Chapter 65: The Fierce Tiger Emerges from the Mountain and Roars at the River

  March 15, 1951. The great "United Nations Army" once again recovered the capital of South Korea, Hanzhong. However, at this time, Hanzhong was already in a state of disrepair due to our army's tenacious resistance and scorched earth tactics, with our army's shadow of resistance appearing on every street, every courtyard, and every building, using repaired three-dimensional tunnel fortifications to strike the enemy everywhere. As a result, the US military fought from March 7th to March 14th before our army withdrew.

  There were no cheering crowds packed on both sides, nor flowers. As General Ridgway entered Seoul, he saw that the city was still in flames and couldn't help but think what use a vacant city was! Not only had they failed to annihilate the enemy's main force, but they had also suffered heavy losses themselves.

  Arrived at his original headquarters by car, he stared blankly at the originally beautiful building that had become a skeleton. The original walls were long gone, and the occasional remaining blocks were densely covered with shocking shell holes and large craters blown out by cannonballs.

  Many of the reinforced concrete beams were blown apart, twisted blackened steel reinforcement tangled together, large blocks of charred walls that had been set alight by incendiary bombs were clearly visible, not to mention the tank in front of the building which was still smoking after being hit.

  "Commander, there is a platoon of the 38th Army of the Chinese military stationed here. Our troops who broke in originally wanted to quickly recover your office building, but we had an intense battle with the Communist army. After losing several tanks, we called for air force fire support and then bombed the office building."

  In fact, such things are also common in Seoul. According to statistics, there are only two buildings above three floors that have not been destroyed by bombing. Many historical landmarks were destroyed overnight, and the city's population has decreased to less than 80,000 after fleeing and casualties, no longer capable of serving as a capital!" said General Chui Chi, commander of the US 3rd Division, who was standing beside him.

  Li Qimou rubbed his somewhat sour eyes, then lifted his head and stared at Qiu Qi, saying "How are the casualties?" "Commander, the casualties are heavy, with over 3,000 deaths in our division alone, and more than 9,000 wounded. Our division has almost lost its combat effectiveness! However, the Korean army's first division is doing a bit better, as they attacked the North Korean Army's 19th Division."

  "This 38th Army is tough! Fortunately, the officers have been constantly replenishing us with new soldiers. In these few days of fierce battle, these young men have performed very well and should be awarded medals. I think that after this war, many of them will be able to receive the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart." General Qiu said slowly with a face full of regret and a mouthful of bitterness.

  Li Qimou patted Chui Qi's shoulder heavily and said encouragingly, "They are all fighting for the interests of the United States, and the US government will not forget their merits. I will allocate 1,500 new recruits from the domestic troops to you. This time, you must hold on to the 38th Army tightly, as long as you hold on, our air force and other troops will come to support us and eliminate them. After that, I will recommend to the President and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Ministry of National Defense to promote you to Major General. Seize this opportunity!"

  Now that the snow and ice have melted, the road conditions are very poor and have a great impact on us. The terrible roads have almost become muddy fields, and logistics supplies can only be transported by soldiers' bodies. Tanks sometimes get stuck in the mud, especially our M26 and M46 tanks, which are simply nightmares. It's all because of those damned bastards from the Army Ordnance Bureau who didn't equip them with wider tracks!

  Not to mention the transportation of wounded personnel. So when your troops go on the front line, they must be careful not to stand out too much, otherwise it is very likely that the logistics team will not be able to keep up with your troops and will be finished off. The logistics supply points should be as close to the front line as possible, M4s and light tanks can help pull the logistics transport vehicles."

  Chu Qi listened carefully to the officer's advice and warnings, then stared at Li Qimiao who was still looking around and said "What if my troops encounter the Independent First Division?" When he heard this sentence, Li Qimiao couldn't help but smile bitterly and say "Actually, many people have asked me this question, I gave them three suggestions

  "One is to immediately gather troops, deploy firepower, and build strong fortifications. Like a porcupine, with the addition of air force firepower, I think Gaoquanwan is not a commander who likes to suffer heavy casualties. Two is to immediately send a request to friendly forces to approach you, while you also approach them, making it difficult for Gaoquanwan to swallow you whole. Three is to directly engage in battle with him, if the reinforcements have not arrived and you cannot hold on, then surrender, but their prisoner-of-war camps are still quite decent, if you're interested, you can go try."

  Originally, he was about to take notes on Chuzi's sudden reaction, burst out laughing and said "Sir, you are very humorous, but I understand that the way to deal with Independent First Division is to hold on tight, with support from reinforcements and air force. I will do my best, sir!"

  At this time, the old man, children and women's crying voices came from afar. Li Qi slightly frowned and signaled to his deputy officer to go and inquire.

  It was soon learned that during the volunteer army's stay in Seoul, some residents inside the city had accepted food from the Communist army and were communist elements, to be shot! Qiu Qi looked at the returning deputy officer in surprise, "Officer, how can these Koreans do this? This is simply fascist! No, no, no, it's even more cruel than fascism. To slaughter unarmed old people, children and women of their own country just because of some food! This is simply inhumane!"

  Rhee's face also immediately turned cold, and he said to his aide "You go at once to stop them, and send out the constabulary to patrol the streets and put a stop to this kind of thing! And go get in touch with President Rhee, I want to have a good talk with him about this matter!" The aide, his expression serious, immediately turned around and went off to attend to the matter. Rhee said helplessly "These Koreans many times do things too extremely! They even slaughter their own people at home like this!"

  "The general heard that President Lee's granddaughter was lost and he is searching all over the world for her. He even sent many special agents to the north based on some people's confessions! This is a classic example of using national resources for personal matters! I really don't know how General MacArthur could have chosen this stubborn old man in the first place?" Qiu Qi said with a mocking expression

  "General Chou, our mission here is to protect this country from falling into the hands of evil communism. Nothing else is our concern! Remember, soldiers should avoid getting involved in politics as much as possible. That will tarnish your honorable military career!" General Ridgway warned solemnly.

  "It will be done, sir! I'll remember!" Chuzi replied