Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 396 General Offensive on the Han River! Wu Wanli leads his troops straight to the US Han River defense line headquarters!

In the command center of the aircraft carrier Wanli in the western waters of North Korea
Why is it so slow?
I'll say it again: all aircraft capable of taking off from the Wanli and Renmin aircraft carriers, intercept them immediately!

Destroyers advance and release smoke screens!
The entire fleet is on Level 1 combat readiness!
Full anti-aircraft firepower!

Objective—Delay enemy aircraft; not a single American plane must be allowed to reach the airspace over the Han River!

Xiao Zhenhua frowned and urged loudly.

"Woo——————"

In an instant, the piercing battle alarm shattered the tranquility of the sea and sky, and the wide flight decks of the Wanli and Renmin aircraft carriers instantly erupted in excitement.

Chinese naval ground crew roared as they worked hard to lift carrier-based aircraft from the hangar to the deck.

The Chinese pilots sprinted down the narrow gangway and leaped into the cramped cockpit with incredible speed.

"Comrades, follow me!"

Flight Squadron Leader Wang Hai's voice boomed over the radio.

He slammed the control stick, and the fighter jet beneath him roared, breaking free from the deck's restraints and soaring into the murderous sky.

Eighty Chinese fighter jets, like eighty silver arrows released from a bow, resolutely headed towards the dark clouds that blotted out the sky.

Almost simultaneously, four Soviet-supplied destroyers roared out at top speed and advanced to the northwest flank of the fleet.

The massive chimneys spewed out thick, dark gray plumes of smoke, quickly creating a heavy artificial fog wall on the sea surface.

The battleship "Dongfanghong" has four triple 406mm guns pointing skyward, and the secondary gun barrels stand like a hedgehog.

Another cruiser and six submarines lurked behind the smokescreen, forming a three-dimensional air defense and counterattack network.

Not long after, the Chinese and American aircraft collided violently in the airspace about forty nautical miles from the fleet.

In an instant, the sky was filled with the screeching of engines, the roar of machine guns, and the deafening sound of explosions.

Wang Hai's aircraft was the first to engage a diving US F4U Corsair fighter jet.

His eyes were bloodshot as he stared intently at the tumbling fuselage of the American plane.

"You son of a bitch, get fired!"

He slammed the trigger, and the two cannons and two large-caliber machine guns on the nose of the fighter jet simultaneously spewed out scorching flames.

The shell tore through the air and precisely penetrated the engine compartment of the opposing F4U fighter jet.

The American plane jerked violently, leaving a long trail of black smoke behind it, and tumbled down into the azure sea below.

"Pretty!"

Suddenly, cheers came through the headset from the wingman.

But the cheers were instantly drowned out by an even denser hail of bullets.

The American pilots were extremely experienced and immediately launched a counterattack in two-plane formations.

Four F4U fighter jets, like sharks smelling blood, viciously pounced on Wang Hai's squad from the side and above.

In an instant, a barrage of tracer rounds from enemy aircraft wove together a deadly fire net.

A Chinese fighter jet was unable to dodge in time, and its left wing was severed at the base. The jet spun around and crashed into the sea, trailing thick smoke and flames, without managing to eject.

"Seahawk III! Those damned American devils!"

Upon seeing this, Wang Hai roared angrily.

At the same time, the anti-aircraft guns of the Chinese destroyers below were firing at full power, with 40mm Bofors guns and 20mm Oerlikon guns spitting fire wildly, weaving an orange-red fire net above the fleet.

A U.S. F6F Hellcat attempting to penetrate defenses at low altitude and drop bombs was hit simultaneously by several Bofors shells.

In an instant, it exploded into a blinding fireball in mid-air, and fragments rained down on the deck of the Chinese destroyer, leaving charred marks.

At this moment, the giant cannons of the Dongfanghong battleship roared deafeningly.

It was not targeting a single aircraft, but rather the airspace where a group of US aircraft might gather and attack.

The 406mm high-explosive grenade exploded at an altitude of 10,000 meters, and the terrifying shock wave swept across the airspace like an invisible giant hammer.

Several American planes that were trying to avoid the tremors were thrown out of control and rolled off course.

One of them even collided with a friendly aircraft, turning into two burning wreckages that crashed to the ground.

The 127mm anti-aircraft guns weaved an even denser barrage, and American planes were constantly hit in vital areas, crashing down trailing black smoke.

However, the absolute advantage in both quantity and quality began to emerge.

The subsequent US attack aircraft split into multiple groups, fearlessly breaking through the fire net from different altitudes and directions, and rushing towards the core of the fleet on the sea surface—especially the two huge aircraft carriers.

"Port! Torpedo bomber!"

The lookout on the Dongfanghong battleship issued a heart-wrenching warning.

Four attack aircraft, heavily armed with torpedoes, emerged from the edge of the smoke screen like ghosts, skimming the crest of the waves!

Their target was clearly the massive broadside of the "Wanli" aircraft carrier.

The main gun group of the Chinese cruisers immediately turned their guns around, and 152mm shells slammed into the sea surface where the torpedo bombers were advancing, creating towering columns of water.

A U.S. attack aircraft was hit by a water jet near its miss, instantly lost control, and crashed into the sea and disintegrated.

But the other three have already entered the mine-dropping route!
The broadside anti-aircraft gun positions on the Wanli aircraft carrier launched their fiercest counterattack.

The 20mm Oerlikon gun reached its maximum rate of fire, with the barrel glowing red-hot.

A U.S. attack aircraft was torn apart by a barrage of shells.

The other aircraft was hit the moment the torpedo was dropped, and the torpedo fell into the sea at an awkward angle.

But the pilot of the last American attack aircraft displayed amazing courage and skill, managing to stabilize the aircraft amidst a hail of bullets and press the mine-dropping button at a distance of less than a kilometer!

A thick, white streak of torpedo, like the javelin of death, shot swiftly toward the port side of the "Wanli"!

"Hard to starboard! Full speed!"

At this moment, Captain Li Hongbo of the Wanli was hoarse from shouting.

The massive aircraft carrier tilted and turned violently on the sea, its propellers churning up towering white waves.

The deadly torpedo grazed the stern by just a few meters, a truly close call!
Almost at the same time the torpedo threat was lifted, a chilling shriek came from high above!

Six U.S. bombers, using the cover of clouds, swooped down on the USS People aircraft carrier from an almost vertical angle!
The anti-aircraft fire from the People's Aircraft Carrier was desperately firing upwards, blasting up patches of black clouds in the path of the dive bombers.

A U.S. bomber was shot down in mid-air.

Another aircraft was damaged, and its bombs missed their target by a great distance, exploding into a huge column of water on the sea surface off the starboard side of the aircraft carrier.

But the remaining four American planes braved the hail of bullets and resolutely completed their dive!
The heavy bomb detached from its rack and crashed down with a destructive roar!
boom! boom! boom! boom!
Four earth-shattering explosions rang out almost simultaneously!

The massive hull of the People's aircraft carrier trembled violently.

A bomb hit the area near the foredeck elevator directly, tearing the steel plate apart like paper, and sending flames and thick smoke soaring into the sky.

The stern of the island superstructure was hit by a near miss. The immense water pressure caused the ship to groan in pain, and several anti-aircraft guns were silenced.

Two huge, charred holes were blown open on the flight deck, with twisted steel and burning aircraft debris scattered all over the ground.

Damage control team members, clutching water hoses, charged forward through the flames and thick smoke, risking their lives to try and stop the raging fire.

"Report the loss!"

Xiao Zhenhua's voice rang out from the bridge of the Wanli aircraft carrier, steady yet slightly hoarse.

"The flight deck of the aircraft carrier 'People' was severely damaged, the forward elevator was completely destroyed, and two fires broke out!"
Nearly 30% of the air defense firepower was lost!

The communications officer's voice was choked with emotion.

Looking at the thick smoke billowing from the People's aircraft carrier, Xiao Zhenhua's face was ashen: "Order the People's to extinguish the fire with all its might and preserve the ship!"
All remaining carrier-based aircraft will be under the unified command and dispatch of the "Wanli"!

The destroyers retreated to protect the damaged aircraft carrier, the Renaissance!
Submarine units 1 through 3, advance to the possible return route of enemy aircraft and silently ambush them, waiting for an opportunity to attack!

The rest of the ships, maintain your air defense formation and hold the line!

"Yes!"

A naval communications officer quickly agreed and went to relay the message.

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

At this point, the battle had reached a fever pitch.

The number of Chinese carrier-based aircraft in the airspace is decreasing rapidly.

With their superior aircraft performance and extensive combat experience, U.S. pilots continued to hunt down brave but somewhat clumsy opponents.

A Chinese carrier-based aircraft was attacked from behind by two F4Us, and a 23mm shell tore through its fuselage.

In his final moments before the fighter jet exploded, the pilot roared over the radio: "For the new China, forward—!"

The other fighter jet ran out of ammunition, and the pilot saw an American fighter jet targeting the Chinese cruiser and dropping bombs. He quickly pulled the control stick.

The next second, the fighter jet he was piloting crashed head-on into the American plane like a burning comet!
The two planes collided violently in mid-air, turning into a giant fireball that illuminated the sky and sea, with burning fragments falling like meteors.

The officers and soldiers of the Chinese cruiser, witnessing this scene, were all moved to tears, and their anti-aircraft guns fired even more furiously.

On the sea, the massive hull of the Dongfanghong battleship became a magnet for attracting firepower.

Countless bombs and rockets exploded around it, and jets of water rose and fell.

A 500-pound bomb slammed into the thick armor of turret B, producing a deafening roar and sending sparks flying. The turret's rotation instantly jammed.

Several 127mm shells struck the anti-aircraft gun positions below the bridge, causing blood and flesh to fly everywhere and the gun barrels to twist.

But the main guns of this sea-based steel fortress continued to roar intermittently, using terrifying shockwaves to disperse the American aircraft attempting to assemble.

Before long, the battle in the sky gradually evolved into the most brutal war of attrition.

Under the siege of American aircraft, which still outnumbered them, the Chinese carrier-based aircraft group was like a petrel swaying in a storm.

Every attack and evasion carries enormous risks.

Despite losing more than 30 aircraft, the US military aircraft group still maintained a powerful strike force, launching new waves of attacks time and again in an attempt to completely tear apart the Chinese navy's defenses.

The smoke screen released by the destroyers thinned under the influence of the sea breeze, and the fleet's silhouettes appeared and disappeared amidst the smoke and fire.

Xiao Zhenhua stared intently at the radar screen and the horrific scene outside the porthole, knowing that every second of the standoff was bought with the young lives of Chinese pilots.

His fleet, like a stubborn nail, remained firmly planted in this sea area, holding back more than a hundred American warplanes that intended to rush towards the Han River battlefield.

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

Meanwhile, behind the US military's Han River defense line, in a concealed location in unnamed hills, was the temporary command post of the 7th Steel Brigade.

Wu Wanli leaned against a cold rock, pinching a piece of luncheon meat from an American military can in his fingers, and chewed it.

Liu Hanqing, Yu Congrong, Gao Daxing, and Lei Gong surrounded him, silently dealing with the simple food, their eyes filled with the solemnity of an impending battle.

The distant sound of artillery fire, like incessant rumble of thunder, rolled in. It was the main force of the Eastern Front Assault Group, commanded by Li Yunlong, engaged in fierce fighting with the US and South Korean defense lines on the north bank of the Han River.

Wu Wanli closed his eyes and activated the Heavenly Eye Map deep within his consciousness.

An incredibly clear three-dimensional battlefield situation map instantly unfolded in his mind, covering an area of ​​tens of kilometers on both sides of the Han River.

On the opposite bank, countless Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers, like surging tides, relentlessly assaulted the long defensive line formed by the US and South Korean forces.

The offensive waves crashed against the solid American fortifications, each assault accompanied by the extinguishing of a large number of dim lights representing casualties, the advance was extremely slow and brutal.

Behind the defensive line, the lights representing the US artillery positions flashed frequently. With each flash, a red light representing artillery fire rose from the red area on the north bank.

On this side, the light representing the main force of his own Steel Seventh Brigade is now hidden in this hilly area.

Not far from them, in the core area of ​​the Han River defense line, a striking cluster of lights stood firmly in place.

Wu Wanli's consciousness focused instantly, and he realized that it was actually the Han River defense line command post!
A complex fortification consisting of several sturdy bunkers, trenches, and concealed firing positions.

What caught his eye even more was that, behind the command post, in a well-camouflaged depression, there was a sizable cluster of lights!
The number shows nearly two thousand people!
The equipment markings clearly show heavy machine guns, recoilless rifles, and even the outlines of several M26 Pershing heavy tanks.

This is a complete elite U.S. military reserve force, well-equipped and rested, like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, yet to be deployed in battle!
"As expected, there was a hidden trick up his sleeve..."

Wu Wanli sneered inwardly, instantly seeing through the scheme of Major General Saul, the US military commander.

The existence of this reserve force is likely to deal with any "fish that slip through the net" that might break through the defenses on the north bank of the Han River, or a "hidden threat" like him launching a surprise attack from the south bank.

If this reserve force remains stationary, the Seventh Steel Brigade's hasty attack on the command post from the rear is likely to backfire, finding itself caught in a pincer movement between the northern defenses and this elite reserve force.

Wu Wanli opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as a knife, and looked at Liu Hanqing, who was taking small sips of water: "Hanqing, record the order."

Liu Hanqing immediately put down the kettle, took out paper and pen, and focused intently.

"Telegram to the Eastern Front Assault Group Command: Commander Li Yunlong: Our troops have approached the command area on the south bank of the Han River defense line."

It was discovered that the enemy still had a strong reserve force of about a reinforced battalion, including heavy equipment, which was concealed to the side and rear of the command post.

Please immediately organize your main force and, at any cost, launch the fiercest offensive against the junction of the northern and central sections of the Han River defense line!
We must firmly draw in and pin down as many of the defending troops as possible on the front line, and lure away the reserves to create opportunities for our troops!
When the enemy reserves are mobilized, the pressure on the front increases dramatically, and the command post is left vulnerable, our troops will launch a thunderous attack from the south bank, directly targeting the enemy command post and achieving a breakthrough in the center!
When the time is right, we can advance from both the north and south and crush the Han River defense line in one fell swoop!
An urgent telegram from Wu Wanli.

"understand!"

Liu Hanqing scribbled down the key points quickly, his handwriting strong and powerful, just as he was about to get up to arrange for the communications soldier to send a telegram.

"and many more!"

Wu Wanli suddenly spoke again, his brows furrowing sharply.

His consciousness once again sank into the "Sky Eye Map," and his field of vision instantly stretched rapidly westward, sweeping over the burning Han River Plain, over the coastline, and settling on the boiling Yellow Sea!

What was originally just a blue background representing the sea on the strategic map is now filled with countless shimmering points of light, and the intensity of the battle even surpasses that of the Han River battlefield!

Two aircraft carriers, one battleship, one cruiser, and four destroyers representing their own fleet were surrounded and attacked by US carrier-based aircraft.

With their own number of carrier-based aircraft drastically reduced, they struggled left and right under the overwhelming attack of the US carrier-based aircraft, like candles flickering in the wind.

The lights on the two main battleships, Wanli and Dongfanghong, kept flashing, marking the marks of being hit by bombs and rockets!
The lights on the entire sea battlefield collided and flickered fiercely, creating a dynamic and extremely brutal picture of strangulation!
Meanwhile, over the land on the west coast of the Korean Peninsula, dots representing about two hundred of their own fighter jets were gathering, heading straight for the Han River battlefield!
Clearly, this was a land-based air force dispatched by the Chinese People's Volunteer Army at Li Yunlong's request, with the aim of seizing air superiority over the Han River and covering the ground forces' offensive.

No!

Now that a general offensive is about to be launched, the Chinese and American troops will be locked in close combat, and the nearly 300 American aircraft over the Han River may have limited effectiveness due to the risk of friendly fire!
With the arrival of 200 supporting fighter jets, the US military's 300 fighter jets are at a disadvantage!

Moreover, at sea... Commander Xiao and his men suffered too many casualties!
Instead, we should send 200 land-based air force fighters to support the Chinese carrier-based aircraft group and engage the more than 100 US carrier-based aircraft, thus gaining a local advantage and taking the initiative!
Thinking of this, Wu Wanli spoke rapidly, with the decisiveness of someone racing against time on the battlefield: "Change the order! Urgent!"
First, maintain the original order and ask Commander Li Yunlong to launch a fierce attack as planned to draw the enemy's reserves away!

Second, I ordered our land-based fighter jets, which were en route to the Han River battlefield, to immediately change course!
Target: Operational waters off the west coast of North Korea!

Mission: At all costs, support Commander Xiao Zhenhua of the Chinese Navy Fleet in annihilating or completely dispersing the US carrier-based aircraft group!
Tell the flight commander that the fleet is fighting a bloody battle and is making huge sacrifices every second!
I want them to gain a local advantage at sea and completely destroy the US military's air fangs!
"Under the Han River sky, our Seventh Steel Brigade will hold it off with ground firepower!"

He paused, a steely resolve flashing in his eyes, and added, "The telegram concludes with: This order takes precedence over previous orders! It's extremely urgent! It concerns the survival of the fleet and the overall situation on the Eastern Front!"

Liu Hanqing was shocked and instantly understood the weight of the order and the astonishing power it contained.

This was a gamble on a victory in the decisive naval battle, placing a portion of the hope for air superiority on the Han River battlefield!

Without any hesitation, he immediately began writing furiously on the telegram he had just read, crossing out the original and rewriting this urgent order that was crucial to the overall situation.

The pen tip scratched on the rough paper, like the beat of a war drum.

"Lei Gong, I'll give you the coordinates. When I lead my troops to attack later, you should bombard the first wave according to the coordinates, and then follow my radio instructions."

The rest of you, get into attack formation! The armored guard battalion's tanks and armored vehicles in front, followed by the fire support and assault detachments, prepare to charge straight for the Han River defense command post!

Wu Wanli finally gave the order.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Congrong and the others immediately responded loudly.

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

When the urgent telegram from the 7th Steel Corps reached the command post of the Volunteer Army's Eastern Front Assault Group on the opposite bank of the Han River, it instantly set the command center, located in a semi-underground bunker, ablaze.

Political Commissar Zhao Gang of the 27th Army held the telegram, his voice slightly excited as he said:

"Urgent telegram from Comrade Wu Wanli!"

The Seventh Steel Brigade has preliminarily identified the approximate area of ​​the Han River defense line command post!

Just five kilometers behind the south bank of the defense line, in the hilly area east of the old post road of Seoul!

However, the tricky part is that an elite reserve force of about two thousand U.S. troops is entrenched in a concealed position less than two kilometers to the flank of the command post!

Comrade Wu Wanli's plan is for our Eastern Front Assault Group to immediately launch a full-scale offensive!

At all costs, inflict pain and make a desperate situation on the US and South Korean forces on the front line!
This forced them to pull their last reserve force away from the command post and send it to the front lines!

As soon as this reserve force moves and leaves the command post area, the Seventh Steel Brigade, like a sharp knife, will pierce straight into the heart of the command post and take it down!

Then, from south to north, in coordination with our main attacking force in the north, we will launch a complete north-south offensive on the Han River defense line, achieving a central breakthrough!

The deathly silence lasted only a moment.

"Good! Damn it!"

Kong Jie, deputy commander of the 27th Army, slapped his thigh, making the teacup with the words "Serve the People" written in red on it on the table vibrate: "Little Wu's brain is just born for this job!"

End Command Post?

That's like stabbing the enemy in the heart! That's guts!

Ding Wei, commander of the 12th Army, clapped his hands and laughed, his eyes gleaming: "Brilliant! Brilliant indeed!"
Comrade Wu Wanli's move was not only incredibly audacious, but also a brilliant opportunity to snatch chestnuts from the fire!
Mobilize the reserve forces to leave their command post vulnerable, then launch a swift and decisive attack!
This is the ultimate application of the tactical essence of 'attacking where they must defend and disrupting their deployment'!

I fully support it!

"support!"

Commander Qin of the 15th Army landed his voice steadily and firmly.

"support!"

Commander Wei of the 60th Army spoke succinctly.

"We must support it!"

An Changsen, the political commissar of the 12th Army, nodded emphatically, thinking that his daughter An Jing liked such an outstanding comrade.

All eyes were finally focused on Li Yunlong, the commander-in-chief of the assault group and commander of the 27th Army.

Li Yunlong had his back to everyone, staring at the huge map of the Han River defense line on the wall.

Inside the bunker, only heavy breathing and the faint, muffled sound of artillery fire could be heard in the distance.

Suddenly, Li Yunlong turned around and slammed his fist on the map, hitting the area marked by the US military command post: "I've made the decision, let's beat the hell up like this!"
Relay Lao Tzu's order!

Commander Wei, lead the 60th Army to attack the eastern flank. Give it your all and smash the tortoise shell of the eastern flank of the Han River defense line!

Commander Qin, lead the 15th Army and launch a fierce attack on the western flank of the Han River defense line, tear it apart!
Old Ding, your 12th Army, together with the main force of my 27th Army, will fight against the Central Army!
Gnaw on the toughest bones! Pierce the deepest heart!
Lao Tzu personally commanded the Central Assault Group, with only one objective—the central junction of the Han River defense line!
Blow through that son of a bitch's defenses, smash them to pieces, make a hole in them!

Let's put in all our effort!
Show us the courage to fight to the death!
Make this a huge splash for me!
Let those American devils on the other side of the strait see what the offensive of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army is like!

We need to make those American devils feel like they won't live to see dawn unless they hand over their underwear!
We need to force them to obediently pull that reserve team out of their nest for me, to create an opportunity for Wu Wanli!
Do you understand?! "

"understand!"

The six resolute roars converged into a powerful force that nearly blew off the roof of the bunker.

A fierce flame burned in everyone's eyes—a desire for victory, trust in their comrades, and contempt for the enemy!
Li Yunlong waved his hand, as if waving an invisible battle flag: "Good!"

All departments, return to your positions immediately!
Before dawn—the final assault!

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

One hour later, at 4:50 a.m. on the north bank of the Han River on the Korean Peninsula.

The still winter night was utterly torn apart by a sudden burst of thunder!

This was not a probe, nor a harassment; it was a long-awaited, all-out attack by the Eastern Front assault group, like a landslide and a tsunami!
Eastern flank of the Han River defense line
Commander Wei of the 60th Army fired his signal pistol into the sky, and a blinding red bullet instantly pierced the night.

In an instant, hundreds of artillery pieces of various calibers roared simultaneously from behind the eastern flank, which stretched for several kilometers!

The shrill whistling of shells tearing through the air coalesced into a deadly metallic storm.

The earth groaned and cracked amid terrible tremors.

The South Korean army's painstakingly constructed eastern flank forward positions were instantly engulfed by towering fireballs and billowing smoke.

Barbed wire, balusters, minefields, civil engineering works... were reduced to dust in the raging tide of steel and flames.

Before the smoke from the artillery barrage had even dissipated, the three divisions of the 60th Army, like countless arrows released from a bow, surged out of the trenches like an overwhelming tidal wave to the sound of the bugle call.

They trudged through the scorching earth and stray limbs, heading towards the South Korean positions still struggling amidst the embers of artillery fire.

The shouts of battle were deafening, and the bayonets gleamed with a cold, icy light in the dim morning light.

western flank of the Han River defense line
Commander Qin of the 15th Army personally oversaw the regimental command post at the forefront.

With a shout of "Fire!", the artillery group attached to the 15th Army roared, its target aimed directly at the core strongpoint of the right flank regiment of the US 3rd Division.

Unlike the broad barrage from the east flank, the shelling from the west flank was more precise and destructive.

High-explosive shells, armor-piercing shells, and incendiary shells rained down on the US military's permanent firing positions, artillery observation posts, and transportation hubs, as if they had eyes.

In an instant, the earth convulsed violently under the precise strike.

As soon as the artillery fire spread, the 15th Army's assault groups, organized by company and platoon, and under the cover of demolition teams and machine gun teams, swiftly cut into the gaps in the American defenses.

The deafening explosions of the demolition charges echoed one after another, and bunkers were blown up and destroyed.

The US military machine guns unleashed a barrage of tracer rounds, weaving a deadly web of fire.

As Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers continued to fall as they charged forward, even more soldiers followed in their comrades' blood, rolling, leaping, closing in, and throwing grenades!
Smoke filled the air, and flames flickered.

The sounds of automatic weapons firing in bursts, grenades exploding, dying screams, and angry curses clashed fiercely on every inch of the western wing.

The central battlefield of the Han River defense line

This is the heart of the storm, the center of hell!

Li Yunlong and Ding Wei stood side by side in the joint forward command post, which was converted from a partially collapsed bunker, their binoculars never leaving their eyes.

Before them lay the most fortified and heavily fortified section of the entire Han River defense line.

The central junction was fortified by the elite of the 3rd Division of the United States and a reinforced American artillery regiment.

The searchlight beams of the US troops swept wildly across the open ground, illuminating the path of the charge in a stark white light.

"Fire! Gouge out those damn American devils' eyes!"

Li Yunlong roared into the walkie-talkie.

"call out----------"

In an instant, the artillery group of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army attached to the Central Assault Group issued the strongest sound ever!

Hundreds and thousands of shells roared down on the American forward searchlight positions, machine gun emplacements, mortar positions, and areas densely covered with barbed wire.

The flames from the explosions merged into one, illuminating half the sky and briefly suppressing the frenzied firepower of the US forces at the front lines.

"Come on—!"

"For the new China—!"

The overwhelming shouts rose up like a tsunami!
The main assault forces of the 27th and 12th Armies, like two surging steel torrents, poured out from multiple breakthroughs at the same time!
The figures of Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers appeared and disappeared amidst the embers of searchlights and the flashes of explosions.

Braving the dense hail of bullets raining down on them, they fearlessly charged into that death zone.

The sound of American machine guns tearing through cloth, the dull thud of Browning heavy machine guns, the sharp whistling of mortar shells, the crisp bursts of Garand rifles, the rapid-fire of PPSh submachine guns...

Various deadly sounds intertwine to form a brutal symphony of war.

The bullets thudded as they hit the frozen ground, clanged as they hit the helmets, and made a dull tearing sound as they struck flesh.

Volunteer soldiers kept falling, their blood blooming in the cold air before being covered by smoke and dust.

But the tide of the charge did not stop in the slightest!

The following volunteer soldiers stepped over the fallen bodies and continued forward! Forward!
At the forefront of this bloody battlefield, a striking assault force composed of the "vanguard" of the 81st Division stands out.

Under the personal leadership of Division Commander Wu Qianli, they plunged like a sharp knife into a key high ground at the junction of the central and western regions!
This high ground guards a key passage to the interior, and the U.S. military constructed a ring of fortifications here, deploying several heavy machine guns and a large number of automatic firing positions.

"Grenades! Focus fire! Blow open a breach!"

Wu Qianli's hoarse roar remained clear amidst the deafening gunfire.

Rows of wooden-handled grenades hurtled toward the American bunker complex.

The continuous explosions overturned the sandbags and silenced several firing positions.

"Follow me!"

Wu Qianli grabbed a Mosin-Nagant with a fine bayonet and was the first to leap into the trench filled with the smoke and the smell of blood!
Behind him were a large number of elite troops from the 81st Division, as fierce as tigers descending from the mountain!

The trenches instantly transformed into a living hell!
In the confined space, bayonets, rifle butts, entrenching tools, daggers, fists, and even teeth became the most lethal weapons!
Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers shouted deafening battle cries, unleashing all the anger that had been suppressed for so long.

They worked in groups of three, back to back, providing cover for each other. They skillfully employed infantry tactics, with one drawing fire, one getting close to throw grenades, and one charging forward to engage in bayonet fighting!
The American soldiers put up a fierce resistance thanks to their superior individual equipment and strong physique. The bayonets of the M1 Garands gleamed coldly, and the Thompson submachine guns unleashed terrifying lethality at close range.

Bullets sparked as they struck the trench walls, and spent cartridges clattered and rolled across the ground.

Roars, screams, the clanging of metal, the muffled thuds of flesh being pierced... all mixed together, creating a suffocating atmosphere.

People kept falling, and the bodies quickly piled up. Blood soaked the cold soil and froze into dark red lumps of ice.

The battle was extremely brutal; every inch of land had to be fought for with lives!
The offensive of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army was like a raging storm, with each wave more powerful than the last.

Along the Han River defense line, the casualty figures for US and South Korean forces rose sharply amid frantic calls to the command center.

"General! The eastern flank is under attack!"
The South Korean Army's 6th Regiment's defenses have been breached!
Chinese troops have poured into the second-line positions!
They can't hold on any longer!

More than half of the casualties have been suffered!

Requesting backup! Requesting immediate backup!

"Report from the west wing! The headquarters of the 1st Battalion of the Right Wing Regiment has been destroyed by Chinese suicide squads!"
F Company has lost contact! Chinese troops are infiltrating the artillery positions!
The position is on the verge of collapse! Reinforcements are needed! Immediately!

"Central command! The high ground at the junction of the Central and Eastern regions has been breached!"
A major Chinese division is repeatedly fighting our army for control of the high ground!
Heavy casualties! The defensive line is in danger of being torn apart!

General Saul! We need reserves! Immediately! Otherwise, the defenses will collapse!

Inside the command post of the Han River defense line on the south bank of the Han River.

The radio calls, the hoarse reports from US military staff, and the shrill ringing of telephones sent chills down one's spine.

On the huge battle map, arrows representing the attacks of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army are encroaching and infiltrating inward at an alarming speed from the east, west, and center.

The chief of staff of the U.S. 3rd Division, holding the newly compiled, still-wet battle report, reported with a trembling voice to the person standing in front of the map:

"General! The battle situation... is extremely dire!"
The defense line of the 6th Regiment of the South Korean Army on the eastern flank collapsed, and the remnants retreated to the second line, but their morale was low and they could collapse at any time.

The right flank regiment of our forces suffered heavy losses on the western flank, and its artillery positions were under direct threat. Some of the 75mm howitzers were destroyed by the Chinese demolition team.

The high ground at the junction of the central and central regions has fallen!

The main force of the Chinese 81st Division is passing through this passage and is engaged in fierce fighting with our army in the deep trenches!
Lieutenant Colonel Smith reported that his battalion... had been wiped out!

More than two-thirds of the Second Battalion suffered casualties!

The defenses... could be breached at any moment!

General, calls are coming from all directions... calling the reserves!

Without reserve reinforcements, we...we won't last an hour!

Upon hearing this, Major General Thor swayed slightly.

The sound of artillery fire outside seemed closer, and the muffled explosions caused sand and dust to fall from above.

Thor repeated it in a low voice, then suddenly raised his head and almost roared the order: "We won't last an hour..."

Relay my orders!

I personally led two thousand elite reserves to immediately rush to the aid of the Central Military Region!

Objective—Recapture the high ground at the junction, plug the gap, and push that damned 81st Division back!

Commander Park, your guard battalion should assemble immediately and go to the front line with your troops!

Let your soldiers see where their division commander is!
Tell them to hold the line!
The honor of the Republic of Korea and the safety of Seoul are at stake!

Anyone who dares to retreat a single step will be court-martialed!

Park Jung-hee trembled, his eyes filled with fear, but under Thor's piercing gaze, he could only straighten his body and roar, "Yes!"

Major General Saul turned to his chief of staff one last time, his tone icy cold: "Chief of staff, you stay and coordinate the overall situation!"

Mobilize all available firepower to fully support the central government!
Especially our artillery regiment!
Tell them to bombard the area around the junction of the front lines and the Chinese troops pouring in, at any cost!
remember!

Everyone must hold out for at least three hours!
Three hours later, it was dawn!
Then our air power will show these yellow-skinned barbarians what true firepower superiority is! What hell is!

By then, victory will still be ours!
For the United States of America, for the Republic of Korea, we will stand firm!

After saying that, he grabbed the M1 helmet from the table, put it on his head, picked up the M1 carbine, and strode out of the command post without looking back.

Behind him came the heavy footsteps of the elite U.S. military reserve forces gathering, and the shouts of Park Jung-hee hastily assembling the guard battalion.

Before long, the concealed positions on the flank of the Han River defense line command were fully mobilized.

Two thousand well-equipped and menacing U.S. reserve soldiers, led by Major General Saul, quickly moved out of their concealed positions.

They sped along the pre-planned trenches and concealed passages toward the central junction, where flames raged and the sounds of battle were most intense!

Just as Major General Saul led the last reserve force of the US 3rd Division and rushed headlong into the flesh-and-blood mill of the central juncture.

On the edge of a depression less than three kilometers from the Han River defense command post, repeatedly ravaged by artillery fire and littered with wreckage and shell craters.

Wu Wanli put down his binoculars, a burning light flashing in his sharp eyes.

He clearly saw that massive, rapidly moving elite U.S. reserve force surging toward the direction where the flames were brightest on the Han River battlefield.

The U.S. military headquarters along the Han River is empty!
Wu Wanli turned around abruptly and shouted the order:
"Comrades, target—Han River defense command post, attack!!!"

(End of this chapter)