Chapter 3, Madness and Bloodshed.

Colonel Smith remained silent for a long time before pointing to the south and issuing his command: "The First Marine Division, advance to the south... attack!"

No one can say that General Almond's orders were wrong. Sometimes, soldiers are fully aware that ahead lies a mountain of knives, a sea of fire, a death zone from which there is no return once they step in, yet they must grit their teeth and charge forward.

There is no need to recount the battles experienced by the several regimental commanders who finally gathered around the division commander over these ten days. We only need to know that an army of over 10,000 troops assembled at Jiyu, and that more than 5,000 wounded personnel were transported solely by military transport aircraft. This is truly sufficient

Colonel Smith and the Chief of Staff arrived together at Jiyu and established their division command post in this small town. Their arrival undoubtedly provided a strong boost to this town, which had weak defensive capabilities.

Ten days later, when the first U.S. heavy transport aircraft successfully landed at Jiyu, the makeshift airport, built at the cost of everything General Smith had as a soldier, even in defiance of military orders, became the last vital lifeline connecting the Marine Division with the outside world

In the face of a hasty battle, the soldiers of the 1st Marine Division formed a circular defensive structure using tanks as iron walls, complemented by their heavy machine guns, artillery, carbines, and M1 rifles, creating numerous fire support points. Such formidable firepower and effective defensive measures exacted a heavy toll on the Chinese soldiers

Brigadier Smith slowly exhaled a long breath from his lungs, watching as it formed a visible white mist in the cold air. This officer, who appeared gentle and refined, maintaining a gentlemanly demeanor, had always been regarded by his superior, General Almond, as lacking the strong qualities of a soldier. Suddenly, a glimmer of fierce determination sparked in his eyes. Brigadier Smith spoke in a deep voice: "If the Chinese army wants to eliminate our Marine Division, they must capture Jiyu. That location is the decisive strategic point for the survival of our Marine Division. The temporary airfield under construction is the last vital artery for the Marine Division. As the highest commanders of the Marine Division, it is imperative for us to go to Jiyu at this moment!"

Amidst the frenzied shouts and the blaring of brass horns, the Chinese soldiers launched a fierce assault on the defensive positions of the 1st Marine Division. It was impossible to discern how many Chinese soldiers there were, for as far as the eye could see, there were people everywhere, a relentless wave of dark figures advancing in succession.

Looking down from the reconnaissance aircraft at the patches of land that had become as miniature as the command room's simulation sand table, observing the defensive positions of the 1st Marine Division, General Smith could not help but gasp in astonishment

Even they themselves do not know how many grenades they have kicked away, how many grenades have exploded around them, and how many tiny fragments have embedded themselves in their bodies. When the torrential assault of grenades finally came to an end, and some were still in a state of shock, those veterans and junior officers who had experienced World War II and fought bloody battles against the Japanese army on various islands in the Pacific all painfully uttered a silent prayer: "God bless us"

The soldiers of the 1st Marine Division moved as if they were performing a tap dance, desperately kicking away the grenades that landed around them. However, more grenades continued to be thrown at them in waves. The soldiers quickly realized that the grenades thrown by the Chinese soldiers, possibly due to poor casting of the shells, produced relatively few fragments upon explosion. Some grenades only cracked into two pieces upon detonation, and as long as a grenade did not land directly at their feet, the lethality was indeed limited. The soldiers quickly discovered that the grenades thrown by the Chinese soldiers, possibly due to poor casting of the shells, produced relatively few fragments upon explosion. Some grenades only cracked into two pieces upon detonation, and as long as a grenade did not land directly at their feet, the lethality was indeed limited

General Smith is not wrong. If it is said that the Japanese army's dominance is due to the deliberately instilled spirit of Bushido, which forces every individual to adhere to the philosophy of "success or death" through a team atmosphere, then the reason the United States has been able to rise rapidly in less than two hundred years is because of the adventurous spirit of its entire nation, which can unleash the most terrifying burst of energy when faced with dire circumstances

Looking at the more than 5,000 soldiers of the 1st Marine Division before him, Commander Smith gazed southward. At this moment, the Chinese army had two corps, with over 80,000 troops encircling from both sides. Moreover, on their route to the southern headquarters, there were six divisions of the Chinese army, heavily fortified to block their way home. It was evident that the Chinese army had made a resolute decision to eliminate this well-trained and well-equipped force, even committing over 100,000 troops to the operation.

Report, report, report, respected teacher

The accuracy of machine gun fire in the darkness was severely affected, and coupled with the sudden attack that caught them off guard, a significant portion of the weapons failed to perform effectively due to the excessively cold weather. Within a matter of minutes, the Chinese army successfully breached the first line of defense of the Marine Corps' 1st Division.

The soldiers of the 1st Marine Division had once heard that Japanese soldiers adhered to the Bushido code, never surrendering on the battlefield, and that in the face of defeat, they would commit suicide to honor the Emperor. When they heard these tales from veterans, they had always regarded them as mere entertainment. However, today, witnessing Chinese soldiers charging forward, armed with light and heavy machine guns, stepping over the bodies of their comrades, they finally understood what it meant to be soldiers who embody a spirit even more profound than Bushido. They came to realize that there truly exists an army in this world that fears not death

There is no need for these regimental commanders to say much; General Smith can understand the situation these commanders are facing. Through the phone, he can clearly hear the intense gunfire rising and falling, the waves of concentrated artillery fire, and the distinctive sound of the Chinese army's brass horns on the battlefield. One regimental commander, closest to the front lines, while reporting to General Smith, even allowed him to hear the frenzied roar of the Chinese soldiers charging forward.

The 1st Marine Division is indeed now in a situation of being besieged and isolated, with at least three divisions having completely surrounded them. Even if the 1st Marine Division can rely on their overwhelming firepower to break through the encirclement of these three Chinese divisions, a glance at the long stretch of territory behind them, already occupied by Chinese forces, makes it clear to Major General Smith that on their way home, the Chinese soldiers have set up layers of deadly obstacles. Moreover, even if the 1st Marine Division can rely on their overwhelming firepower to break through the encirclement of these three Chinese divisions, a glance at the long stretch of territory behind them, already occupied by Chinese forces, makes it clear to Major General Smith that on their way home, the Chinese soldiers have set up layers of deadly obstacles.

Because they all understand that the hand-to-hand combat, which is the most troublesome and least desired by them, is about to begin! Almost simultaneously, the heavy snow predicted by the intelligence department finally arrived. Whether it is the Chinese soldiers or the veterans of the 1st Marine Division who participated in World War II, they clearly understand that in such a harsh battlefield where the temperature has dropped to minus thirty degrees, even a slight injury, if not treated in time, could lead to death by freezing due to blood loss!

However, I want everyone to think about how, two hundred years ago, we in America drove out the British colonizers and established a free and powerful nation! I want everyone to consider what we had when we, as America, resisted the world's number one military power at that time. What kind of determination did our most respected President Washington hold when he signed the Declaration of Independence that set us on the path to prosperity!

The fierce battle finally began to subside with the first rays of sunlight on the morning of the 28th. Colonel Smith, who had been anxiously waiting by the telephone with bloodshot eyes, was finally able to board a reconnaissance helicopter. From high above, he personally observed the current situation of the First Marine Division.

At this moment, everyone's breath became heavy! At this moment, each person's eyes shone brightly! A spirit of defiance and resilience rose from each individual, gradually coalescing around Colonel Smith as the core, forming an absolutely bold atmosphere, determined to break through any dire situation with the most intense force!

Colonel Smith is not stingy with his self-praise, and he indeed has the merit to be praised

The soldiers of the 1st Marine Division, who first truly engaged with the Chinese military, finally understood what it means to fight like a Chinese soldier. The Chinese army lacks suppressive firepower and heavy artillery attacks, yet they are fearless in battle. When tens of thousands charge together, the momentum and the power of thousands of legs rising and falling repeatedly seem to compel even the earth to tremble in rhythm with them

Listening to the furious roars of the Chinese soldiers charging forward, the calm smile on Major General Smith's face finally vanished. Through the telephone line, he could distinctly sense the intense killing intent emanating from those Chinese soldiers. The forces attacking him were not merely one or several units, but a pack of starving, freezing beasts that had to consume their flesh and drink their blood, or else they would perish from hunger and cold. They were a group that had seen blood, their eyes completely reddened, with only the thoughts of attack, attack, and further attack remaining in their minds.

Let's go. With the book

If it were not for the careful caution of Colonel Smith, if he had not ordered the dispersed troops to maintain necessary communication, if he had not instructed each regiment commander to be prepared for sniping, to advance only a small distance each day, and to determine the garrison locations in advance, his Marine Division would truly have been overwhelmed by the Chinese army

"Do not panic," Colonel Smith shouted. "Report to me immediately how many enemies are attacking you!"

Summoning all the officers, seeing his subordinates surrounded and their faces involuntarily displaying signs of panic, Colonel Smith, in front of everyone, tore the absurdly foolish order issued by General Almond into pieces.

The entire venue was enveloped in solemnity, with everyone quietly listening to Colonel Smith's speech

Seeing Colonel Smith climbing back onto the reconnaissance aircraft, the Chief of Staff instinctively asked, "Where to?"

This is destined to be a frenzied, no-turning-back bloodbath

Brigadier Smith glanced at the Chief of Staff, who also understood the predicament of the 1st Marine Division, his face adorned with a bitter smile. After carefully folding the document and placing it in the pocket of his jacket, Brigadier Smith looked up at the overcast sky above, where occasional snowflakes drifted down. He felt the silence and solemnity between heaven and earth, and softly said: "It seems we must fight for our survival!"

Smith surveyed the entire scene, his voice not loud, yet carrying a power that was deeply unsettling: "I have fought in two world wars, I have faced the Germans, who are the most mechanized, preferring to concentrate superior forces and conduct blitzkrieg with highly mobile armored vehicles, tanks, and artillery; I have clashed with the Japanese soldiers, who are known for their individual shooting skills rated A, personal willpower rated A, and tactics rated B, on various islands in the Pacific, all for the sake of small hills and valleys that might conceal troops. I thought I had seen the finest and most powerful armies in the world, and I took pride in being an American soldier, but now I must admit that on this damned land of Korea, I have encountered another formidable and respected army! I thought I had seen the finest and most powerful armies in the world, and I took pride in being an American soldier, but now I must admit that on this damned land of Korea, I have encountered another formidable and respected army! They possess the same bravery as the Japanese soldiers, but their tactics are more flexible, more cunning, and certainly more difficult to deal with!"

The commanders of several regiments of the 1st Marine Division, who were cut off by the Chinese army in various corners of the battlefield, were also driven to madness. Under the close protection of fighter jets and bombers, and with the support of overwhelming firepower, they led their troops recklessly towards Jiyu. The few regimental commanders who received the approval of Major General Smith to command their units were all veterans of World War II. None of these experienced commanders were fools like General Almond; they understood that if the division commander was in Jiyu and Jiyu fell, the 1st Marine Division would lose a commanding spirit like Major General Smith, and they would be left to fight individually, becoming a scattered force.

Chinese soldiers also witnessed the formidable defensive fortifications formed by the troops of the 1st Marine Division, led by veterans of World War II and grassroots commanders, utilizing their superior weaponry

As he disembarked from the reconnaissance aircraft, Major General Smith once again received the orders issued by General Almond. He cast a faint glance at the document presented to him by the Chief of Staff and said nothing further; he truly had no words left. It was precisely because General MacArthur had not yet adjusted the operational plan according to the battlefield situation that General Almond's orders remained unchanged: "Marines, maintain the original orders and advance!" It was precisely because General MacArthur had not yet adjusted the operational plan according to the battlefield situation that General Almond's orders remained unchanged: "Marines, maintain the original orders and advance!"

When both sides finally engaged in close combat, a barrage of grenades rained down on the Marine Corps' 1st Division soldiers hiding in the trenches. Seeing the ground covered with hissing, smoking grenades, the veterans and junior officers who had experienced World War II suddenly let out a hysterical roar: "What are you waiting for? Quickly kick away the grenades around you!"

Unable to determine, enemies are everywhere, the sound of trumpets is everywhere, the Chinese army is charging at us from all directions... My God!

The unique heavy pressure of thousands of troops charging, the rising and falling sound of the charge bugle, the frenzied roar tinged with a chilling tremor, and the sound of Chinese soldiers' thin rubber shoes crunching on the snow all blend together, creating the most frenzied and increasingly heavy drumbeat of war on the battlefield

We are surrounded. I estimate that there are at least ten times as many Chinese troops encircling us. Yet our superiors are still ordering us to advance! At this moment, we have no reinforcements to rely on. If we want to survive, we must use our own strength to break through the encirclement

On this day, the forces of the 1st Marine Division, which were weakly defended in Jiyu, suddenly unleashed their most terrifying combat power. They had been driven to the brink and could not help but erupt!

It is precisely with this fervor and explosive power that we drove away the British colonizers. It is with this fervor and our increasingly strong national strength that we gradually tilted the scales of victory in our favor across the Pacific, and through the bloody battle of Midway, we dealt a devastating blow to the Japanese Navy, ultimately achieving final victory! I do not wish to discuss with you for whom we should fight in this damned war. I only want to tell each of you that in order to return alive, for the sake of our loved ones and families, I want you to summon the adventurous spirit of the Western cowboys that runs in your blood. I want you to join me in returning alive to America, rather than leaving your bodies on this damned plain, which is covered in ice!

Only in units can they absolutely not break through the layers of sniping from the Chinese army, forging a path of survival back to the southern base

Under the orders of Colonel Smith, a makeshift airport was constructed, with only one-fourth of the runway completed. The Marine Corps soldiers responsible for the construction operated bulldozers and rollers around the clock, tirelessly repairing the runway while simultaneously holding M1 rifles or carbines in the cockpit, desperately sniping at the Chinese soldiers who charged across the defensive line and launched attacks against them

However, despite this, the 1st Marine Division still found itself in great danger

A dozen illumination flares were shot into the sky, and under the pale light cast by the flares, a colonel who was reporting the situation to Major General Smith widened his eyes in astonishment

Reports from the commanders are everywhere, and those commanders wish they could connect their vocal cords directly to the eardrums of the division commander through the telephone lines. They shout loudly: "We are under attack, we are facing a large-scale assault from the Chinese army!"

Colonel Smith raised his voice and exclaimed: "I tell you why we can win! It is because in the blood of us Americans flows the greatest spirit of adventure that overcomes all, and in the hearts of each one of us resides the fervor and explosiveness akin to that of the Western cowboys"

I am a genius, a true super genius

The new recruits in the 1st Marine Division, who have not experienced World War II, truly do not understand why, despite advancing under the fire of light and heavy machine guns and the bombardment of mortars, they charge forward with such vigor. It is evident that those who reach the front lines are the most likely to perish, yet Chinese soldiers continue to charge with such intensity and fervor, as if what they face is not a battlefield, but a paradise filled with cash and surrounded by beautiful women.

In the early hours of the 28th, Colonel Smith's premonitions all became reality. Colonel Smith realized that he was indeed a genius; he was meant to be a soldier in this lifetime, and he deserved this salary! All his premonitions were validated. He repeatedly defied Major General Almond, ordering the 1st Marine Division to slow its march. While other units were advancing at full speed, he even went against the tide to construct a military airport in that small town of Xiayu, wasting time and taxpayer money, and even relocating the division's command post there. He truly did the right thing; all his premonitions were validated. He repeatedly defied Major General Almond, ordering the 1st Marine Division to slow its march. While other units were advancing at full speed, he even went against the tide to construct a military airport in that small town of Xiayu, wasting time and taxpayer money, and even relocating the division's command post there. He truly did the right thing, and he did it excellently!

Colonel Smith swung his arm down fiercely and shouted loudly: "Children, gentlemen, muster all your courage; it is time for us to fight with all our might"

At least one division of the Chinese army has successfully occupied Fushengli and Xiaomintai through interspersed operations, cutting off the retreat route of the Marine Division. Meanwhile, the 58th Division of the Chinese 25th Army has formed a three-sided encirclement against the Marine Division. Additionally, at Siyingling and Xinxingli, approximately one division of the Chinese army has executed a perfect penetration attack on the Marine Division, dividing the already overly dispersed forces of the Marine Division into two segments that cannot support each other.

In Liutan, the advance troops of the Marine Corps' 1st Division have been engaged in combat with the Chinese army for an entire night, and both sides are still in a state of stalemate. If Major General Smith's assessment is correct, the force attacking the advance troops of the Marine Corps' 1st Division should be the Chinese 59th Division