Bright Sword: From Northwest Shanxi to Shangganling

Chapter 626 I have a showdown
Van Fleet had sent Clark at least eighty or a hundred battle plans before.

Clark brought up the plan to attack north of Ironfly precisely because the plan was highly feasible.

From the overall perspective of this plan, it doesn't even qualify as a campaign; at most, it can only be considered a small-scale battle at the regimental or battalion level.

According to Beckett's plan, the US military mainly relied on its artillery advantage to keep casualties to a small extent and capture the two north-south mountain ridges of the Wufangling '丵' shape, thereby forcing the Chinese People's Volunteer Army to retreat voluntarily.

Clark believes the plan is low-risk but high-reward, making it perfect for the current situation.

Having figured it out, Clark asked, "What do you need to execute this plan?"

Van Fleet immediately replied, "No less than 12 battalions of artillery and air support!"

"If we can provide maximum artillery firepower and the most effective close air support, I estimate that we can take these two hills with just two battalions if all goes well."

“Once we take Wufangling, the central army’s subsequent positions will be indefensible. They will have no choice but to retreat to more than two kilometers away.”

“Agreed!” Clark immediately approved: “In addition to the four artillery battalions of the 7th Division, I allow you to deploy another 14 artillery battalions to participate in the battle, including the 203mm howitzer battalion.”

"But I must remind you that this operation can only be reported as a routine news story."

"Another point is that this operation is only a tactical operation and cannot be developed into a large-scale campaign. We need to think clearly about how to fight in order to achieve the greatest results before we start."

Clark's meaning is simple: you can fight, but you must keep a low profile until the result is in, and once the fight is over, it's over.

Van Fleet was thrilled to receive Clark's affirmative reply.

"Sir, I request permission to launch a flanking landing operation as support!"

After saying that, Van Fleet realized that his request might be a bit excessive, so he added, "Of course, if that really doesn't work, a fake one will do."

However, to VanVleet's surprise, Clark readily agreed.

"No problem. I will not only organize a flanking landing, but the troops in the Ximashan and Xiyueling areas will also conduct a feint operation to support the battle at Wufangling."

Clark's goal was to lure out reinforcements from the Chinese People's Volunteer Army and then use the air force to kill them.

He was unwilling to make a big fuss on the ground, but if it was the air force, then it was no problem at all.

Regardless of what Clark thought, Van Fleet was incredibly excited.

Van Fleet, who was already unwilling to hold his ground, rushed to the US 7th Division after sending Clark away.

Based on this unprecedented firepower configuration, Van Fleet also gave the operation a name: 'Operation Showdown'.

It means I'm not pretending anymore, I'm laying my cards on the table, I'm going to use firepower to flatten your Volunteer Army's positions.

At the Second General Headquarters, Xu Wu walked over and said, "Commander-in-Chief, Political Commissar, the Special Operations Brigade has captured a prisoner, a battalion-level staff officer from the 23rd Regiment of the 2nd Division in the South."

Chen Chengxing asked, "What intelligence do you have?"

Since Xu Wu came here specifically for this matter, it must be something important.

"Based on the prisoners' confession, the South 2nd Division and the US 7th Division will launch an attack on the Wufangling area."

Looking at the map in front of him, Luo Ping was somewhat puzzled: "Wufangling?"

"Could this be a diversionary tactic by the enemy? How could a battalion-level staff officer be captured so conveniently, and even know the US military's next move?"

If Luo Ping were the US military commander, he would never have attacked Wufangling.

When two armies are facing off, the boundary between units of different formations is the ideal direction for the main attack.

The wide passage between the 21st and 22nd detachments was the most suitable location for the US military to break through, which is why the Second General Staff placed the main force of the artillery there.

"Old Luo, do you think the enemy's move at Wufangling is a feint? Is their aim to retaliate against the 21st Detachment's attack on Xiyueling?"

Luo Ping nodded: "Geographically speaking, abandoning the main road to the west and taking the eastern route where the advantages of mechanization cannot be fully utilized is not in line with the style of the US military."

In warfare, the US military has always relied on tanks and artillery to pave the way. Without heavy firepower, wouldn't the US military simply become easy prey?

"You're right to be optimistic about the enemy's future," Chen Chengxing said. "However, I think it's not impossible for the US military to attack Wufangling."

As he spoke, Chen Chengxing gestured on the map and said, "Judging from the current situation, if the US military wants to change its passive situation, it will have to launch a major offensive."

"According to my estimate, the main directions of the US military's attack may be: one is to launch a main attack on Ximashan and attack the west side of Ximashan; the other is to launch a main attack on Shengwushan and attack the east side of Shengwushan."

"Whichever of these two directions is breached, the US military can encircle our main force, so the US military could go either way."

(As shown in the image, there are two possible encirclement routes for the US military.)
"Although both are possible, the two paths are very different." Luo Ping still felt that the US military would not give up its advantages.

"The western side of Xima Mountain is the bottom of Pingkang Valley, which is very convenient for the high-speed movement of US mechanized forces, making it difficult for the Chinese People's Volunteer Army to prevent the enemy from flanking and attacking from behind."

"The Shengwushan area is all mountainous, and the positions of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army are easy to defend but difficult to attack, making it difficult for the US military to use mechanized forces to attack."

“You’re right.” Chen Chengxing nodded. “If the US military wants to launch a large-scale offensive, the Pingkang Valley is the most suitable place.”

"But what if the US military doesn't intend to launch a large-scale offensive?"

Chen Chengxing's words surprised Luo Ping and Xu Wu.

Is the US military not planning to launch a large-scale war?
"If it is just a small-scale battle, in order to take the Chinese People's Volunteer Army by surprise, the US military will likely choose to attack the direction and position where the Chinese People's Volunteer Army has not launched an offensive. Wufangling, as a salient, is very likely to be the target."

“That makes sense.” Luo Ping nodded. “However, we cannot let our guard down around Xima Mountain and Xiyue Ridge.”

Chen Chengxing said, "Of course we can't let our guard down."

"Given the current situation, the US military is unlikely to advance through the plains, but if the 21st and 22nd Detachments are redeployed, they will absolutely not hesitate to march straight into Pyonggang."

If Pyonggang falls, not only will the Second General Headquarters' rear be cut off, but the US military could also use its mechanized speed to advance all the way along the river plains to Wonsan Port.

At that time, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army could only reorganize its defensive positions in the Changjin Lake area.

This means that the entire eastern front has been lost, and it's hard to say whether the US military will lose its composure then.

Xima Mountain and Xiyue Ridge are the left and right protectors of the Pingkang Plain, and they must be guarded by the main force no matter what.

(As shown in the image, the US military may have two attack routes.)

After discussing things with Luo Ping, Chen Chengxing straightened up and looked at Xu Wu.

"Judging from the current situation, the enemy is very likely to launch a retaliatory attack."

"Order all troops to be on high alert and prepared to crush any retaliatory action by the enemy."

"Strive to launch a decisive battle when the enemy attacks us, and inflict heavy casualties on the enemy."

"Tell Qin Sheng to strengthen the defenses at Wufangling, make good use of the tunnels, and fight more night battles."

"Yes!"

Just as the 24th Detachment was reinforcing the garrison at Wufangling, the US military was also deploying troops to the Wufangling area.

Inside the headquarters of the US 7th Division, Van Fleet, along with the commander of the US 7th Division, Marquez, the commander of the 31st Regiment, Beckett, and Li Dongxu, the commander of the South 2nd Division, gathered in front of the sand table.

The group began to plan specific battle strategies. In order to better adjust the strategies, Van Fleet led everyone to the front line to observe several times.

They also specifically found a high ground similar to Wufangling and conducted a week-long joint offensive exercise involving infantry, tanks, artillery, and air force.

Only after all preparations were completed did the UN forces truly begin their secret deployment.

Inside the command post, Van Fleet looked at Beckett and said, "Beckett, you proposed this action plan, so you will be in charge of the frontline command of Hill 597 on the west side of Wufangling."

Beckett was a notorious warmonger in the U.S. Army, and the soldiers of the 31st Regiment nicknamed him "Madman Commander".

To develop this attack plan, Beckett took helicopters dozens of times to observe Hill 597 up close, and he also personally led reconnaissance teams to the front lines of the 24th Detachment for observation.

Even Van Fleet would have a hard time finding fault with a battle plan devised in such a reckless manner.

This is why Van Fleet appointed Beckett as the UN forces' frontline commander at Hill 597.

Beckett snapped to attention: "Yes, sir!"

"In order to better capture the position, you can use two battalions in the first wave of attack."

"However, in this battle, the attacking force cannot exceed two battalions."

"Guaranteed to complete the mission!"

Beckett was very confident at this moment.

According to reconnaissance, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army on Hill 597 consisted of only one reinforced company.

Looking at Beckett, Van Fleet thought for a moment and then said, "I brought a new regimental flag for the Polar Bear Regiment."

"To be honest, I really don't want to give it to you, but with a major battle imminent, the 31st Regiment needs morale boosting." "Moreover, the enemy on the other side is your sworn enemy, the Second General Staff of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army."

"I hope the Polar Bear Regiment can show its might and plant the new regimental flag on the Second General Headquarters' position."

Since its formation in 1916, the Polar Bear Unit has never been deployed to the continental United States. They have always been stationed overseas and participated in various combat operations. They are the elite forces of the U.S. military that have grown up on the battlefield.

Their first major defeat was when the Second Division completely annihilated them.

Beckett said with a resolute expression, "Sir, ever since we learned that the enemy on the opposite position was the Second General Staff of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, the soldiers have been eager to fight and ready to take revenge at any time."

"Now that we have the support of 18 artillery battalions, I can't imagine how the 31st Regiment could lose."

"I think that after the shelling, the 31st Regiment can take the position with a single charge."

“Very good!” VanVleet nodded. “What I wanted was a decisive victory!”

With that, Van Fleet handed the polar bear regimental flag, which the staff officer had presented to him, to Beckett with both hands.

After a small flag-raising ceremony, the UN forces' attack officially began.

按照计划，美7师31团和南2师23团分别攻击五方岭两翼的597高地和537高地。

At the same time, attacks will be launched along the entire central front to confuse the Chinese People's Volunteer Army.

Of course, in order to take Wufangling in one fell swoop, the UN forces did not take action directly, but prepared to conduct two days of artillery preparation first.

According to Beckett's original plan, the bombardment was supposed to last for five days.

However, during the Battle of West Ma Hill, the US forces consumed a large number of artillery shells in order to hold off the 21st Regiment's attack. The remaining ammunition stockpile was not enough to be squandered at will, so Van Fleet shortened the bombardment time to two days.

However, although the time was shortened, Van Fleet did not reduce the density of firepower.

On October 12, 18 U.S. artillery battalions, with 324 large-caliber heavy artillery pieces, began shelling.

The US military's shelling continued non-stop from morning till night, consuming as many as 18 shells every day.

Even at night, the firelight on Wufang Ridge can still illuminate the entire night sky.

The 24th Detachment had meticulously prepared fortifications on the position for two months, but they were simply unable to withstand such a high-intensity artillery bombardment.

Barbed wire, abattoirs, anti-tank ditches, mine traps, and other structures were all wiped out by the artillery fire, and even all communication lines with the front lines were destroyed.

However, the soldiers were unharmed as they hid inside the tunnel.

By the early morning of the 14th, after two days of artillery preparation, the US artillery ceased firing, and all US attacking forces moved into their starting positions.

They are preparing to launch a powerful attack to achieve a decisive victory.

A few hours later, VanVleet raised his arm and looked at his arm; it was 3:30 a.m.

Van Fleet gave the order for a general offensive.

"Tell the artillery units to proceed with the planned bombardment. After two hours, the artillery fire will cease, and the infantry will move in to clean up the remaining artillery fire!"

Van Fleet's plan included more than just the initial 48 hours of artillery preparation; an even more intense bombardment awaited during the actual attack.

After resting for more than three hours, the US artillery resumed its bombardment, but this time, it was not as leisurely as before.

Everyone is working non-stop at top speed.

"Quick! Quick! Load! Load!" the gunners shouted repeatedly.

The deafening roar of cannons drowned out all other sounds.

Although the US artillerymen couldn't hear the gunner's shouts, they understood the meaning.

Shells were fired one after another at Wufangling.

Inside the 24th Detachment headquarters, Qin Sheng, who was resting, suddenly jumped up and rushed out of the command post.

The Wufangling area was filled with smoke, and Hill 597 and Hill 537 looked as if they had been set on fire.

"Such intense artillery bombardment! Is the US military launching a general offensive?"

"Immediately contact the 1st Battalion of the 243rd Regiment and inquire about the situation at the front!"

"Yes, sir!" The staff officer next to him immediately started making phone calls to the front lines.

However, under such intense firepower, it was difficult to make contact not only with the front line, but also with the command post of the first battalion.

Left with no other option, the staff officer had to contact the headquarters of the 243rd Regiment.

"Commander, the front line has lost contact. The 243rd Regiment can no longer reach the front line either. They only had brief contact with the 1st Battalion command before."

"However, according to the report, the situation on the position is not very critical."

After listening to the staff officer's report, Qin Sheng shook his head: "That was before. Now the firepower density is dozens of times greater than before."

"Keep asking until you get in touch!"

"Yes!"

The staff officer kept calling out, and Qin Sheng looked at the artillery fire at Wufangling with worry on his face.

At this moment, inside Tunnel No. 3 on Hill 597, Company Commander Wang Er felt as if he were not in a cave, but in a broken boat floating on the water.

He felt as if the entire mountain was shaking from the bombardment of American artillery.

The 30-meter-thick layer of soil above the tunnel blocked the explosion of the shells, but the shock still shot straight from the soles of the feet to the brain, making one feel dizzy.

Wang Er had fought in wars for half his life, but he had never encountered such fierce artillery fire.

Suddenly, Wang Er heard someone calling him.

"Company commander! Company commander!"

Wang Er looked up and saw a soldier lying on the ground with blood flowing from his mouth.

Wang Er went over anxiously and asked, "What happened?"

"I don't know." The people next to him shook their heads.

"He was fine just now, and then he suddenly collapsed."

Looking at the lifeless soldier, Wang Er frowned deeply.

Judging from this, it doesn't look like poisoning, and there are no external injuries on the body.

"Company commander, it looks like they died from the shockwave of an explosion?"

A soldier next to him reminded Wang Er, and he realized what was happening.

"What did he just do? Did he lie down on the ground?"

"No, I was just sitting on the ground and resting against the wall."

"No?"

As a veteran, Wang Er knew that when dodging artillery fire, one should not lie on the ground and should keep one's abdomen suspended in the air. Since he did not lie on the ground, he should be fine.

After thinking for a moment, Wang Er sat down in the soldier's original spot and leaned against the wall.

Feeling the dual vibrations of the ground and walls, Wang Er understood.

After standing up, Wang Er said sternly, "No one should lean against the wall! And no one should lie on the ground!"

"Although there may be no immediate harm, if left untreated for an extended period, internal organs can still be damaged and bleed."

A layer of soil tens of meters thick can block the direct damage of a shock wave, but some shock waves can still be transmitted into the body through contact.

The larger the contact area, the stronger the shock wave.

The soldiers nodded and moved several dozen centimeters away.

After surveying the tunnel, Wang Er looked at the medical team and added, "Everyone, help us modify the original stretchers and beds; we can't just put them on the ground."

With such formidable firepower now, the U.S. military's subsequent firepower will certainly not be weak either. Once the wounded are lying on the ground, none of them will survive.

The soldiers realized what was happening and, without delay, immediately began making modifications.

A battle could break out at any moment, and they need to get rid of any unnecessary trouble as soon as possible.

(End of this chapter)