Episode 5 recap: U.S. Forces Launch a Major Assault on Shangganling
In this episode, Tom, the company commander of the 31st Regiment of the United Nations forces, harbors deep contempt for the Asian soldiers, particularly berating the South Korean troops and accusing them of stealing lighters. At this moment, South Korean staff officer Lee Damin intervenes, having seen through the American military's facade, and ultimately defects to the 15th Army's 45th Division. Thanks to the intelligence provided by Lee Damin, the 15th Army learns that the UN forces are planning a major operation in the Shangganling area.
However, this information is precisely what Van Fleet wants Qin Ji Wei to know, as his strategy is to feint an attack in one area while striking in another. The aim is to apply immense pressure on the Shangganling region, prompting the 44th Division to move from the western mountain area. This maneuver is crucial for breaching the western mountain stronghold suitable for mechanized operations, allowing them to advance into the Pinggang Valley and push the volunteer army back by 200 kilometers.
On the morning of October 14, 1952, the UN forces launched their assault on Shangganling, saturating the area with artillery fire aimed at Heights 597.9 and 537.7. The overwhelming firepower led to heavy casualties among the troops. Feng Baisheng led rescue efforts, but the intense bombardment had destroyed most surface defenses.
Simultaneously, enemy forces advanced on our front over an eighty-mile stretch. The U.S. 7th Division and the South Korean 2nd Division, with three infantry battalions supported by over 300 artillery pieces, more than 50 aircraft, and 47 tanks, attacked various heights, including 391 and 419. They unleashed an average of six shells per second, totaling over 300,000 rounds throughout the day, eroding the granite mountains by two meters.
Despite these overwhelming odds, our troops displayed remarkable resilience, managing to repel the enemy on the first day at a cost of 550 casualties while inflicting over 1,900 enemy losses. However, the enemy did not relent, and the brutal fighting was only beginning. Deputy Commander Gao Fengliang, stationed at the 15th Army's artillery position, was anxious for orders, but the 45th Division commander, Cui Jiangong, insisted that no one was permitted to move the artillery without directives.
Qin Ji Wei took the initiative to call Wang Jinshan, asking to cancel the planned operation at the southern mountain of Zhuzi Cave and redirect all heavy artillery toward Shangganling. Wang Jinshan consulted with Deng Hua, who also insisted on waiting for a response from the command center. Qin Ji Wei remained calm in the military command post, directing the response, but communication breakdowns left the command center unaware of the true situation at Shangganling, causing him frustration and even tooth pain.
Hu Mancang brought Qin Ji Wei wild quail eggs to alleviate his toothache, but he was more anxious about Feng Baisheng and the others' conditions. The frontline was dozens of kilometers away, and they could hear sounds but couldn't see the situation clearly. The chief of staff soon reported that the surface fortifications had been completely destroyed, leaving a desolate landscape. The soldiers had no retreat, forced to defend the tunnels, with even the largest company reduced to only 20 or 30 men—an unbearable sight.
Understanding that without orders from the command center, it was impossible to recall the 45th Division, Qin Ji Wei sent Duan Xianfeng and Liu Xiangyang, the reconnaissance chief of the 45th Division, to the mountain to assess the situation firsthand. The first day’s brutal combat exceeded everyone’s expectations. Liu Xiangyang returned in tears, sharing the devastation he witnessed on the mountain, moving everyone present to tears. This solidified Qin Ji Wei's resolve to hold the position, stating that the new China was built on unwavering resistance and that even if the 15th Army had only one soldier left, they must defend this position.
After several days of fighting, all surface positions at Shangganling were lost, and the troops retreated to the tunnels. While everyone was eager to counterattack and reclaim their positions, Qin Ji Wei thoughtfully decided to postpone the counteroffensive from the 18th to the 19th to allow for more thorough preparation, aiming to drive the enemy down completely. Suddenly, Deng Hua called, urging Qin Ji Wei to be ready to attack, and Qin Ji Wei responded with confidence.
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