klisemfg Chapter 227 Air Assault
Chapter 227 Air Assault
The US Fifth Air Force suddenly appeared over Abuyog and launched a massive bombing raid on the Japanese airfield. Subsequently, Japanese strongholds and coastal fortifications surrounding Abuyog were subjected to a continuous and indiscriminate bombardment. Simultaneously, a US fleet consisting of two fast cruisers and three destroyers appeared in the southwestern waters of the region and launched a fierce artillery bombardment of the Japanese coast.
Upon seeing this, the Japanese army immediately launched a large number of aircraft from several surrounding airports. On the one hand, they intercepted the US bomber formation, and on the other hand, they searched for the US naval artillery formation in an attempt to launch a fatal blow against it.
Suzuki Sosaku, commander of the Japanese 35th Army, personally rushed to the southern front to take command. Prior to this, he had already ordered the 1st and 26th Divisions to secretly move from Samar to Leyte. This brought the total number of Japanese troops on Leyte to over 6. Meanwhile, the 4th Air Wing of the Ground Air Force and the newly formed 16th Air Wing (a suicide air unit) also deployed to surrounding airfields.
Upon receiving news of the US bombing and artillery attacks on Abuyo, Suzuki Sosaku understood the situation. He concluded it was a US tactic: a diversionary tactic, a strategy to divert attention and focus on Abuyo, preventing the US from establishing a third landing zone. Then, a large transport convoy would suddenly be dispatched to support the US 10th Army landing force in Tacloban. The reinforced 10th Army would then launch another large-scale offensive to rescue the US forces trapped in the valley east of Olmoc.
Suzuki Sosaku acted decisively, ordering the 16th Division to reinforce its defenses along the Tacloban line while simultaneously directing the 26th Division to secretly infiltrate the area surrounding the 24th Army's landing zone at Dulag. Suzuki Sosaku anticipated that the US forces would use the Tacloban line to draw his attention, allowing him to deploy the 24th Army at Dulag to conduct a flanking maneuver and rescue the besieged US forces.
Suzuki's reason for not fully attacking the besieged American forces was to use this as bait, forcing the Americans to deploy more forces to Leyte, thereby luring them into a decisive battle there. By exploiting the narrow waterways of Leyte Gulf, Suzuki and Yamashita could once again create opportunities for the Navy's submarine forces and the 16th Air Force to destroy large American surface ships. Suzuki and Yamashita devised a diabolical plan: to force the Americans to deploy more ground forces into their designated area, thereby encircling them and forcing them to react cautiously, while also providing room for expansion in subsequent operations.
He immediately ordered the 1st Division to set out from Olmok again and sneak eastward, preparing to encircle part of the advancing US troops again, forcing the US troops to shift their focus to Leyte Island. In this way, his and Yamashita's plan would be easier to implement.
In the vast waters 200 nautical miles east of Samar Island, the US Pacific Fleet, like a group of dormant giants, divided into three massive formations, quietly awaited the arrival of night. One of these formations, a convoy from the 3rd Fleet, served as a decoy. They appeared in Leyte Gulf and loitered nearby. This formation, seemingly massive, was in reality only lightly loaded. To enhance the drama, Nimitz even ordered three escort aircraft carriers to accompany the formation, creating the illusion for the Japanese that the US was about to launch another landing on Leyte Island under cover of darkness.
Meanwhile, in Lae, New Guinea, dozens of large transport planes were waiting in formation, and soldiers from the Special Operations Regiment of the 1st Expeditionary Army were ready to board. They would parachute onto Leyte Island and, under cover of darkness, rescue the besieged American troops.
Wang Chengwu, now Chief of the Operations Department of the 1st Group Army, personally oversaw the planning and training of the Special Operations Regiment. This was the first time the regiment had deployed as a whole, and he felt a heavy weight hanging over his heart, unable to rest. He approached Cai Yong (now Chief of Staff of the 1st Group Army and Commander of the 112th Division) and strongly requested that he personally lead the airborne operation.
Cai Yong actually hoped Wang Chengwu would personally lead the charge. After all, while the current Special Operations Regiment Commander, George Lee, possessed exceptional abilities, he lacked a certain amount of courage. He was also concerned about whether George Lee could manage these elite warriors, veterans of bloody battles. However, Marian had just given birth to a child for him and Wang Chengwu, and needed meticulous care. Furthermore, airborne operations were far more dangerous than ordinary combat, and Cai Yong simply couldn't bear to risk his beloved general.
Wang Chengwu saw Cai Yong's hesitation. He knew Cai Yong's concerns well, so he raised his lips with a reassuring smile and said to him, "Boss, don't look so worried and worry about nothing. I've fought with you for years and have experienced all kinds of battles. How could the Japanese bullets do anything to me? Besides, Marianne is very supportive of my action."
Cai Yong still shook his head. He spoke to Wang Chengwu earnestly, "As the Chief of Operations, you're personally commanding a regiment on the front lines. This is inappropriate. George Lee may lack courage, but his operational awareness and thinking are clear. He understands the dangers of this mission and has made thorough preparations. Furthermore, he desperately needs a victory to establish his prestige. If you go, it will only further undermine his prestige and hinder his future command."
After hearing what Cai Yong said, Wang Chengwu reflected carefully and decided that going there personally was not a good idea. He gave up the idea of going there himself. However, he was still worried, fearing that the operation would end badly due to a mistake in command.
Cai Yong saw Wang Chengwu's expression and immediately understood what he was thinking. He walked over to him, patted him on the shoulder, and said comfortingly, "Don't always look so worried. I've sent Ma Hong to assist George Li. He's smart and quick-witted, and he'll definitely be a capable assistant to George Li."
Ma Hong, formerly Cai Yong's platoon leader, was now the company commander of the group army headquarters' guard company. Cai Yong assigned him many special missions, including dispatching special detachments to various islands in Indonesia. According to Cai Yong's plan, Ma Hong would travel to Indonesia in the future to oversee the formation of the Indonesian Chinese National Salvation Army.
Wang Chengwu quite agrees with Cai Yong sending Ma Hong to assist George Li. With Ma Hong there, the old hands will certainly not dare to disobey. But now that Ma Hong has gone to the Special Operations Regiment, who will take over the task he originally had in hand?
Cai Yong naturally understood Wang Chengwu's thoughts. He smiled slightly and said, "I won't transfer Ma Hong to the special operations regiment. After this operation is over, he will still have to come back to continue his work."