Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 394 Seoul Guardian: The devil of Red China is leading his brutal army toward Seoul!

At Vulture Gorge, as soon as the US Iron Hammer mixed force fully entered, Pinghe commanded the reconnaissance detachment to open fire fiercely.

Major General Allen stood on the roof of the M3 half-track command vehicle, and through his raised binoculars was a scene that tore his heart apart.

His proud "Iron Hammer" mixed force, a steel torrent of tens of thousands, was now being suppressed in this valley with steep cliffs on both sides.

As far as the eye could see, the several M4 Sherman medium tanks that had been leading the way had become burning steel graveyards.

One of the vehicles had its turret blown off by a massive internal explosion, with metal debris scattered across the road. Flames licked at the vehicle's body, creating an obstacle for following troops.

"Counter-suppression! Give me all your strength to counter-suppression!"

This is really something else! Are we really going to be suppressed by the Chinese army's firepower?

Allen gave the order angrily.

He had barely finished speaking when, on the almost vertical, steep hillside to his left...
In the shadow of several jagged boulders, at least three American-made Super Bazooka recoilless rifles were firing precisely from their elevated position.

Each time the cannon spewed flames, it was accompanied by a short, deadly thud.

The 75mm armor-piercing projectile, trailing a scorching orange-red tail flame, precisely strikes the weakest armor joints or engine compartments on the side and rear of the tank at tricky angles.

Each hit was accompanied by a deafening metallic tearing sound and a violent explosion.

The terrible state of that Sherman was the result of an armor-piercing round penetrating its rear and detonating the ammunition rack.

On the right side of the road, the slope is slightly gentler but also covered with rocks and low shrubs, and the situation is even more frightening.

The crossfire network constructed by the reconnaissance detachment there wove a true storm of death metal.

A dozen Browning M1919A4 medium machine guns, with a terrifying rate of fire of hundreds of rounds per minute.

There were also at least four Browning heavy machine guns, whose heavy, highly penetrating bullets made a "thump-thump" sound like tearing canvas.

The scorching ammunition belts lashed wildly at any American infantrymen on the road below who were trying to find cover or organize a counterattack.

The bullets struck the rocks, sending up blinding sparks and dust.

It hit the truck body, making a "thud" sound as it entered flesh and a groaning sound as metal twisted.

When it hits the sandy ground, it kicks up clouds of dust mixed with blood mist.

Allen's telescope captured a heartbreaking moment.

A squad of elite Delta Force soldiers, using the wreckage of a burning truck as makeshift cover, had just managed to mount a weak counterattack.

Several Garand rifles and a light machine gun fiercely returned fire towards the hillside firing position, attempting to create an opening for the troops behind them.

However, several mortar shells fell precisely from behind a higher ridge with a whistling sound.

With a muffled explosion, the shockwave, carrying deadly pre-fabricated shrapnel and flying debris, instantly engulfed the brave figures.

As the thick smoke dissipated, only a mess of weapon and equipment fragments remained.

The American soldiers who were firing fiercely just moments ago are now several mutilated, cold corpses.

Delta Force Chief of Staff Rooney jumped off an M3 half-track vehicle and rushed to Allen's side: "General! It's the main force of the Seventh Steel Brigade! Their firepower is incredible!"

They won one victory after another, capturing a large amount of American equipment and ammunition, which was unmatched by ordinary Chinese troops!
They completely occupied the high ground on both sides, and their firepower configuration almost perfectly replicated the standard of our most elite troops!
M1 Garand rifle, Thompson submachine gun, Browning machine gun, and even recoilless rifle!

And they used it so skillfully! Their teamwork was impeccable, and their firepower was precisely targeted and lethal!

Allen abruptly lowered his binoculars, and instead of the shock and anger Rooney had expected, his eyes suddenly flashed with an excited light!
"ambush?
very good!
I'm afraid that Wu Wanli, along with those elusive Chinese 'ghosts,' will hide and play hide-and-seek with us!

Just like the past few months, he's kept us running around like headless chickens, unable to find his main force to fight!

Now he actually dares to field his main force and confront us head-on in a place like this?!
Hahahaha... God bless!
This is the opportunity we've been dreaming of and waiting for!

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

With that, Allen turned around abruptly, his sharp gaze piercing Rooney, who was still in shock and pale-faced: "Rooney, immediately send a telegram to the command center in Seoul!"
Highest priority!

The telegram reads as follows: I, leading the Delta Force and the Iron Hammer unit of the U.S. 3rd Division Armored Infantry Regiment, have encountered the main force of the Chinese 7th Steel Brigade at Vulture Gorge!

Relying on extremely treacherous terrain and powerful all-American weaponry, the enemy put up a stubborn resistance, and the battle was exceptionally fierce!
My valiant soldiers are engaged in a decisive battle of annihilation against them!

Allen took a breath, his eyes flashing with a desperate, mad light: "To completely, quickly, and cleanly crush them and sever China's claws on the eastern front."

To prevent them from repeating their old tricks and breaking into smaller groups to move around again, this urgent application is hereby submitted.

We hope that all available fighter jets at Seoul Airport, as well as carrier-based aircraft belonging to the Pacific Fleet, can reach the combat zone as quickly as possible and take off immediately!
With maximum intensity and density, we will provide saturation and carpet-bombing air support to the Vulture Gorge area where our unit is located!

Cover the coordinate region!

Repeat, saturate air support!

There is no time to delay!

Every minute of delay could lead to the sacrifice of more heroic soldiers and further delays!

He leaned closer to Rooney, his voice low but filled with a deeper killing intent: "Add my personal words at the end of the telegram."

Tell General Ridgway that the historic moment of hunting down the Seventh Steel Brigade and beheading Wu Wanli is right now!

As soon as air support arrives, I swear on my honor and my life that I will cut off Wu Wanli's head and hang it on the gate of Seoul myself!
Let the whole world see the consequences of defying the will of the free world!

Rooney, his breath caught in his throat by the mad fire in Allen's eyes, and he hissed, "Yes, sir! I'll do it right away!"

He dared not hesitate any longer and turned around, almost lunging towards the communications vehicle.

Urgent commands, the clicking of radio buttons, and hoarse voices immediately filled the air, sending requests through radio waves towards Seoul.

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

Seoul, inside the UN Command Headquarters

The white fluorescent tubes emitted a buzzing sound as they illuminated the huge sand table in the center.

On the sand table, the blue defense line winding along the Han River and the complex street model of Seoul were covered with countless small red and blue flags.

Chief of Staff Van Fleet was holding a newspaper that still smelled of fresh ink, and was bowing slightly as he reported to Commander Ridgway, who was standing at the head of the sand table.

He deliberately put on a relaxed tone, trying to lighten the somber atmosphere: "General, regarding the defense of Seoul, given the shortage of troops to defend the city, we have just established a new organization."

The organization is called the 'Seoul Special Security Maintenance Association of the Republic of Korea'.

This was a good idea. The core group was composed of all the wounded officers and retired soldiers of the South Korean army that could be gathered in the city, as well as some educated youths from Seoul. The results were remarkable.

They have successfully mobilized a large number of Seoul citizens to participate 'voluntarily' in the construction of outer fortifications and reinforcement of fortifications.

The manpower shortage problem has now been greatly alleviated, and President Syngman Rhee expressed his high appreciation for this move.

As he spoke, he respectfully handed the brand-new newspaper to Ridgway with both hands.

The newspaper's Korean masthead prominently reads "Seoul Guardian," with a bold, eye-catching Korean headline on the front page, followed by an English translation.

"The devils of Red China are leading their ferocious army in a mad advance towards Seoul!"

Below the title is a blurred but oppressive silhouette of a soldier against a backdrop of a burning city.

Clearly, this is a deliberate attempt to create a terrifying atmosphere of impending doom and imminent danger.

Van Fleet pointed to the newspaper, his tone slightly boastful: "Look, this is their newly printed inaugural issue from the 'Seoul Newspaper Office,' very efficient."

Controlling local public opinion, creating a war atmosphere favorable to us, and inspiring the people's will to resist—this new force has done a really good job.

The title is very impactful; the term 'devil' perfectly suits Wu Wanli's image.

Ridgway took the newspaper, his gaze sweeping over the highly provocative headline. A rare upward twitch of his lips revealed a hint of approval: "Hmm."

The term 'devil' is indeed very vivid.

The newspaper was published promptly and was very necessary.

Tell the maintenance committee to intensify their efforts!
We should spread the unwavering belief that our UN forces will win, and expose the enemy's brutal nature!
The battleground of public opinion is also the front line of the battlefield; it must not be lost!

With a smile on his face, Eckerberg added at the opportune moment: "General, the maintenance committee is going to great lengths to further boost the morale of the soldiers on the front lines and the civilians in the city."

They have specially organized the restoration of a traditional theatrical troupe and would like to invite you and the officers of the headquarters to take some time to appreciate the Korean national treasure, 'Farewell My Concubine'.

It is said that the actors are all carefully selected, highly skilled renowned performers, hoping to bring the generals a moment of relaxation and enjoyment, allowing them to experience the essence of Korean culture…

Just then, a clear laugh came from the corner.

"Chief of Staff Eckelberg, you just said this is 'Korean national treasure'?"
Although I am ignorant and ill-informed, I have been well-versed in poetry and literature since childhood and have some knowledge of history.

All I know is that "Farewell My Concubine" is a tragic epic about Xiang Yu, the King of Western Chu, and his beloved concubine Yu Ji during the Battle of Gaixia two thousand years ago, when they were besieged.

This play, with a history spanning a thousand years, is a classic artistic treasure passed down and meticulously crafted by generations of Chinese opera performers, carrying profound Chinese historical heritage and cultural spirit.

I don't know when it suddenly transformed into what you call South Korea's 'national essence'?
This shamelessness in stealing and appropriating others' work is probably three times thicker than the newly poured reinforced concrete fortifications along the Han River defense line, isn't it?

Chu Yunfei said with a slight smile on his face.

The US military staff couldn't help but smile upon hearing this. They all understood South Korea's nature, and Chu Yunfei was right.

"General Chu has misunderstood. Eckelberg was just listening to what the maintenance committee said."

We all know that Korean culture is deeply influenced by the long-standing Chinese culture, and imitation and learning are normal phenomena in the exchange of East Asian cultures.

Consider this play as an assignment submitted by a primary school student.

Although it was immature, it also demonstrated a learning attitude.

Everyone knows what's going on, there's no need to take it too seriously.

The most important thing right now is to unite and address the current threat.

Li Qi smiled and said.

Just then, a series of hurried and frantic footsteps broke the suffocating silence.

A young U.S. Army staff officer practically burst through the door, the radio headset cord hanging from his chest still trailing behind him.

His face flushed crimson, and he even forgot to salute, reporting in a raised voice:

"Reporting to the Commander and Generals, an urgent telegram from the front, from Major General Allen!"
General Allen personally led the "Iron Hammer" mixed force, and has successfully engaged in fierce fighting with the main force of the Chinese Steel Seventh Brigade in the "Vulture Gorge" coordinate area!
Currently, the two sides are engaged in fierce fighting!
General Allen judged that this was an excellent opportunity to annihilate the main force of Wu Wanli's troops in one fell swoop and completely remove this thorn in their side!

However, the enemy, relying on extremely treacherous terrain and exceptionally powerful firepower, stubbornly resisted. In order to achieve a swift victory and prevent them from breaking up and escaping again, we urgently requested assistance with the highest priority.

Immediately mobilize all available combat aircraft at Seoul Airport, including fighters, bombers, attack aircraft, and the fastest carrier-based aircraft that the Pacific Fleet can deploy.

To provide saturation air strike support to the battlefield area with maximum intensity and density!
Repeat, saturate air support!

Coordinates have been attached!

"what?!"

"The main force of the Chinese Steel Seventh Team has been caught up by Allen so quickly?!"

"God! We've finally caught this ghost!" "That damned Chinese devil Wu Wanli won't get away!"

This news was like a bucket of cold water being poured into a boiling oil pan, and the entire command center instantly erupted into chaos!

The ease I felt just moments ago was completely wiped out by this sudden, explosive news!
Van Fleet slammed his hand on the hard wooden edge of the sand table, causing several small blue flags representing the front support points to fall over: "Good, excellent!"

Great news!

Wu Wanli, that devil, has finally crawled out of his filthy hole and is ready to confront us head-on!
Allen has over 10,000 of the most elite troops, equipped and trained to the highest standards in the world!
As long as he keeps the main force of the China Steel Seventh Team firmly in place, preventing them from escaping, today will be the end for the main force of the China Steel Seventh Team!

Eckelberg, beaming with joy, waved his arms excitedly: "Once the fighter squadron arrives, unleash a barrage of bombs! A saturation attack!"

With the combined might of Allen's ground forces, the Steel Seventh Division would be completely crushed in the narrow crevice of Vulture Canyon!
This was a pivotal battle that ended the nightmare on the Eastern Front and turned the tide of the entire war!
General, victory is within reach!

"Pop the champagne!"

We should pop the champagne now to celebrate!

After wiping out the Chinese Steel Seventh Brigade, General Allen can then lead his troops to the Han River battlefield to coordinate the counterattack. The overall situation is settled, and the advantage is in our hands!

A young staff officer shouted excitedly, which immediately drew a chorus of enthusiastic agreement.

An almost manic optimism permeated the command center.

Even the usually composed Ridgway's tightly furrowed brows instantly relaxed.

A long-lost, hopeful light shone in his eyes, as if he could already see Wu Wanli's head being cut off and presented to him as a trophy.

The long-standing and most pressing problem on the eastern front seems to be about to be completely resolved at this moment.

However, fate always seems to like to pour the coldest water on you when you're at your most triumphant.

"Commander! Urgent telegram! Major General Er's urgent telegram regarding the Han River defense line!"

Another voice, like an icicle, pierced the fervor that had just risen in the command room!

Another U.S. military staff officer practically stumbled in, his face ashen, his forehead covered in cold sweat, and the telegram in his hand trembling.

Li Qiwei's heart sank suddenly, and an ominous premonition instantly gripped him.

"Read!"

Li Qiwei said in a low and stern voice.

The US military staff officer's voice was filled with barely suppressed fear and trembling: "Major General Saul reports!"
The main force of the Chinese Eastern Front Assault Group, under the personal command of Li Yunlong, has launched a full-scale offensive along the north bank of the Han River!

The scale of its assembled artillery was unprecedented!

The Chinese army's infantry assault waves were organized extremely fiercely and meticulously, like waves of tides coming one after another!
Multiple sections of the Han River defense line are under emergency alert!
Multiple forward positions have been breached!
General Saul judged that the enemy was about to launch a general offensive!

The defense line has reached its limit under pressure!

Dangerous!

General Saul urgently requested: maximum air support must be provided immediately to suppress enemy artillery positions and assault groups!

Otherwise...otherwise, the Han River defense line risks collapsing completely at any moment!

After the U.S. military staff officer finished reading the last word, the command post fell into a deathly silence.

For a moment, the heavy breathing could be clearly heard, so oppressive that it was suffocating.

In front of the huge sand table, Van Fleet, who had just been excitedly shouting about opening champagne, suddenly turned from flushed with excitement to ashen-faced.

He rushed to the sand table, his fingers trembling as he pointed to the blue markers on the Han River defense line, which were winding, fragile, and had many gaps. His voice was sharp with urgency: "Commander!"

The situation couldn't be clearer!

On Allen's side, even without air support, he has the absolute advantage of the 'Iron Hammer' forces, with elite Delta Force and fully equipped armored infantry regiments.

At most, the encirclement and annihilation of Wu Wanli will be slower and the cost will be greater, but the scales of victory are undoubtedly still on our side!
The Seventh Steel Brigade is trapped in Vulture Gorge; its annihilation is only a matter of time!

He abruptly turned his finger toward the Han River defense line, with such force it seemed he wanted to pierce the sand table: "But the Han River defense line is different! It's Seoul's lifeline!"

Once the Han River defense line is breached by Li Yunlong's main force, tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of elite Chinese troops will surge into the open Han River plain like a flood bursting its banks, heading straight for the walls of Seoul!
At that time, not only was Allen's victory at Vulture Canyon meaningless, but even Seoul itself was in imminent danger!

We will all be trapped like turtles in a jar!

Which is more important?!
Air force must be prioritized, immediately, and entirely deployed to the Han River defense line!
Only by stabilizing the Han River and defending Seoul can we even begin to talk about annihilating the Seventh Steel Brigade!

This is a matter of life and death!

Upon hearing this, Eckelberg immediately prepared a fierce rebuttal.

He rushed to the sand table and pointed hard at the small red dot representing the location of Vulture Gorge, the place where Allen's troops were besieged and engaged in fierce fighting: "Van Fleet, you're short-sighted!"
It was a huge strategic mistake!
What is the Seventh Steel Brigade?
They are the sharpest and most destructive spearhead on China's eastern front!
They are the elite, sharpest units of the Chinese military!

It is also one of the spiritual pillars and symbols of their entire army!

Wu Wanli is a god of war and a military god in the hearts of Chinese soldiers!

If we can annihilate the main force of the Chinese Steel Seventh Brigade at Vulture Gorge with overwhelming force, and capture or kill Wu Wanli alive, it will be a devastating blow to the morale of the Chinese Eastern Front Assault Group!

Li Yunlong's offensive is likely to collapse as a result!
This is far more sophisticated and effective than simply passively defending the Han River and wasting precious air power!

Air support should be prioritized for Allen!
Accelerate the strangulation!

The sooner Allen finishes the battle, the sooner he can extricate himself and return to reinforce the Han River!

This is true strategic initiative!

This is the fundamental way to resolve the crisis!

Van Fleet glared angrily and retorted sharply: "Absurd, utterly stupid!"

With the Han River defense line breached, Seoul's gateway was wide open.

Even if Allen annihilates Wu Wanli, he and the "Iron Hammer" troops will be surrounded and cut off by Li Yunlong's large army that turns around!

At that point, let alone victory, it will be questionable whether even the 'Iron Hammer' unit can be preserved!

You're gambling with the entire Seoul and the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers, hoping that Allen can take down 50,000 before Seoul falls!

General, we absolutely must not listen to him!

A lieutenant colonel staff officer who supported Van Fleet couldn't help but join the debate, his voice filled with anxiety: "But what if we just ignore the pressure on the Han River?"
Can Sol's Han River defense withstand the fierce attack of 100,000 elite Chinese troops and hold out until Allen returns to reinforce?

What if the Han River defense line collapses while we're arguing?

Another U.S. military staff officer stepped forward: "Exactly! It takes time for air support to get there! The Han River defense line is bleeding every second!"

"Give it to the Han River! The Han River is the lifeline! It's the heart! If the heart stops, no matter how strong the other limbs are, it's all over!" an aide shouted excitedly.

"Give it to Allen! If we take down the Seventh Steel Brigade, Li Yunlong will lose an arm! An army that has lost its fighting spirit will naturally collapse on the offensive!" another staff officer immediately retorted.

"Han River!"

"Alan!"

"The Han River must be given priority!"

"Only by eliminating Wu Wanli can we break this deadlock!"

The command post instantly split into two distinct factions, with senior staff officers arguing heatedly, spittle flying everywhere, neither able to convince the other.

Various data and tactical analyses were thrown out as arguments, and the uproar nearly blew off the concrete roof.

On the sand table, the red arrows representing the offensive momentum of the Chinese and North Korean armies and the blue defensive line representing the crumbling UN forces seemed to tremble slightly amidst the intense and chaotic arguments.

Ridgway stood at the center of the storm, pressing his hands firmly against the cold, hard edge of the sand table. His knuckles turned white from the excessive force, and the veins on the back of his hands stood out.

His gaze swept back and forth between the precarious blue line of the Han River defense line on the sand table and the focal point of Vulture Gorge, representing Allen's fierce battle zone.

The cacophony of heated arguments among the U.S. military staff assaulted his ears, but even heavier was the weight on his shoulders of the entire war situation, the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers, and the safety of the strategic situation in Seoul and the entire Korean battlefield.

Time relentlessly slips away, second by second.

Every second meant soldiers falling on the Han River defense line, the line was being torn apart, and Allen's troops at Vulture Canyon were paying an even higher price in blood.

There was a silence that lasted for nearly three minutes, which felt like an eternity.

Finally, Ridgway abruptly raised his head, all hesitation, deliberation, and struggle vanishing from his eyes, leaving only a cold, resolute expression.

He stopped looking at his subordinates, who were arguing heatedly, and instead focused his gaze on the operations staff officer responsible for relaying orders, his voice firm and resolute:
"Give me the order!"

These words immediately brought all the arguments to an abrupt halt.

"All combat aircraft at Seoul Airport, including P-51 Mustang fighters, F-80 Meteor jet fighters, and B-26 Predator bombers, will be wiped out!"
Three hundred aircraft in total, take off immediately!

The Pacific Fleet was ordered to take off immediately with all available carrier-based aircraft as well!
We will mobilize all available air force combat power regardless of the cost, with only one objective—the Han River defense line!
Give Major General Sol all your support, regardless of the losses, and make sure he withstands the fierce attack from the Chinese Eastern Front Group!
Tell Saul that he must hold the Han River; this is a death order!
Repeat, absolute command!

Even if he loses all his troops, the Han River defense line must not be lost!

"Commander, even if we have to give half of the air force..."

Upon hearing this, Eckelberg wanted to make one last argument, trying to salvage his support for Allen.

"Execute the order! Now!"

Ridgway's voice was like a drawn military knife, cold and sharp, cutting off all possibilities.

All the arguments subsided instantly, and the staff officers rushed to their respective posts as if a switch had been flipped.

The command post was once again filled with the piercing sounds of commands, radio calls, and ringing telephones, more urgent and tense than before.

Eckelberg swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue, his face ashen.

He leaned closer, with a hint of ingratiation and a desire to change the subject, and asked in a low voice, "General, what do you think about that opera troupe organized by the puppet regime inviting you and some officers to relax tonight?"

Ridgway waved wearily, without turning his head, his gaze still fixed on the blue line on the sand table that symbolized the Han River defense line, like a lifeline.

His voice was filled with weariness and a lingering heaviness: "I'm not in the mood anymore. Let those who are interested go."

As he spoke, Ridgway paused for a moment, then turned his gaze to Chu Yunfei, who had been watching from the sidelines with an expressionless face: "General Chu, you are an advisor from China, why don't you go and watch a Chinese play to relax?"

For your Nationalist army, the scene of the Overlord's defeat might resonate with you more.

By the way, you can bring your people along so that the maintenance team can prepare the best spots for you and your people.

"Eckelberg, you're in charge of this. Compile a list of soldiers who are interested, and make sure they can all see it."

Chu Yunfei felt slightly offended upon hearing this and wanted to refuse.

But after thinking about Fang Ligong and Sun Ming, who hadn't had any entertainment for a long time, they finally nodded.

Eckelberg felt as if he had been granted a pardon and quickly replied, "Yes, General, I will inform the maintenance committee to make the necessary arrangements immediately."

(End of this chapter)