Hardcore ruthless starts in the Pacific

"Your Excellency, I understand."

Colonel Sink has added death information to most of the missing soldiers a few days ago. Although they are only "missing" within the US military, they should state to their families that the soldier's heroic sacrifice has a lot to do with the fierce battle he participated in. , but also to show how the soldier heroically assisted his comrades in victory.

When you are an officer, you don't have to think about this. There are too many things to do and you have to make trouble for yourself, but there will always be an officer who cares.

They don't want the fallen soldiers and even their families to be ridiculed in the local area - many unreasonable guys' first reaction when they hear 'missing' is often related to 'collaborating with the enemy'.

This is also the reason why Joseph Robert Beyerle, who is still fighting in the hinterland of the German army, is clearly missing on the US military side, but is 'killed' when he arrived at his family's side.

"I've dealt with the soldiers pretty much." Colonel Sink lamented, "It's just some officers... To tell you the truth, Lieutenant Compton came to me several times to express that he didn't quite trust Hausmann Ivan The second lieutenant would die. According to the soldiers on the same C47 transport plane, the situation was very critical at that time, but the second lieutenant Ivan reacted not only quickly but also remained absolutely calm. It was he who ensured that everyone except Ronald could Land safely."

The 506th regiment lost a lot of grassroots backbones. A large number of second lieutenants and lieutenants were either missing or killed in battle. The bottom non-commissioned officers also dropped by two-thirds. This group of people is the foundation of the army's combat effectiveness. Such a loss is so great for a regiment-sized army It's pretty deadly.

According to the standards of the US military, a regiment that suffered such a loss should withdraw to the rear for rest and replenishment, but there were no such good conditions during Operation Overlord.

Don't even think about taking a rest, and it is also difficult to replenish personnel-the soldiers are okay, mainly officers.

Because before the start of the action plan, no one expected that the airborne troops would experience such a terrible loss of backbone. There are not a few reserve soldiers staying in the UK, but there are not so many officers, so they can only be recruited from the country immediately.

This is also the reason why Colonel Sink is holding on to Second Lieutenant Housman Ivan so tightly.

I had a hunch beforehand, and when one of the C47 engines was scrapped, I calmly commanded the troops to complete the parachute, and everyone except myself and Ronald landed safely. Such an officer is definitely a talent, and he will know how to protect himself. die easily.

"When you came here, did you feel that Commodore Pratt, who was riding a glider, was going to die so aggrieved?"

Major General Taylor could understand what was going on in Colonel Sink's mind, but he hadn't heard anything from D-day for so many days. Occasionally he found an officer who could identify him as his own, but he was dead. No matter how talented Second Lieutenant Housman Evan was. , will eventually encounter something that human beings cannot fight against.

"Sir..."

Colonel Sink sighed slowly, "I see."

At this moment, a communication soldier walked in from the outside.

"Reporting sir - our receiver has received a clear code radio message from southern Normandy."

"Let me see."

If it's not something out of the ordinary, the communications team usually goes to the division staff first rather than to the division commander.

After receiving the telegram, Major General Taylor couldn't move his eyes away for a moment, and it took a full 5 minutes to pass it to Colonel Sink.

"Colonel, perhaps your subordinates' judgment is correct. Second Lieutenant Housman Ivan is not so easy to die."

The telegram is neither too long nor too short, anyway, it is not encrypted at all, as long as someone who has learned Morse code, even a novice can translate it.

——101nd Battalion, E Company, 506th Regiment, 2st Airborne Division, U.S. Army 3nd Lieutenant Hausman Evan, Deputy Platoon Leader, [-]rd Platoon, requests Allied response.

——D-ay was deeply trapped in the area controlled by the German army that day. After collecting certain information, he made a judgment that he could not join the main force, so he assembled the airborne troops and the local resistance organization to join forces to win a few games.

——Currently, I am fully responsible for the command of our department, and there are more than 3000 people.

——Today, on June 1944, 6, he led his troops to lure the main force of the German army in the small town of Savigny to attack, and then rushed to the headquarters of the German infantry battalion in the town, killing hundreds of German Wehrmacht lieutenant colonels, Wehrmacht majors, and staff officers, and captured five or 15 people. A total of 60 trucks of materials for 1.5 trucks were seized, but for a force of more than 5 people, these materials are not enough.

—— NAZI must be furious after suffering such a loss, our department will be in danger, but fortunately the captured radio station can still play its role, hereby send a wireless telegram, requesting allied commanders to provide all supplies.

——Guns, ammunition, mortars, rations, medicines... and other necessities, I hope Major General Taylor, the commander of the 101st Division, will give support and help.

——If our army is strong, we can go north to support the Allied forces, go east to threaten Saint-Lo, go west to block German reinforcements, and go south to occupy key points.

——The location of our department, about 55 kilometers southwest of Saint-Lo.

After reading it, Colonel Sink was shocked.

"Second Lieutenant Yiwen not only survived, but also pulled out a force of more than 3000 people!?"

If it is true... A few days ago, the E company's record of laying down a German artillery position at the cost of only one death is not worth mentioning at all!

"This is great news!" Colonel Sink said excitedly.

For now, the naval operations in the Overlord Operation Plan, namely the "Sea King" operations, are still struggling to complete the first step.

There is only one target for the British army - Caen!Caen!Caen!

After taking Caen, the task assigned by the superior was completed, and then the 7th Armored Division of the British Army, who seemed to be going to Caen for the holidays, was still happy that it was going to meet the German SS 2nd Army when it was able to complete its strategic goals before the US Army. The armored division was beaten in just a few hours and suffered heavy losses and was forced to retreat.

In contrast, the US military's combat plan is more complicated.

First, build and expand bridgeheads after capturing Juno Beach and Omaha Beach to provide cover for the flanking British troops.

Second, the U.S. troops landing from Juno Beach must cut the entire Cotentin Peninsula in the shortest possible time, so that the defenders of the Cotentin Peninsula will lose contact with Saint-Lo.

As far as the current results are concerned, not only is the straddle drawn but also very slow.

First of all, although Omaha Beach was taken down, it suffered heavy losses, and the bridgehead was established but it was difficult to expand. The combat effectiveness and fighting will of the German 352nd Infantry Division exceeded the imagination of the Allies, which was not what the intelligence said before the war.

——If this trooper is a second- and third-line German army, I'll take my head off and use it as a urinal for you!

This made it difficult for the 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions of the American Army attacking Omaha Beach to provide flank cover for the British army, but after opening up Juno Beach, they could protect the American flank on the Cotentin Peninsula.

With the flank cover, the 4th Infantry Division, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the 101st Airborne Division on the peninsula can all go to the Germans freely, and it is not a problem to complete the tactical goal within two or three days.

However, the actual progress was not smooth.

You must know that on D-day, the 4th Infantry Division of the American Army, which broke through from Juno Beach, joined forces with the 101st Airborne Division and 82nd Airborne Division in the evening. After the reinforcements of the troops, it can be regarded as breaking through the German defense line in the San Sauvo area, and it is expected to completely occupy it tomorrow.

As for when Cherbourg could be occupied to control the port, the command above was not optimistic at all after being hammered, and the division generals below estimated that it would take at least half a month.

Now that the Germans have fully reacted, a large number of troops are on the way of reinforcements. In order to let the German reinforcements come a little slower and slower, and to buy more time for their side to capture Cherbourg, except for the air power that is dispatched in turn during the day. The 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Division had to fight in the outlying areas except for the bombing with a pause.

Instead of being used as the main infantry during the offensive, several lines of defense were built along the road near Carentan to block the German reinforcements going north.

Since the Germans did not mobilize the armored troops, it was not too difficult for the paratroopers to stop the German infantry.

It is unavoidable to avoid the casualties that occur every day, among which the casualties caused by German snipers account for more than 70%, but you have to defend your positions.

As time went by, both Major General Taylor of the 101st Airborne Division and Major General Ridgway of the 82nd Airborne Division complained that we were paratroopers and paratroopers, not line-filling infantry!

Infantry can be brought to the battlefield after one month of training, and paratroopers need at least one year of training. The value gap between the two is quite huge. We don’t ask you to exert much strategic value, at least don’t let it be meaningless Fill in the line.

But Allied Command suffers too!

Without a port, the shipping capacity is a joke. You have seen more than two years of preparation. We only have this amount of transport ships, and only this amount of shipping capacity every day.

The armored units are not sent up, and the infantry alone has not seen you attacking the Saint-Sauveur area. The armored units sent up are the main force of the attack and must be resupplied first. Don’t you know how terrifying the supplies that an armored division consumes every day?

We also don't want paratroopers to fill the line, but there really isn't any more capacity to send infantry up to replace you.

Anyway, the paratroopers filling in the line was already doomed, and Major General Taylor couldn't think of any other way after racking his brains. He could only wait for the friendly forces to completely capture Cherbourg.

Not so now.

Second Lieutenant Housman Irving, who described it as a miracle, created an opportunity.

What is the concept of more than 3000 people?

A standard U.S. infantry regiment has more than 3000 people. Although the combat effectiveness between the two is very different, as long as enough weapons and equipment are provided, they can turn upside down in the hinterland of the German army and reduce the pressure on the airborne troops to fill the line in disguise.

If there is a corresponding plan for it, then there are many things that can be done, as stated in the plain text telegram-advancing eastward to threaten Saint-Lo.

Destroying several important command posts of the German army, wouldn't the German army in Normandy become a mess?

All in all, from a strategic point of view, Hausmann-Iving's headquarters is the poison poured into the belly of the German army. After proper use, the best expectation is that the US military will liberate the entire Upper Normandy area with its cooperation.

The worst expectation can also make the German army in the area overwhelmed and reduce the pressure on the frontal battlefield.

It’s just that there is a major premise—this clear telegram is not fishing—it’s not impossible for the German army to capture Hausmann Ivan and knock his mouth open, and then think of such a way to trick the U.S. military into airdropping a large amount of supplies.

"Colonel Sink, can we believe it?" Major General Taylor lit a cigarette with a sharp light in his eyes.

Colonel Sink could clearly feel that the teacher was inclined to trust this telegram, otherwise he would not have looked like a gambler.

"Before Operation Overlord, didn't we often receive missions to send funds to the resistance organizations in France?" Colonel Sink said, "We can get people to confirm while preparing all the materials Second Lieutenant Ivan needs."

"Say it in my heart."

Taylor took a short puff of cigarette, "Send someone...send an elite team with our spare radio, long-distance, mid-distance, and short-distance, and enough flares to guide the airdrop supply... ..If what Second Lieutenant Ivan said in the telegram is true, then after going deep into the heart of the German army, you will be able to find out if it is true or not. Then, remember one thing - sending this telegram in plain text is equivalent to ten deaths, we It is absolutely not possible to send someone with a higher rank, because it will cause confusion in command."

"Yes, sir!"

After receiving the mission, Colonel Sink decisively returned to the regiment headquarters. While arranging relevant action candidates, he summoned Captain Winters of E Company and told about the fact that Second Lieutenant Ivan was still alive. As for the plaintext telegram and the corresponding actions, he was not informed at all.

A lot of people care about Hausman Ivan, not because he was so good in the previous two years of training, but because he saved the entire cabin of Screaming Eagles on D-day.

"Alive...he's still alive...Ivan is still alive!!!"

Lieutenant Compton was the one who was most excited. After all, he had an in-depth exchange with Ivan before he left. After learning that Ivan managed to save 26 brothers but made himself disappear, Compton was always in a depressed mood. , but I firmly believe that this guy will not die so easily.

"Sir, what about Second Lieutenant Ivan? He is alive, but what about others?"

Facing Lieutenant Compton's question, Captain Winters shook his head: "The colonel didn't say anything, and I don't know either."

"It means it's not near us, it fell in an area controlled by the German army?" Lieutenant Compton immediately thought of this possibility, "Did Colonel Sink say when to rescue him, I am willing to take the 3rd platoon as the vanguard!"

"Lieutenant, calm down, we are soldiers and cannot make decisions on our own." Captain Winters patted him on the shoulder to comfort him.

"Yes, sir." Compton took a deep breath to regain his composure.

......

......

If the plaintext telegram that Ivan brought to the Allied forces was a pleasant surprise, then... what it brought to the German army must be an annoyance.

Yes, annoyances, not nightmares.

The reason is that General Erich Marquez, the commander of the 84th Army who stayed in St. Lo, paid more attention to this team that claimed to have more than 3000 people, but in fact it had less than 700 people.

45. German equipment, good stuff!

General Erich Marquez, Artillery General of the German Wehrmacht, is very unfamiliar to many people. Let alone comparing with generals like Guderian and Hoth, even Paulus, the highest officer of the 8th Army, is better than him. He is much more famous.

In fact, during this period, General Erich Marquez, Artillery General, was second only to Marshal Rommel and Marshal Lundstedt in the priority order of the Allied Command, and surpassed General Dorman, commander of the 7th Army , because according to quite reliable information, the only German general in France is the artillery general who firmly believes that the Allied forces will land in Normandy, and worriedly expressed his views to Marshal Rommel, and at the same time he did not forget to urge the troops to carry out anti-landing operations military exercises.

Saint-Lo, as its headquarters, was another headache for the Allied Forces.

Traffic arteries, strategic cities, logistics hubs, and at the same time formed a close connection with Caen. Sending airborne troops directly to attack is tantamount to giving away a head. It is even more impossible for the landing troops to abandon Cherbourg and attack Saint-Lo together. .

So after the start of D-day, Allied air power has been taking care of Saint-Lo, trying to destroy the headquarters of Artillery General Erich Marquez.

In fact, according to the timeline of Yiwen's main world, the general was hit by an aerial bomb on June 6 and did not die immediately. His subordinates tried to take him to the field hospital but were rejected.

"Just let me stay here, I'd rather die here."

These were the exact words the artillery admiral told his adjutant.

Everything that happened in reality proved that this guy’s judgment was not wrong at all—not only did the Allied forces launch a beachhead landing from Normandy, but he also guessed the chosen landing site and even the amount of troops to be sent.

It's a pity that a big mistake in the strategic direction doomed all his efforts to be in vain.

The reason why Ivan dared to put the big target on San Luo was because he had read enough prior information, knowing that the guy who designated the predecessor of the Barbarossa plan would be seriously injured by the Allied planes and died soon after, so he didn't take it into consideration.

The "Sea King" plan in Operation Overlord continued to be beaten passively until the completion of the German army. Commands at all levels were in a state of confusion. It was impossible to surprise the Germans by relying solely on strategic deception. The main reason was that there were many regiments, divisions, and military-level generals Killed in action or simply not coming back from vacation.

However, the reincarnation that Ivan is in is different.

First of all, the artillery general Erich Marquez, the commander of the 84th Army of the Division, was not killed by the Allied air strikes. On June 6, an aerial bomb did fall beside him, but the heroic flying of the adjutant ensured that The general, who lost a leg in the Ukrainian battlefield, is still intact.

After that day, Marquez Artillery Admiral decisively moved his headquarters underground.

In addition, Lieutenant General William Farley, the commander of the 6st Airlift Assault Division, who was supposed to be ambushed and killed by airborne troops on the way back to the headquarters on June 6, also returned to the headquarters smoothly and made contact with General Marquez of Saint-Lo. Contact, the two sides hit it off and came up with a high-quality counterattack plan.

The general who was once the principal of the military academy did not foolishly let the main force resist the U.S. troops breaking through from the direction of Utah Beach, but let the 1057th Grenadier Regiment, which was originally in the San Sauvo area, carry out street fighting. Stand firm building by building, exhausting all means to consume the spirit of the US military's westward advance.

Then the remaining troops were withdrawn to the south of Calentan, so that the U.S. military had to pull two divisions to build a line of defense nearby, and finally deployed a large number of

Artillery observers and snipers used their 1058th Grenadier Regiment and 191st Mountain Artillery Regiment to continuously kill them.

Why do you say that General Ridgway and General Taylor complained to their superiors more than once that the paratroopers could not be used to fill the line? It was not that they were reluctant to use paratroopers as infantry, but that they could not afford such casualties.

The air power of the Allied forces is very strong, but it is impossible to take care of it very comprehensively. The concealed German artillery positions cannot be found or cannot be found. Instead of wasting a lot of shells for carpet bombing, it is better to use them in the direction of attack, or Help the British army in Caen, who was beaten up by the 2nd SS Panzer Division, stabilize the front line.

After a few days of fighting, Taylor and Ridgway met and clearly noticed that the opponent, Lieutenant General Farley, was brewing a big offensive. According to the information collected in advance, there were two infantry regiments of the 91st Airlift Assault Division, and one was The San Sauvo area was facing the U.S. military with armored forces, and the other was the elite 6th Parachute Regiment.

At present, only the 1057th Grenadier Regiment is fighting, but the 6th Paratrooper Regiment is missing, but any regiment commander can smell the unusual smell.

The German army is bound to organize a powerful offensive, not to mention saving the defeat of the Cotentin Peninsula, at least causing huge casualties to the Allied forces, making it impossible for them to launch a large-scale offensive for at least a month, and to keep Seth in disguise. while holding off long enough for armored reinforcements to arrive.

As long as a large number of German armored troops are transferred to the Normandy area of ​​​​France, the outcome of the two sides is still unknown!

Therefore, the appearance of Ivan really made Major General Taylor feel what is called a surprise from the sky-even if the warriors took 3000 people to do nothing in the hinterland controlled by the German army, the German army must mobilize troops to encircle and suppress.

It also meant that Ivan would bump into a large-scale offensive organized by a lieutenant general and a general of the German army against the defense lines of the 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Division.

Regarding this point, Lieutenant General Farley, the commander of the 91st Airlift Assault Division, also directly contacted General Marquez by telephone, saying that there is no need to spend so much trouble in dealing with a guerrilla group of more than 700 people in a district, and let the second and third lines of tax collection Just let the troops go to encircle and suppress them.

It's just that this proposal was severely rejected, and Lieutenant General Farley himself was scolded.