Chapter 11: The Annihilation of the German Army

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  The German defense was indeed very tight, and I tried many methods to break through the German line without success, but instead suffered heavy casualties. The US military command did not have much criticism for this, after all, relying on a lightly armed company without heavy weapons, they eliminated a German armored battalion and occupied most of the area of Wiltz village, which can be said to be a huge victory.

  However, according to aerial reconnaissance and intelligence gathering, the German 29th Panzer Grenadier Division may reinforce the overall defense of Wervik. This force is not something that a single D Company can stop, and reinforcements will not arrive in a short period of time. Moreover, D Company's mission has already largely achieved its predetermined purpose, and continuing to push forward would result in the annihilation of the entire company. In order to avoid further unnecessary casualties for D Company, Allied Command ordered D Company to immediately withdraw from Wervik and head to the outskirts of Kortrijk to regroup and replenish with other Allied forces. As for the remaining German troops, they will be left to the US Omaha Division and the British forces on the Gold Coast, who will launch a siege against the German forces in Wervik in the next step.

  Carentan is a key hub connecting Omaha and Utah Beaches, an important city for the Allies to maintain a decisive beachhead throughout the Normandy campaign. The city has now been occupied by troops of the US V Corps and a temporary forward base has been established. As for D Company, they are sent here for two purposes: first, to replenish the combat effectiveness that was severely damaged in previous battles, so as to continue participating in subsequent campaigns; second, to strengthen the defensive strength of Carentan, although there is no sign of German counterattack from current intelligence, it is unlikely that the Germans will let the Americans occupy easily.

  "Comrades! Headquarters has ordered us to withdraw from this damned highway!"

  "God damn it, we were just one step away from annihilating those Germans!"

  To be honest, I was also unwilling. I cursed loudly: "Damn it! They got off cheap! If the German reinforcements hadn't arrived immediately, I would never have let them go!"

  Jones remained silent for a moment, then suddenly looked up and asked, "How much longer until the German reinforcements arrive?"

  "Less than an hour to go," David replied.

  "We still have time, maybe it's an opportunity for us!"

  "You mean we're going to pull another fast one?" I asked Jones uncertainly.

  Jones looked at me with a surprised and admiring expression, saying definitely: "My lieutenant is indeed a military genius, and we are in perfect harmony."

  I smiled and didn't waste words, saying directly: "Don't talk nonsense, time is pressing. Lieutenant Jones, what's your idea, speak up now!"

  "Alright! My point is, once we decide to retreat, the Germans who are garrisoned will definitely guess that we already know their reinforcements will arrive soon. Moreover, the Germans took a big loss tonight and they absolutely won't let us leave easily. They will do everything in their power to stop our withdrawal! Therefore, whether from the perspective of retreating or other aspects, we must eliminate or intimidate the remaining German forces so they don't dare pursue us again! However, I haven't figured out how to eliminate the Germans yet."

  "What Jones said is right! But how we eliminate this German guy has become the key!" Bruce said courageously and wisely.

  "Right! We not only need to fight, but also make the Germans think that we really want to retreat. Otherwise, if the Germans find out that we're intentionally letting them win, they'll definitely back off. Although we might be able to leave this godforsaken place with ease, we absolutely won't do it with such a willing heart! This is absolutely an insult to our cavalry's honor!"

  Actually, what I really want to say is that it's a shame to leave like this, it's truly an insult to the military achievements of the Chinese people over thousands of years and every lesson I learned in special forces training. I'm ashamed for the Chinese people! After a pause, I suddenly raised my voice: "I'll take care of eliminating the German devils, now I order Jones and Bruce to launch one final assault on the German position, remember, although it's not a real attack, you must put on a good show, don't let the Germans see through it!"

  "Yes!"

  "Josen! Get some German weapons, preferably a Kraut's vehicle-mounted MG42. And if you can swap into a Kraut uniform, that'd be even better! Fifteen minutes later, meet me at the village entrance and fire away at the air behind my back, got it?"

  "I understand!"

  "Lin Bona! Lead your troops to ambush at the valley position immediately, don't move, wait for the German pursuit troops to pass by, then attack the German bunker stronghold. After taking down their stronghold, don't linger, immediately attack the German command center we initially occupied. However, remember that if you can't take it down, don't continue to force an attack, immediately launch a breakthrough towards the direction of the German command center we started occupying, coordinate with other troops and eliminate any Germans who dare to pursue!"

  "Besides, my squad will meet up with Jones and Bruce who have retreated from the east of the village to the original German command post. If possible, try to infiltrate the German pursuit blocking troops, if not, get as close as you can and catch them off guard! At that time, I'll turn our guns around and we'll attack them from three sides, those Germans won't die but will be crippled for me! I don't believe they can still anticipate my next move at this moment! Does everyone understand?"

  "I understand!"

  "Act now!"

  Jones and Bruce launched a sudden and fierce attack, and the Germans were instantly alerted. Jones and Bruce pretended to fight for over ten minutes before the sound of intense German MG42 machine gun fire suddenly came from the entrance of the village. The German soldiers in the bunker were stunned at first, then excitedly shouted out! Their counterattack against Jones and Bruce became even more fierce. The intense gunfire on both sides left Jones and Bruce momentarily panicked, and they immediately ordered their troops to retreat.

  The Germans in the bunker did not pursue Jones and Bruce, who were also somewhat disappointed. However, after the Germans hit several unsuspecting American soldiers, they divided their forces to counterattack Jones and Bruce.

  Jones and Bruce withdrew to the flank, delivering a fierce counterattack that immediately cost the Germans several men. The German advance faltered, but as the firing at the entrance of the village grew more intense and the American withdrawal became increasingly urgent, the German command quickly adjusted its deployment and launched an all-out counterattack!

  "Fight! Our reinforcements have arrived! The American devils can't hold on! Charge, wipe them out!"

  Jones' and Bruce's troops were almost routed, fleeing eastward through the village. This only strengthened the Germans' conviction that the American retreat was not a ruse!