Bright Sword: From Northwest Shanxi to Shangganling

Chapter 588 Arrange in a straight line

The actions of the Northern Army were unexpected by both the Chinese Communist Party headquarters and Ridgway.

Ridgway never expected the Union Army to be so reckless.

Upon learning that it was merely a small-scale probing attack by armored forces, they pushed back their lines.

Ridgway became increasingly suspicious, and eventually he even wondered if there were any of his own people on the other side.

Because after the Northern Army sent a wave of casualties, it almost completely squandered the advantage that the Central Army had gained in the Third Campaign.

The UN forces easily pushed the front line to the Suwon and Yeoju area.

Only after confirming that the United States had no high-ranking spies in the north did Ridgway dare to be certain that the other side was simply incompetent.

Inside the command post, Ridgway looked at the sand table and affirmed, "This is a rare opportunity to attack!"

"Whatever the reason, we must seize this opportunity!"

"Notify all commanders of UN divisions and brigades that I am calling an operations meeting!"

For Ridgway, the opportunity to attack was extremely valuable, and he had to seize it firmly.

The next morning, Ridgway appeared in the conference room.

Even though he hadn't slept all night, he was still full of energy.

Ridgway pointed his joystick at the map: "A golden opportunity has presented itself before us. I have decided to launch an attack immediately."

Codename: Operation Thunder!

Upon hearing Ridgway utter the word "attack," the meeting room erupted in an uproar.

Ridgway replaced all the senior commanders of the U.S. military, but the commanders of other countries remained the same.

The British troops, among others, had been terrified by the Chinese People's Volunteer Army and dared not advance another step.

Looking at the officers from various countries whose expressions had changed drastically and who were shaking their heads repeatedly, Ridgway felt a sense of disdain.

However, he didn't show it on his face because he didn't consider these people to be human beings at all.

"In this offensive, the western front was mainly led by the US military to carry out the attack mission, while the eastern front was mainly led by the South Korean military to provide support."

"This time, both the eastern and western fronts are being deployed using a mixed force from the southern United States."

Although the Eastern Front was only a supporting role, Ridgway dared not let the Confederate army launch its own attack.

He was truly terrified of the Southern Army.

If the western front advances but the eastern front collapses, it could very well be a suicidal move.

For Ridgway, this battle was of paramount importance; even if he could not win, he absolutely could not afford to lose.

Otherwise, the US military will truly be left defenseless against the Chinese military in the future.

When the UN forces learned that it was none of their business, their expressions immediately returned to calm.

They don't care if they lose, but they can get a share of the spoils if they win, and they'd welcome that with open arms.

As for the Confederate army, command is now in the hands of the US military, so they have no say at all.

Ignoring the smiles that had returned to the faces of the various commanders, Ridgway continued:

"To avoid any accidents, all troops must advance in parallel from the West Coast to the East Coast."

"I will announce the adjustment line for the next day based on the situation of the day."

"No unit at the front line shall cross the adjustment line, regardless of the battle situation."

"During the march, no troops should rely on roads, and all high ground and strategic points along the way must be seized."

"The various armies must move closer together and advance in unison to prevent the central army from infiltrating and penetrating."

According to Ridgway's analysis of previous battles, the greatest threat to the UN forces was the Chinese People's Volunteer Army's unpredictable infiltration tactics.

Once this problem is solved, the UN forces will at least not be under mortal threat.

"In addition, frontline reconnaissance units continue to use magnetic tactics to ensure contact with the Chinese and North Korean forces."

"Once the main force of the Chinese army is located, immediately call in the air force, artillery and tank units."

"Concentrate firepower on the main force and logistics of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army for large-scale bombing. Our goal is to inflict massive casualties on the Chinese army's manpower."

To ensure the UN forces remained invincible, Ridgway employed almost textbook tactics.

Abandoning the pace of advance, all troops should hold hands and push forward shoulder to shoulder along the northern front. If they encounter the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, they should clear the way with firepower and bomb them all the way to the Han River.

This tactic is quite complex, but it can be summarized in a single sentence.

That means building the strongest fortress and fighting the most arduous battles!
Simple and direct, but effective.

Faced with the looming shadow of defeat hanging over the UN forces, this was the maximum offensive Ridgway could muster.

If they were any bolder, the White House might intervene directly.

Inside a hidden underground command post.

As soon as the UN forces made their move, Chen Chengxing received a telegram from the headquarters of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, and soon Wei Dayong's telegram was also sent back.

"Commander, the UN forces have really made their move!"

"According to the telegram from the headquarters, the American troops were lined up in a row from west to east this time."

"Special forces also discovered a large-scale attack by advancing US troops in the Suwon area."

"It seems there are more follow-up troops."

Xu Wu was astonished by Chen Chengxing's judgment.

After suffering three consecutive blows, no one thought the US military would dare to launch a preemptive strike.

However, Chen Chengxing boldly predicted the US military's reaction and led the 4th Group to carry out covert operations under the cover of night.

In just a few days, several troops had secretly advanced to the south bank of the Han River.

Chen Chengxing explained, "Although the Chinese People's Volunteer Army achieved successive victories, the US military always had the strength to launch a counter-offensive."

"Whether the Americans are attacking or retreating, they're always sitting in vehicles. Even though they keep losing, they're always running away in trucks."

"Although we have won the battle, we can only advance on foot."

Even for a unit like the Second Division, which has received buffs, the soldiers' fatigue levels are already at their maximum; the rest of the troops are even more exhausted.

During the Liberation War, even without logistical pressure, troops would typically need a period of rest and recuperation after one or two major battles.

"Of course, according to the plan of the Chinese Communist Party headquarters, the US military had no opportunity to attack."

"But we couldn't stop someone from intentionally feeding us a wave of freebies." Chen Chengxing said helplessly.

It was a game where they could easily win, but they had to go and show off.

Hearing Chen Chengxing's words, everyone in the command post was speechless.

The Union Army's impulsiveness directly led to a reversal of the situation.

Without rest or regrouping, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army once again engaged in close combat with the US military.

Due to the huge difference in hardware equipment, although the morale of the US military was low, their physical strength and combat effectiveness were still up to par.

Ridgway's strategy of building strongholds and fighting a protracted war perfectly leveraged the US military's equipment advantage while avoiding morale issues.

Seeing that everyone was getting a bit somber from the Northern Army's antics, Luo Ping tried to ease their mood.

"Regardless of what the US military plans, we have already anticipated their moves."

"The actions of the US military are practically handing us credit for our victory."

Hearing Luo Ping's explanation, everyone's mood improved again.

"The political commissar is right. Although the Northern Army tricked us, we were prepared. This time, we'll teach the Americans a lesson they won't forget!"

"Xu Wu, send a telegram to Ding Wei, Kong Jie, and Li Yunlong: We'll have a meeting tomorrow to finalize the battle plan!"

"yes!".
Early the next morning, Li Yunlong and his two companions arrived at the Second Headquarters.

As soon as they entered, they asked, "Old Chen, do you have any ideas?"

At this time, all four of their troops had secretly moved south of the Han River.

Li Yunlong and Kong Jie initially thought it was just about strengthening defenses, but now it seems there's more to it than that.

"Time is of the essence, so I won't waste any more words." Chen Chengxing stood up.

"The U.S. military has now launched an offensive and is gradually advancing northward."

"I have already sent a telegram to the headquarters to request and confirm the operational plan for this mission."

"The strategy for this campaign is to first divide the battlefield, then annihilate one of its routes, and finally expand the results of the battle."

"Great!" Li Yunlong exclaimed excitedly. "Who are we going to fight this time?"

Chen Chengxing pointed to the map: "The UN forces are advancing in a straight line. If you want to wipe out a part of the enemy, you have to dig people out first." "This tactic was used by the 502nd Division against the 74th Division back then, and it is just right to use it against the US military now."

"However, the US military is different from the Chinese army. Therefore, the plan of the Chinese Communist Party headquarters this time is to use the westernmost US 7th Division, so that they only need to block the enemy forces in the east."

"The 7th Infantry Division?" The group looked towards the westernmost part of the map.

Xu Wu explained from the side: "According to the US's public statements, the 7th Division completes its missions as punctually and flawlessly as a dripper, hence its nickname, the Dripper Division."

"In the Pacific theater, this division was famous for its bayonet fighting and was also known as the Bayonet Division."

"They are considered elite troops of the US military."

Upon hearing Xu Wu's introduction, Li Yunlong curled his lip: "Elite? Hand-to-hand combat?"

"When it comes to hand-to-hand combat, we're his ancestors. This time, we'll definitely turn that thing of his into a sieve!"

Ding Wei, who was standing to the side, nodded in agreement: "Targeting the elite is also an old tradition of ours."

"As long as conditions permit, we will not get entangled with the enemy's miscellaneous troops, but will directly target their ace."

"It's just a pity we didn't run into the 1st Marine Division or the 1st Cavalry Division," Ding Wei said with a look of regret.

"You're unlikely to run into him, but I reckon Old Kong will."

As he spoke, Chen Chengxing looked at Kong Jie and said, "Old Kong, whether we can take down the US 7th Division this time depends on you."

"Old Chen, tell me in detail what happened." Kong Jie never expected that he, the weakest of them all, would become the most important person.

"According to intelligence, the 1st Cavalry Division is the unit to the east of the US 7th Division. Once the US 7th Division is surrounded, the 1st Cavalry Division will definitely come to its aid."

"At the same time, Ridgway will inevitably deploy the 1st Marine Division, the strategic reserve, to provide assistance."

"In other words, Lao Kong must withstand the attacks of these two divisions in order to create conditions for the main force to encircle and annihilate the US 7th Division."

Upon hearing his mission, Kong Jie was not afraid, but instead asked, "What about the troops further east?"

Given the speed of the US military's mechanization, they can provide support quickly if they want to.

“The headquarters has already mobilized the rest of the troops,” Chen Chengxing explained. “With the threat from other forces, the UN forces cannot commit all of them here.”

"Old Chen, how about I take on this task?" Li Yunlong offered.

Li Yunlong didn't look down on Kong Jie at all, but no matter what, the combat power of Army C was stronger than that of Army B.

The 1st Cavalry Division had been defeated by them before; they had a good reputation, but their combat strength was just so-so.

But the 1st Marine Division was different; it was the absolute trump card of the US military in the Korean War.

The 1st Marine Division has a strength of over 25,000 men, and its number of heavy artillery and tanks is twice that of other units.

Furthermore, it possesses its own dedicated 1st Air Wing, consisting of a full 150 fighter jets.

During the Second Phase Offensive, the 1st Marine Division, facing an attack by 150,000 Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers, managed to break through the encirclement with all its wounded and heavy equipment by relying on airdropped supplies.

This is unique among all three battles.

Moreover, according to reports from the Eastern Front troops during the Second Phase Offensive, air support from the 1st Marine Division could arrive within five minutes.

Chen Chengxing was well aware of the weight of this task, but he still affirmed, "Only Lao Kong can handle this task."

"You all know the story of Tian Ji's horse race. This time, we're going to use a top-notch horse to defeat Ridgway's average horse."

"Moreover, Lao Kong's troops are also good at fighting tough and fierce battles."

A commander's personality has a significant impact on the troops.

Because of Li Yunlong's personality, there was no enemy that the C Army dared not fight when they attacked.

Similarly, due to Kong Jie's personality, the B Army was composed and never made any mistakes in the defensive battles.

"B Army is holding off two of the most elite US divisions, and we also need to take down the US 7th Division as quickly as possible."

In this battle, both blocking and encirclement were important tasks.

Once the US 7th Division is isolated, it needs to be eliminated in a short period of time.

If the battle drags on, the situation on the battlefield will inevitably change.

Upon hearing Chen Chengxing's words, Li Yunlong and Ding Wei both straightened up.

"This time, the four of us will take on an entire division of him. Even if he's an iron walnut, we'll grind him into iron filings!"

“Old Li is right.” Ding Wei nodded: “Even if we exclude Old Kong, our three units still have an absolute advantage in strength.”

"However, a direct frontal attack is definitely not going to work. Once attacked, the US 7th Division will inevitably retreat rapidly."

"When the American troops get going, we can't keep up with them on two legs."

Chen Chengxing nodded and said affirmatively, "So we need to stop them."

"Old Kong will fire the first shot."

"Given the current caution of the US military, the 1st Cavalry Division would inevitably have to retreat its defensive lines if it were suddenly attacked."

"It is unlikely that Ridgway will retreat across the board if he is not attacked in other areas."

"The most likely scenario is that the US 1st Cavalry Division will retreat, forming a concave pocket to lure the Chinese People's Volunteer Army deep into its territory, and then inflict casualties with superior forces."

“This is our opportunity,” Chen Chengxing said, gesturing on the map.

"While the 1st Cavalry Division is retreating, Lao Kong can move forward to fill the gap and take the opportunity to capture Nan'an Mountain on the flank."

"This exposes the flank of the US 7th Division."

"If a single unit can rush to the water within twelve hours, it can block the retreat route of the US military."

"The rest is self-explanatory."

“Old Chen, let’s keep it simple here, but Shangshui is 70 kilometers away from here, and most of it is mountain road.”

"This task is no simple matter!" Ding Wei said with a serious expression.

Seeing Ding Wei shaking his head repeatedly, Li Yunlong patted his chest and said, "Old Ding, it's no big deal. Why are you so scared? If your A Army can't do it, my C Army will!"

“Old Li, this isn’t something that can be resolved with just a few words!” Ding Wei said. “We must consider the possibility of failure before we consider victory, only then can we ensure that we are safe.”

"If the entire effort is thwarted due to the arduous journey, no one can bear the responsibility!"

"Old Ding, if you ask me..."

"Alright," Chen Chengxing interrupted Li Yunlong.

"This raiding mission can be left to the Second Commander."

"The Second General Association will cooperate with Army B to capture Nan'an Mountain and send troops to raid Shangshuili."

"As for the main force, they will attack the US 7th Division from three sides."

On the map, Chen Chengxing marked the attack directions of each unit.

The 1st Cavalry Division's defensive line was led by Kong Jie, with the 2nd General Artillery Brigade providing fire support.

As soon as the 1st Cavalry Division of the United States retreats, Kong Jie will immediately use one division to maintain pressure while the other two divisions launch a strong attack on Nan'an Mountain.

At the same time, Chen Chengxing dispatched infiltration troops to outflank the US 7th Division.

Chen Chengxing, Ding Wei, and Li Yunlong's main force encircled the US 7th Division from the northwest, north, and southeast.

The group had no objections to Chen Chengxing's arrangement and nodded in agreement.

This can be described as a race against time.

In addition to the flanking troops arriving in time, their several large forces also needed to surround and eliminate the enemy as quickly as possible.

Any mishap by any unit could lead to a reversal of the situation.

After confirming their respective missions, Ding Wei, Kong Jie, and Li Yunlong rushed back to their respective units.

The task ahead is very important.

After Li Yunlong and his men left, Chen Chengxing summoned Sun Xun.

After listening to Chen Chengxing's explanation, Sun Xun immediately looked at the map: "A twelve-hour raid covering seventy kilometers, and the capture of Shangshuili."

At this moment, Sun Xun had no idea what to do, but he couldn't refuse.

"Don't worry, Commander-in-Chief, my 23rd Detachment never says no to orders."

"I only have one thing to say: I guarantee I'll complete the mission!"

"very good!"

"If we take down the US 7th Division, the 23rd Regiment will be credited with the greatest achievement!"

"Yes!"

(End of this chapter)