Bright Sword: From Northwest Shanxi to Shangganling

Chapter 605 Airborne
Due to the lack of communication equipment, even if the volunteer soldiers on the front lines saw the enemy infiltrating, they could not report the news to the regimental or divisional headquarters in time, let alone the army or corps headquarters.

By the time the retreating special operations team realized something was wrong and dispersed to investigate, it was already the next day.

"Commander, the Special Operations Brigade has sent back a telegram saying they have discovered numerous enemy traces."

As he spoke, Xu Wu drew several circles on the map.

In these locations, the special operations team engaged in firefights with small groups of U.S. troops.

"How could there be traces of the enemy in these places?" Luo Ping wondered.

According to the retreat plan of the Volunteer Army Headquarters, the Second General Staff was among the first batch of troops to retreat.

Logically, they should have been able to move freely behind the lines.

Luo Ping didn't understand what was going on, but Chen Chengxing knew what it meant.

"The US military has launched a full-scale counterattack!"

"What?! A counterattack?!" Everyone was taken aback.

"Yesterday, when we had just begun our retreat, we were bombed by American forces near the Zhaoyang River."

"Now we are encountering US paratroopers and tanks one after another. Although these are small groups, I am sure that there will be large US forces behind them."

Chen Chengxing's assessment made everyone's expressions somewhat serious. At this moment, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army was in the worst possible condition to fight against the US military.

Moreover, according to the special operations team's reconnaissance, the positions of both sides are currently very chaotic, with each side intertwined with the other.

The communication capabilities of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army were far inferior to those of the US military, and the more chaotic the situation became, the more disadvantageous it was.

"Old Chen, what should we do now? Should we contact the commissar immediately?"

Chen Chengxing did not answer Luo Ping, but looked at Xu Wu: "Can we contact the Ministry of Civil Affairs now?"

Xu Wu shook his head: "The headquarters is being relocated, and communications have been cut off."

"Bring me the map." Chen Chengxing directly instructed the operations staff to spread out the map.

"Based on the special operations brigade's report, I judge that the enemy's main force should have broken in through the gap between the 19th Army Corps and the 4th Army Corps."

Looking at the map drawn by Chen Chengxing, Xu Wu said, "If the enemy pours in through this gap, we must immediately arrange for our troops to build defensive positions."

“If it’s just this one gap, the impact won’t be too great. What I’m worried about is this area.” Chen Chengxing drew another arrow.

"Because the main force is retreating, there is also a gap between the 4th and 3rd Army Corps. If the US military launches a full-scale counterattack, this will also be a breakthrough point."

The U.S. military has an absolute advantage in aerial vision; they couldn't possibly miss such a large gap.

Looking at the two arrows on the map, everyone couldn't help but become serious.

The intersection of these two arrows has already formed an encirclement, and the main force of the 4th Army Corps is right inside this encirclement.

Chen Chengxing looked at Luo Ping: "The situation is urgent. We can't contact the headquarters, but we can't just sit here and wait to die. I think we need to take action immediately!"

“I agree!” Luo Ping immediately nodded in agreement with Chen Chengxing’s idea.

"Alright, I will now issue the battle orders!"

"Xu Wu, immediately contact all units of the Fourth Army Corps and ensure they maintain open communication channels."

"If we can't get in touch with them, we send a messenger to try. Even..."

"Whether I'm driving or riding a motorcycle, I must establish connections with all departments!"

"I'll dispatch jeeps immediately!" Xu Wu affirmed.

Chen Chengxing nodded and continued, "Order all units to enter combat readiness and cover the evacuation of nearby headquarters, logistics units, and wounded personnel."

"The 23rd Detachment changed its objective and marched swiftly to Wanjiuli to seize advantageous terrain, cover the flank of the 4th Army Corps, and at the same time support the retreat of the 3rd Army Corps!"

Wanjiuli is a crucial location, serving as the only route for the 3rd Army Corps' retreat.

If the US military really breaks through the gap between the 4th and 3rd Army Corps, they will definitely seize this place to block the 3rd Army Corps' retreat.

"Did you hear everything clearly?"

"Now that you understand, let's each take our own actions!"

"Yes!"

Inside the headquarters of the U.S. Eighth Army, Van Fleet expressed great satisfaction as he reviewed the reports sent back by various departments.

"The enemy was caught off guard. Now we should take advantage of our speed and continue our assault!"

"Chief of Staff, order the 10th Army to immediately organize an advance team to advance at full speed toward Lin Ti."

"Order the 187th Airborne Regiment to directly airdrop troops to Wanjiuli."

"Let's take a safety net first and wipe out these few armies on the easternmost edge of the Central and Northern Allied Forces!"

If the advance team can hold Lin Ti and Wan Jiu Li, they can cut off the enemy's retreat route.

Once the 10th Army catches up, it will not only be able to wipe out the enemy forces on the eastern front, but also have the opportunity to join forces with the 9th Army to attack the enemy forces in the central region.

If this battle succeeds, Van Fleet will be the next MacArthur.

Thinking of this, Van Fleet straightened up.

He could almost see countless praises flying towards him.

The following morning, a reinforced company of the U.S. 187th Airborne Regiment successfully parachuted into Wanjiuli.

Meanwhile, a tank platoon and an infantry platoon from the U.S. 2nd Division formed an advance force and were advancing at full speed toward Linti.

Behind the vanguard was an advance team consisting of a tank battalion and an infantry battalion.

Once the advance team and airborne troops successfully converge and occupy the entire Linti area, they can completely block all retreat routes of the 3rd Army Corps.

Meanwhile, the 23rd Detachment was also rushing towards Linti in a forced march.

Inside the temporary detachment headquarters, Sun Xun received bad news.

"Commander, our reconnaissance unit has spotted enemy troops at Wanjiuli!"

Sun Xun was shocked: "Wan Jiuli is the rear, how could there be enemies there?!"

The chief of staff reported: "The reconnaissance troops questioned the local people, and they said they saw many white flowers blooming in the sky, which should be paratroopers parachuting in."

Sun Xun immediately realized: "This is bad!"

"Given the US military's style, they would never send a small force to their deaths. The presence of US troops in this area means that the main force of the US military is already on its way!"

"Chief of staff, report to the headquarters immediately and order the entire 23rd Detachment to enter combat readiness."

"The 231st and 232nd Regiments should immediately seize key positions and attack the US positions at Wanjiuli to buy time for the 3rd Army Corps to transfer."

"The 233rd Regiment proceeds to the blocking position as planned to ensure the safety of the subsequent battle route!"

"yes!".
The 23 teams split into two groups, each rushing toward their respective targets.

After Sun Xun led the main force of the 23rd Detachment to Wanjiuli, he did not stop for a moment and quickly divided his forces to attack the outer positions of the US forces.

The artillery regiment, which followed with mules and horses, didn't even bother to dig craters. They set up their cannons as quickly as possible and then began shelling.

The US infantry company that parachuted in 19,000 li also had six mountain guns parachuted down with it, but six guns were clearly no match for an artillery regiment.

The US artillery counterattack lasted only 15 minutes before being suppressed and rendered unable to make a sound.

The 23rd Artillery Regiment could move around freely, but the US artillery didn't have many places for them to operate.

After the artillery bombardment, the 231st and 232nd Regiments each dispatched a company to launch a pincer attack from the left and right flanks.

The US forces at 19,000 li attempted to resist using their superior firepower.

However, as the artillery regiments continued to bombard American strongpoints, the American forces' ability to resist weakened.

An hour later, with a powerful charge, the flag of the 23rd Detachment was planted on Wanjiuli Heights.

On the other side, the 233rd Regiment established defensive lines on both sides of the road leading to Linti, and the American advance team was hit by surprise fire after arriving.

Faced with the firepower blockade of the 233rd Regiment, the U.S. advance team had to retreat.

Van Fleet's face darkened when he learned that his raid plan had been thwarted.

"Fuck! How could the Central Army build a defensive line in Lin Ti!" If they can't break through the Volunteer Army's defensive line, let alone wipe out the several armies to the east, they won't even get a single hair.

"Pass on my order: the entire 187th Airborne Regiment is to be airdropped into the Linti area!"

"Let the 187th Regiment cooperate with the advance team to clear the way forward."

"Tell the 10th Army to speed up their march!"

"Yes, sir!"

To break through the 233rd Regiment's defenses, Van Fleet used every available force.

After the U.S. 187th Airborne Regiment parachuted near the advance team of the U.S. 10th Corps, it immediately launched a fierce attack in coordination with dozens of tanks.

To Van Fleet's dismay, even though the artillery that was airdropped had overheated the mountain gun barrels, the 233rd Regiment's position remained as solid as a rock.

The two sides fought back and forth over several key positions, but even with the arrival of the main force of the US 10th Corps, they failed to break through the defenses of the 233rd Regiment.

By the evening of the following day, all the wounded, supplies, and staff of the 3rd Army Corps had successfully passed through the Linti area.

After confirming that the 3rd Army Corps was safe, Sun Xun also began to prepare for withdrawal.

The 23rd Detachment was also responsible for protecting the flanks of the 4th Army Corps.

Just as Sun Xun was formulating the retreat plan, a combat staff officer rushed over.

"Commander, a large number of American troops have appeared in Lin Ti, at least a regiment, by my estimation! Our communication with the 233rd Regiment has been cut off!"

The news that Lin Ti had been captured by the US military through a detour came as a great surprise to everyone.

This means that the 233rd Regiment's retreat route has been cut off.

"The phone line has been cut off. What about the walkie-talkie? The radio? We need to find a way to contact the 233rd Regiment."

"I've already tried, but I can't get in touch with them."

"Damn it! They let us down at the crucial moment!"

The political commissar of the 23rd Detachment said, "Old Sun, should we attack Linti immediately to support the 233rd Regiment's retreat?"

"It's not that simple," Sun Xun shook his head.

Although only one regiment of the US military entered Linti, there were 20,000 to 30,000 US troops in the area.

If you include the troops of the Confederate Army and other countries, the number is more than 40,000.

With the strength of 23 squadrons, it was not enough to break through the defenses of an American regiment in a short time.

If they get entangled with the US military, not only will they fail to rescue the 233rd Regiment, but they might also have to sacrifice the 23rd Detachment.

"What do we do now? We can't just abandon the 233rd Regiment!"

Since the 233rd Regiment wasn't in contact, the retreat order couldn't be given to them either. They would definitely hold their ground to the death, and then they would be wiped out.

"We definitely can't give up," Sun Xun said. "Since we can't get through on the phone, let's send someone to notify them!"

"We must ensure that the 233rd Regiment receives the retreat order at all costs!"

Sun Xun thought for a moment, then looked at the deputy head of the operations section beside him: "Zhang Feng, this task is assigned to you."

"Yes! Promise to complete the mission!"

"Tell me what you need."

"Brigade Commander, Political Commissar, in order to maintain secrecy, I plan to take only two guards with me, and I want to equip them both with automatic rifles."

“No problem!” Sun Xun nodded: “I will transfer two soldiers from the guard company equipped with automatic rifles to you, each with 300 rounds of ammunition.”

"Thank you, Captain!"

For Zhang Feng, this was almost an impossible task.

He needed to pass through countless lines of tight US military defenses to reach the 233rd Regiment.

However, Zhang Feng did not hesitate at all. After getting ready, he set off with two soldiers.

The road was indeed as Zhang Feng had imagined, extremely treacherous, and two guards died one after the other.

However, somewhat unbelievably, Zhang Feng actually broke through all the blockades and appeared at the headquarters of the 233rd Regiment.

When Lu Peng, the commander of the 233rd Regiment, saw Zhang Feng, his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

"Deputy Section Chief Zhang, how did you get here?!"

"Never mind how I got here, I have important orders!" Zhang Feng waved his hand, clearly indicating that this was not the time for idle chatter.

"The detachment commander orders the 233rd Regiment to retreat immediately!"

"Retreat?!" Lu Peng exclaimed in surprise, "Luckily you arrived in time!"

Lu Peng, unaware of the impending retreat, was currently planning a counterattack against the enemy in front of him, hoping to recapture a few more positions.

"Commander Lu, the US military has now occupied Linti. What are your thoughts? Can you restore communication with the detachment headquarters?"

Lu Peng shook his head: "Communications can't be restored."

"My regimental headquarters was previously bombarded by enemy heavy artillery, and the bunker was destroyed."

"Although the people are mostly unharmed, the radio station was smashed."

"Now we can only try to break out on our own."

"That's the only way." Zhang Feng nodded. "The detachment commander said that the 233rd Regiment can decide on its own retreat plan."

Lu Peng turned and shouted, "Chief of Staff! Summon all battalion-level officers for an emergency operational meeting!"

A few minutes later, all the commanders of the 233rd Regiment arrived at the regimental headquarters.

"Gentlemen, we have reached a critical moment of life and death for the 233rd Regiment. We must break through tonight!"

"If we wait until tomorrow, we'll never be able to break out!"

"Commander, just tell us what you want us to do!"

"Then I'll just say it directly." Lu Peng didn't bother to ask the political commissar for his opinion at this point and stated his plan directly.

"Retreating along the same route is absolutely out of the question. The enemy has definitely laid a trap in the north, just waiting to capture us when we try to break through."

"Without reinforcements and supplies, we have no chance of breaking through the blockade."

"At this point, breaking out to the southeast is our only option!"

Lu Peng pointed to the Southern Army troops in the southeast.

Looking at the map, everyone nodded in agreement.

Pick the softest persimmons, and in the Lin Ti region, the softest ones are now the Southern Army's.

"Once we break through the encirclement of the Southern army, we will be free to roam the seas and soar through the skies."

"Old Lu is right." The political commissar nodded: "When it comes to mobile warfare, the Volunteer Army is the ancestor of those American devils!"

"Today we'll teach this Van Fleet a lesson and show him how to fight in mobile warfare!"

Lu Peng nodded and affirmed, "That's the battle plan. Go and prepare!"

"Apart from food and ammunition, we should carry as little as possible and keep everything as lightweight as possible."

"The artillery battalion should unleash all its firepower and prepare to bombard the Southern Army positions to the southeast. Once all the shells are used up, abandon the artillery and break out with the regimental headquarters!"

"Lost them all?" The artillery battalion commander was heartbroken; these were 12 Type 92 infantry guns.

Once it's lost, there's nowhere to get it replaced.

"Look at your petty attitude! It's just a few infantry cannons! These small things can't keep up with the Second Commander's combat power and should be phased out!"

"It's settled then! Everyone get ready!"

"Yes!"

(End of this chapter)