pincer attack, it will be a true catastrophe!
Successfully turned his head sharply and looked at Lin Zhengshun, the commander of the 9th Army of the Republic of Korea, who was also lying in a bunker not far away with a livid face.

Their eyes met in mid-air, and they both understood the determination in each other's eyes.

"Commander Lin! The American forces have reacted!"

The firepower is too intense! Reinforcements from Hakuinri are on their way!
We must evacuate! Evacuate immediately!

The sound of success came through the explosion.

Lin Zhengshun watched the increasingly organized counterattack of the American troops on the highway below, and saw his own soldiers falling one after another. Recalling the tragic scene of corpses strewn across Chuncheon, a chill rose from the bottom of his heart.

Without hesitation, he nodded emphatically: "Okay! Retreat! How to retreat? You take command!"

"You are one of Commander Wu's men; our Ninth Army will definitely cooperate fully!"

A hint of admiration flashed in Chenggong's eyes; at this crucial moment, the North Korean general did not hesitate.

"Artillery, target, canyon entrance road, US troop concentration area!"

All mortars, fire rapidly! Use up all the shells!
Bomb them with your asses and cover the retreat of the troops!

Xu Mumu, along with comrades from the Seventh Steel Brigade and a portion of the Ninth Army, was responsible for covering the rear!

Relying on existing positions, provide alternating cover!
Wait until our main force retreats to the ridge before you retreat!

Be quick!

Attention all other personnel, cease attacking!

Check the ammunition, and take the wounded and the fallen!
Retreat to Hill 2 in squads, providing alternating cover!

"Hurry! Hurry!"

He successfully picked up the walkie-talkie and shouted the order.

Soon, the order spread rapidly throughout the ambush site like ripples.

The veterans of the Seventh Steel Brigade demonstrated amazing tactical skills and execution.

The intense gunfire subsided instantly.

The machine gunner quickly disassembled the barrel and bipod, while the rifleman deftly holstered his bayonet and stuffed the empty magazine back into the ammunition pouch.

The medics and nearby soldiers braved the flying bullets and rushed toward their fallen comrades.

The soldiers of the Seventh Steel Brigade operated like precise gears, working efficiently under the threat of death.

Using rocks, craters, and remaining fortifications, they formed temporary fire networks to cover their comrades and North Korean soldiers as they retreated to higher ridges.

Under the leadership and command of the veterans of the Seventh Steel Brigade, the soldiers of the 9th Army gradually calmed down from their panic and began to retreat in an organized manner.

Just as the troops began to withdraw, the mortar positions roared in their final fury!

All remaining 60mm and 82mm mortars unleashed their remaining shells at top speed!

Shells rained down on the American troops and vehicles that were gathering at the entrance to the canyon and attempting to advance.

The violent explosions temporarily halted the American offensive, and the rising smoke and dust provided valuable cover for the retreating troops.

"They're retreating! Those yellow-skinned monkeys are trying to run away!"

The US troops on the highway below quickly noticed the unusual activity on the cliff.

U.S. officers waved their arms and shouted at their soldiers: "Charge! Don't let them escape! Suppress fire! Suppress fire!"

The US firepower instantly became even more ferocious, with bullets sweeping across the retreating Chinese People's Volunteer Army and North Korean Army soldiers like a deluge.

However, the rearguard under Xu Mumu's command held their ground firmly, using precise firepower to strike any American soldiers who dared to charge forward.

Some soldiers of the Chaojiu Army also cooperated in the blocking action under Lin Zhengshun's strict orders.

Just then, the roar of engines came from the sky, growing louder as it approached!

Several F4U Corsair fighter jets, like black vultures, pierced through the low-hanging smoke clouds and appeared above the canyon!

They circled once, and the pilot, clearly receiving ground guidance, suddenly plunged the nose of the aircraft downwards!
"Enemy plane! It's diving! Take cover!"

A piercing alarm sounded from the position.

"Ugh——!"

A piercing shriek tore through the air, and sparks flashed beneath the wings of the two Corsair fighter planes.

Several 127mm high-speed air-to-ground rockets, trailing long white contrails, slammed into several Chinese People's Volunteer Army machine gun positions and mortar positions that were still firing on the cliff!

boom! boom! boom!
Violent explosions rang out one after another, flames shot into the sky, and debris flew everywhere!
A heavy machine gun position of the 7th Steel Brigade was directly hit, and the men and their guns were blown to pieces!
Another mortar team of the North Korean army was also affected, suffering heavy casualties.

The power of aerial rockets far exceeded that of ground artillery, causing new casualties and chaos to the retreating troops.

"Retreat! Don't stop!"

Cheng Gong and Lin Zhengshun shouted themselves hoarse, organizing their troops to accelerate their climb towards the higher ridgeline despite the threats from the air and ground fire.

The soldiers helped each other and dragged the wounded as they struggled up the rugged and steep hillside. People were constantly hit by stray bullets and fell, but the team as a whole did not break apart.

Freeman stood on the roof of an armored command vehicle, holding up binoculars, staring intently at the enemy figures retreating like a tide on the cliff.

He witnessed the discipline and tenacity of the enemy's retreating troops, which further convinced him that this was no ordinary North Korean guerrilla force!
He saw the devastating blow from his own air power, and he also saw the napalm fire that temporarily blocked the road.

"General! Should we pursue them?"

Deputy Division Commander Edward pointed to the mountain and asked, his tone filled with resentment.

Freeman put down his binoculars, glanced at his watch, and looked in the direction of Seoul.

Commander Ridgway's stern order to "rescue Seoul at all costs" was like a red-hot iron, searing into his heart.

Pursuit?

These cunning enemies have occupied advantageous terrain. A hasty pursuit would only cause the troops to suffer greater losses on the rugged mountain roads and waste time!
Seoul...that was the decisive battlefield!

There lies the command center of the entire UN forces, and that damned Wu Wanli and Li Yunlong!
"I'm not going to chase them anymore!"

Let the air force continue to harass their retreat!

Order the troops to clear the road immediately!
What about the engineers? Were they all dead?

Blow up those damn wrecks!
Where is the 8th Cavalry Regiment?

Freeman pondered for a moment, then said.

"Report to the General!
Colonel Holmes reports: The vanguard of the 8th Cavalry Regiment has reached the canyon entrance!

A U.S. Army communications soldier answered loudly.

"it is good!

Order Holmes to provide support for the main force to immediately cross the canyon!

The entire division discarded all unnecessary supplies, carrying only weapons and ammunition, and advanced towards Seoul at full speed!

Wu Wanli... Li Yunlong... See you in Seoul!

Freeman took a deep breath and calmly gave the order.

"Yes, sir!!!"

Upon hearing this, Chief of Staff Johnson immediately agreed.

(End of this chapter)