Episode 8 recap: Tunnel Warfare Under Fire Again
In Episode 8, Duan Xian Feng is deeply shaken as he witnesses soldiers using their own bodies as weapons against the enemy's iron beasts. Hu Man Cang explains that they have no choice but to risk everything to secure even a small victory. Duan Xian Feng isn't afraid of death; he fears failing to complete his mission.
Meanwhile, the Americans are preoccupied with President Blumen's election campaign and the front lines. In response, Van Fleet has called in journalist Ryan, urging him not to report what he sees on the battlefield. Ryan believes this request violates his journalistic ethics unless Van Fleet allows him to stay close and write his autobiography.
Back at the rear, Qin Ji Wei is anxiously awaiting news and can't afford to rest. He orders the communications unit to work quickly on repairs while also ensuring ammunition is replenished. Right now, their only hope lies in the tunnels for a counterattack. On the American side, troops are being mobilized to reclaim the tunnels at all costs. The U.S. military launches another heavy artillery barrage, resulting in an increasing number of casualties, including some trapped under debris.
Shuang Xi leads a rescue mission, only to find the Americans have already attacked their position. Soldiers rush forward to engage in combat. Medic Zheng Guodong sacrifices himself, and others fall victim to surprise attacks. Shuang Xi watches helplessly as comrades die at the hands of the enemy, leaving him deeply unsettled. With communications still down and the entire unit wiped out, only Little Douzi remains. Shuang Xi decides to take him into the field to repair the phone lines.
The two arrive at the Cat Ear Cave at the base of the hill, successfully finding the necessary equipment. Little Douzi manages to connect the lines, but on their way back, they encounter medic Xiang Hong. Du Wen Jin, observing from a lookout point, sees that several positions have already been occupied by American forces, but the phone line is down and communication is impossible. She suggests they report immediately.
Reconnaissance chief Liu Xiang Yang believes the news hasn't been verified, especially since the 44th Division hasn't reported anything. However, Du Wen Jin argues that the battlefield situation changes rapidly, and waiting for confirmation could be too late.
Due to this, Liu Xiang Yang called Qin Ji Wei to report the situation. The United Nations forces launched a heavy counterattack, resulting in fierce battles throughout the day. The casualties among the Volunteer Army were significant, and ammunition was nearly depleted. Aside from continuing to control Heights 597.9 and positions 4, 5, and 6, the remaining surface positions were gradually taken by the United Nations forces. After personally inspecting the 45th Division's forward command post and listening to reports from Cui Jiangong and Feng Baisheng, Qin Ji Wei ordered all Volunteer Army troops on the two heights to retreat into the tunnels to hold their ground.
Wang Jin Shan, the deputy commander of the Third Corps, called Li Desheng, the deputy commander of the 12th Army, to express concern about the situation in the 15th Army. He suggested that Li temporarily transfer a regiment to serve as a reserve to support Wusheng Mountain. Meanwhile, Xiang Hong, the medic, found herself the last survivor of her unit, as most had perished. Upon learning that there was a shortage of medical supplies in the tunnels, she took the risk to retrieve a medical kit, but tragically, Little Douzi was killed during enemy air raids.
At that moment, the United Nations medical station was overflowing with casualties, and the rising death toll dealt a heavy blow to their morale. Van Fleet personally addressed the troops, trying to calm their fears. He shared that he was not the best student in school and had progressed more slowly than his peers, yet he had risen to the position of commander. He assured them that this battle would be the last and vowed to lead them to victory.
Shuang Xi returned to the tunnels with Xiang Hong, and upon hearing the news of Little Douzi's sacrifice, Duan Xian Feng and Hu Man Cang felt an immense weight on their hearts. After more than ten hours of intense fighting, the Volunteer Army faced heavy losses, with some positions shifting to tunnel warfare. The intensity and brutality of the combat were unprecedented on the Korean battlefield in over a year, resulting in over 7,000 enemy deaths, while the 45th Division also suffered more than 3,000 casualties.
Wang Jin Shan, aware that the counterattack on the 19th had been lost again, specifically sought out Qin Ji Wei to discuss his thoughts. Qin Ji Wei referenced his experience of hunting bears, stating that he would never retreat and would strive to take the initiative in securing victory. Seeing Qin Ji Wei's determination brought Wang Jin Shan a sense of relief.
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