Bright Sword: From Northwest Shanxi to Shangganling

Chapter 597 Hold on, and there is hope

Shortly after the start of the main battle at Shucheng, U.S. 10th Corps Commander Almond realized that the Confederate army's defeat was inevitable.

Almond decisively ordered all U.S. troops supporting the Confederate forces in the Shucheng area to quickly regroup and withdraw.

Regardless of the extent to which this drastic move dealt a blow to the Confederate army, the speed of the American retreat was truly remarkable.

At this time, the 17th Division was still circling in the mountains. If it weren't for the 542nd Regiment blocking the Y-shaped intersection, the American troops would have already broken through the encirclement.

However, by this time the small unit that led the American troops to flee had been wiped out, and the main force had run headlong into the 542nd Regiment, which was waiting in full battle.

"Fuck! How could there be a central army blocking force here? This doesn't make sense!"

U.S. Army Commander Lieutenant Colonel Kurt looked extremely grim.

They clearly withdrew before the Southern army was defeated, so how could the Central Army appear in front of them?

"Sir, whether you like it or not, they've already shown up."

“We need to break through their defenses immediately. Once the main force of the Southern army collapses, we will have no way to escape.”

Kurt snapped, "Fuck! I know!"

"Order the artillery to prepare for a round of fire strikes."

"It's almost dawn. Once air support arrives, the infantry will launch their attack under the cover of tanks."

"We must break through as soon as possible!"

At this time, all the US troops in the Shucheng area had gathered here.

Kurt's main force consisted of seven infantry companies and five artillery companies, with a total strength of over three thousand men.

In addition, there were more than a dozen tanks, as well as an unknown but very large number of Confederate infantry.

The deafening bombardment continued until dawn.

As the sun rose, a dozen tanks and four self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, which had demonstrated their formidable firepower in the war, provided cover for the infantry as they began their charge.

Faced with overwhelming firepower, the 542nd Regiment held its ground and refused to yield.

However, as time went on, more and more US military aircraft came to provide support.

The 5th and 6th companies at the forefront were subjected to devastating bombardment.

By noon, all the officers of the 5th Company had been killed in action, leaving only 8 men in the entire company.

The highest-ranking officer on the entire position was a medic from a deputy squad.

Seeing that the blocking position had lost its ability to retaliate, the main force of the US troops decisively continued their breakout.

During the breakout, the US military did not cause any unforeseen complications.

They relied solely on tanks, self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, and aircraft to suppress the remaining positions of the 542nd Regiment on both sides, while the infantry and artillery fled back in disregard of everything.

Although the 352nd Regiment did not completely stop the American troops, they did delay their retreat for several hours.

During these crucial hours, the remaining troops of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army successively moved into position.

The 17th Division arrived entirely in the Shangri-La area, completely blocking the American forces' retreat route.

After the US forces broke through the 542nd Regiment's position, their joy was short-lived, as they were soon halted by even fiercer firepower.

"Fuck! How come we're still surrounded by the central army?!"

Kurt looked at the blocking position in front of him, feeling more distressed than if his whole family had died.

"Sir, the situation is more serious than before. The sniping firepower we're facing is much stronger than it was just now."

Kurt said with a grim face, "Our situation is extremely dangerous; we must break out immediately!"

They barely made it through the previous night.

If they wait another night here, their fate will probably not be good.

The American soldiers were well aware of their situation, so they immediately launched an attack without hesitation.

During the day, the US military had a clear firepower advantage, with countless planes bombing and strafing back and forth.

All of the 17th Division's firing positions were subjected to overwhelming fire, resulting in heavy casualties in many areas.

In the end, cultural instructors, buglers, cooks, and messengers from each company all joined the battle.

As the sun began to set, the American troops grew anxious and their attack became increasingly fierce.

However, despite the heavy artillery fire from the US military, the 17th Division did not retreat an inch.

As darkness fell, the US firepower was forced to decrease, and small units from the 17th Division began to retaliate.

Chinese People's Volunteer Army troops were harassing the roads everywhere, putting the US military in a dilemma.

Late at night, with Zeng Ruifeng's order, the 17th Division launched a counterattack.

Amidst the overwhelming shouts of battle and the bugle calls, the American soldiers' morale completely collapsed, and everyone scattered in panic.

When the US military was engaged in group operations, it was able to hold off the attacks of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army. Now that they are fighting individually, it is even less likely that they can.

The 17th Division's massacre of American troops lasted all night.

Early the next morning, just as Ridgway was holding a military meeting to discuss the situation at Shucheng, an officer from the U.S. Air Force pulled him aside.

"General, we're in trouble! The 27th support unit has been surrounded and annihilated in Shucheng!"

When the news reached him, he did not report it immediately, but chose to consult with Ridgway first.

Upon hearing that the American troops had been surrounded and annihilated, Ridgway's expression immediately changed.

The 27th Support Team was almost a regiment in size.

Moreover, with the American forces encircled and annihilated, the remaining Confederate army would inevitably collapse completely.

There's no need to hold a war meeting about Shucheng now.

Immediately afterwards, Ridgway thought of the chain reaction following the fall of Shucheng.

"Fuck! Dijian is in big trouble!"

"Commander, a great victory has been won at Shucheng!"

"15,000 enemy troops were killed, including 2,500 American soldiers. The 8th Division of the South was completely annihilated, and the 3rd Division of the South had also lost its combat capability."

"We captured 159 artillery pieces, 122 rocket launchers, more than 8,000 rifles and pistols, 7 tanks, and 550 vehicles."

"Good! The operational objectives have been basically achieved!" The commander nodded in satisfaction.

"The next target is Dijianli." The commander looked at the map.

Which units of the 3rd Army Corps are currently closest to Dijianli?

"There are two regiments from the 19th Division, two regiments from the 26th Division, and the 593rd and 735th Regiments."

"Six regiments are enough." The commander nodded.

"Order these six regiments to launch an attack from the east, north, and west to defeat the defenders of Dijianli."

"Have Chen Chengxing send two detachments south immediately to cut off the enemy's escape route to Dijianli and block any possible reinforcements."

In all previous battles, the UN forces performed very consistently; as soon as their retreat was cut off, they would immediately turn tail and run.

Because the enemy was moving too fast, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army was never worried about how to fight, but rather how to stop the enemy.

From the map, with the capture of Shucheng by the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, Dijianli has become very prominent on the entire UN forces' front line.

It could even be said that it stood out all alone on the outside of the entire battle line.

Given the UN forces' consistent approach, they should definitely pull their troops back and rebuild their defensive lines.

Therefore, the Shiji's operational plan was not primarily offensive, but rather focused on infiltration and encirclement. As the strongest main force near Chipyeong-ri, the Second Division was tasked with blocking the fleeing enemy and intercepting reinforcements.

Meanwhile, in Dijianli, the enemy was in a state of panic from top to bottom.

Looking at the map, General Freeman, commander of the 23rd Regiment of the U.S. Army, frowned deeply.

"After the crushing defeat at Shucheng, we are now like a ripe plum, and the central army could come and devour us at any moment."

"To stay in Dijian any longer is to throw your life away!"

The chief of staff standing nearby said, "Sir, if we're going to retreat, we must do it quickly."

"According to aerial reconnaissance, the enemy forces on our flank seem to be making unusual movements."

Upon hearing that the Chinese People's Volunteer Army had begun its operation, Freeman immediately said, "Send a telegram to the higher command immediately, requesting a retreat!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Tell everyone to pack their bags immediately and prepare for evacuation."

"The order to retreat should arrive soon."

According to Freeman, his superiors wouldn't let them die in vain in the Dijian.

Freeman's request to retreat was quickly forwarded to Ridgway by Almond, who added the word "agree."

However, Ridgway held the telegram but did not issue the order for a long time.

Chief of Staff Dane asked, "Sir, do you have other plans?"

According to Dane, they should retreat immediately to avoid greater casualties.

Ridgway placed the telegram on the table, rubbed his forehead, and said, "Shucheng suffered a terrible defeat."

"Faced with the central army's attack, the 2nd Infantry Division suffered heavy losses once again."

Although the Confederate army also lost more than a division this time, this was not within Ridgway's consideration.

"Sir, these losses were mainly caused by the Confederate army's hasty retreat," Dane said, putting in a good word for the 2nd Infantry Division.

"It was precisely because the Confederate army collapsed completely in a short period of time that the flank of the 2nd Division was exposed, forcing them to retreat."

Ridgway waved his hand: "Even if the Southern army collapsed, the battle shouldn't have turned out like that."

"I understand our combat capabilities, and we have no problem confronting the Chinese army head-on."

"The problem now is entirely due to low morale."

Ridgway wouldn't be too concerned about 10,000 casualties; if he wanted to replenish them, he could do so in no time thanks to his powerful air transport capabilities.

However, if the morale issue isn't resolved, it will be a waste of time no matter how many people come.

Ridgway asserted, "This must change if we want to continue fighting."

Dane didn't understand Ridgway's meaning: "So what you mean is?"

"Stay firm in Dijianli!" Li Qiwei said with certainty.

After the fall of Shucheng, a major gap has appeared in the eastern front of the UN forces, and they are now busy deploying a second line of defense in Wonju.

If we abandon Dijonri at this point, then the entire defensive line will have no foothold.

The central army's next offensive will be unimpeded, and Yuanzhou will certainly not be able to be defended then.

But if they can hold onto Dijianli, the situation will be very different.

If the central army wants to attack Yuanzhou, the troops of Dijianli will be a sharp knife on its flank and rear, preventing the central army from launching a full-scale attack.

Even if Yuanzhou falls, Dijianli will still be able to threaten the rear flank of the Central Government at all times, preventing it from easily advancing.

Moreover, holding Dijonri would not only give the US military more time to repair its broken lines, but also boost the morale of the US troops.

Ridgway didn't need American soldiers to charge forward with shouts; he only needed them to choose to hold their ground when they saw the Chinese army.

As long as they hold their ground, the US military will have an opportunity to counterattack.

"Sir, Dijianli is in a vulnerable, isolated position along the entire defensive line. If the central army launches a strong attack..."

“No.” Ridgway waved his hand. “I have a different opinion from yours.”

"The 23rd Regiment has been in Dijianli for ten days. During these ten days, Freeman has been building fortifications."

"Dijianli now possesses the most complete defensive fortifications of the UN forces."

"In other words, this is a heavily reinforced regiment with well-developed defensive fortifications."

"They only need to hold out for two days, and reinforcements from all around will arrive."

此时迪尖里的美军，除了23团本来的人员以外，还有1个155毫米榴弹炮连、1个105毫米榴弹炮营、1个拥有8辆自行高炮和8辆自行高射机枪的防空连。

In addition to these heavy weapons, the 23rd Regiment also included an engineer company, a ranger company, and a medical team, capable of taking down a French reinforced battalion of over a thousand men in a single strike.

The total garrison strength in Dijianli exceeded six thousand men.

For Ridgway, there was no better place than Dijon.

He didn't believe that the Chinese army could wipe out such a reinforced regiment in a short time.

"Send orders to Freeman: he is not to retreat an inch and must hold his ground until reinforcements arrive!"

"Two days, I only have two days to hold on."

“Tell him that if necessary, I will send the entire army group to rescue the 23rd Regiment.”

"Yes, sir!"

Although Dane didn't understand Ridgway's thoughts, he still immediately sent a telegram to Freeman.

Freeman, who had already packed his bags and was preparing to evacuate overnight, stared blankly at the telegram in his hand.

This was completely different from what he had expected.

"Sir, according to intelligence, the number of enemy troops in the surrounding area is more than ten times ours. The higher command has ordered us to hold our ground," the chief of staff said, somewhat puzzled.

“Lieutenant Colonel, this is not something we should be considering,” Freeman ordered. “Get all units to their defensive positions immediately!”

Although Freeman was somewhat pessimistic at this point, he still chose to obey orders.

During his ten days in Dijianli, Freeman had meticulously set up a ring-shaped defense.

His deployment differs from the standard U.S. military defensive positions.

The standard defense for the U.S. military is to occupy high ground on all sides and use tanks as outer cover.

But Freeman believed that his forces were insufficient to occupy all the high ground in Dijon.

Rather than being defeated one by one, it is better to concentrate forces to form a more solid core position.

According to Freeman's plan, the outermost edge of the circular position was occupied by almost all of his infantry, in order to ensure the outer defensive capability of the entire position.

Further in were artillery positions, as well as tank and air defense companies serving as mobile defensive forces.

In the very center of the circular position was his command post and the remaining three infantry companies in reserve.

The reason Freeman dared to do this was simple: the Chinese People's Volunteer Army was severely lacking in heavy weapons.

Moreover, because he had plenty of time, Freeman used everything he could to maintain this defensive position.

The position was equipped with barbed wire, roadblocks, and landmines, forming a near-complete fire coverage network.

Freeman was highly respected in the 23rd Regiment. After he made the decision to hold the line, the American soldiers, though apprehensive, prepared for the night to come.

(End of this chapter)