This chapter should put me over 200,000 for sure
This chapter should put me over 200,000 for sure. I know that because I make sure all my chapters in this story are at least 3,000 words (longest chapter I have written was Chapter 36 which is 7,762 words).
So anyways some of you keep commenting to me that you are learning things from this fanfic. I know most of never expected to be educated by School Rumble, but I am a history buff. I can't help myself, I have to teach. Most of my friends tell me to be a teacher. One of my friends actually listed me as a source on his bibliography for an essay he wrote. I love learning about history, geography, culture, religion, ethnicity, language, and how people interact with each other because of these things. Certainly my interests help me with my story.
I don't own any trademarked or copywrite item. Please review and/or tell a friend.
Chapter 45: The Long Road North
"You don't win a war by dying for you country.
You win a war by making the other son of a butch die for his."
General George S. Patton
1200 Hours; October 17th, 2010; Dongdaegu Staion, Taegu; Taegu Special Administrative Province, Republic of Korea
Taegu, also known as Daegu, is the 4th largest city in the Republic of Korea. Taegu is the capital of the North Gyeongsang Province, but is not really part of the North Gyeongsang Province. Officially, Taegu was its own administrative region like Seoul and answers directly to the central government. Taegu was in a basin between the Palgong Mountains to the north, Biseul Mountains to the south, the foothills of the Gaya Mountains to the west, and a series of hills to the east. Flowing around the northern and eastern edges of the city is the Geumho River which flows west until it merges with Nokdong River which flows into Pusan where it empties into the Strait of Korea.
Taegu is bases its economy on textiles, metals, and machineries. Straightly enough, Taegu has a number of apple farms in the surrounding areas and is moderately well known in the RoK for apples. Taegu before the war was trying to become a fashion center in Eastern Asian because so many clothes were produced in the city.
Taegu was also where in 1950 the US set up the Pusan Perimeter, a desperate last stand against the North Koreans. Waterways, railways, and highways ran through Taegu and could be used to go south or north, pending on who won.
The 81st Armor/Heliborne Regiment dismounted from the train that brought them into Dongdaegu Station which was deep inside Taegu.
One of the first soldiers off was Colonel Hojo Soujiro, commander of the 81st. Before him was Lt. General Müller, acting commander in Taegu.
"Colonel Hojo," said a German leutnant (lieutenant). "It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Leutnant Krauss and I will be translating for Lt. General Müller,"
Colonel Hojo nodded, "It is a pleasure to meet you too Lt. Krauss and Lt. General Müller. I would like to have a SITREP before getting my orders."
"Herr Generalleutnant Müller, Herr Oberst Hojo wants an update on the fighting," said Lt. Krauss.
Lt. General Müller nodded, "We control most of the city. The Americans are pushing for Taegu International Airport, it served as both a civilian airport and a military air base. We hope to use to extend our air defense. My own nation's soldiers are pushing around the mountains in the north, we hope to cut off the enemy's reinforcements who down a valley to the northwest. The Canadians and Turks are trying to push the last Chinese hold outs to the north side of the Geumho River. I am sending you to assist the Canadians."
There was a pause while Lt. Krauss translated.
"I understand," said Colonel Hojo.
For what seemed like the millionth time, Asou found himself in the front seat of a HUMMWV with Yamako at the wheel and Harima driving the second HUMMWV. They were following an M939 deuce-and-a-half truck with 4th squad in it. To 5th squad's left was a Type 89 IFV. Behind them was another M939 with 6th squad inside. The whole regiment was being transported via trucks, HUMMWVs, APCs, IFVs, and even riding on top of tanks.
The latest addition to the 28th Armor Battalion's inventory was the Type 10 medium tank. The Type 10 on the outside looked exactly like the German Leopard 2A5 where as the Type 90 was heavily based on the American M1 Abrams and German Leopard 1. The Type 10 was cheaper and lighter than the Type 90, only weighing about 44 tons to the Type 90's 50.2 tons. It was meant to replace the Type 74s and operate with the Type 90s as lighter weight tank that was easier to transport. The Type 10s had only entered production recently and the Japanese divisions landing in Korea were among the first to receive them.
"Looks like this city has taken a beating," said Asou looking out the window at building that were damaged by artillery fire or scarred by bullet holes. Occasionally they passed rubble piles, derelict tanks, or anti-air emplacements. MP (military police) stood at street corners and had road blocks set up in odd places to catch deserters or soldiers on AWOL (Absent WithOut Leave).
"Hai, it's much warmer here too," said Toyotomi. The basin Taegu was in kept the city a little warmer than other cities which were getting fairly cold. In Korea, October marked the end of the warm months and the beginning of the fall climate.
"Still, I wouldn't go out on patrol without a coat," said Mori pleasantly.
"Hai Oka-chan," they answered dully.
Meanwhile in the following HMMWV Harima was driving as usual with Hanai in the passenger seat and Kitsumori manning the M2 .50 cal. Jupei was sitting in the back with Ikuro and Fujiwara. In the open trunk were Kurosaki and Abarai.
"It has been confirmed that Stalingrad (or Volgograd), has fallen to Ultra-Nationalists forces. The US Embassy staff to Russia has been withdrawn for fears of being attack by Ultra-Nationalists. This is BBC World Service, more news coming after these messages."
5th squad seemed to become accustom to listening to the news when driving. The British Broadcasting Company in 1991 ended the Japanese broadcasting. In January 2010 the BBC World Service recommenced their service to Japanese audiences. Harima had never listened to the BBC until Fujiwara told him about it. So far they had listened to the coverage of the chaos in Eastern Europe.
"Fiona, the Canadians speak English don't they?" asked Hanai.
"The British-Canadians do, but there are a number of French-Canadians out their too. My Oka-san hated them… actually a lot of Americans hate the French-Canadians," said Fujiwara thoughtfully.
"Why?"
"They apparently rude, but I've never dealt with them."
1949 Hours; October 17th, 2010; 5km south of the Geumho River, Taegu; Taegu Special Administrative Province, Republic of Korea
The officers of the 27th Battalion were sitting down for a dinner meeting which was basically sitting in a bombed out diner and eating REMs.
"Chinese have set up a line of defense. All we need to do is push through their lines and clear the way for the Canadian 17th Mechanized Infantry Regiment," said Lt. Colonel Daijin.
"What arm they armed with?" asked 2nd Lt. Urashima.
"QBB-95 bullpup light machine guns and the Type-95 bullpup assault rifles. PF-97 AT rocket launchers. Type-85 sub-machine guns. They've also seen soldiers carrying a Type-03 assault rifle, whatever that is."
"It's one of the newest guns being used by the PLA. It is a conventional designed weapon. Has a side folding triangle stock like the AKS-74. Uses the Chinese 5.8x42mm cartridge standardized by the People's Liberation Army. We may be fighting a seasoned unit if they have the Type-03," said Lt. Urashima. "They weren't here when I was in Taegu so they must be fresh soldiers."
"Nothing like good news," said Captain Nara of Dogwood Company sarcastically. "So Lt. Urashima, what do you know about the enemy's defenses?"
"Nothing that will help you. When I was transferred out of the 82nd the square outside this diner was being used a PLAGF firebase," he said shrugging. To further this statement there was a Type 86 122mm field gun left twisted and crumbled at the edge of the square. Now Japanese M101A1 105mm field guns were taking up residence in the square. Two Type 93 SAMs were protecting them from any air attacks.
"The Canadians begin they attack at 0700 hours. The Turks will start their attack simultaneously with the Americans. The Turks and Americans are going to try and link up and secure the area around Taegu International Airport. We are going to attack the PLA's bridgehead. Any questions?" asked Lt. Colonel Daijin in her business tone.
"Will those guns outside battalion HQ support are advance?" asked Lt. Matsumoto.
"Hai, there is also the US 215th Artillery Battalion is within range of our attack, but I can't guarantee they can help us because they'll be busy with other units."
"Air support?" asked Captain Matsuyashi commander of Hollow Company. Although H Company was part of the 28th Armor Battalion and not the 27th, she was supposed to provide armor for D and E Company.
"54th Attack Helicopter Squadron is our primary air support. Thunderbolt-IIs and Tornados are also flying sorties, but only on request."
"One last question ma'am," said Lt. Urashima. "What if we can't breach the enemy lines?"
Lt. Colonel Daijin sighed. She knew all too well the answer to the question, "We try again until we do breach the lines or we get rotated out, which ever comes first. We cannot give ground any more than they can."
0705 Hours; October 18th, 2010; 4.5km south of the Geumho River, Taegu; Taegu Special Administrative Province, Republic of Korea
2nd platoon was on foot heading north towards the river. They been walking for a couple of minutes and they had not made contact with the enemy.
One of H Company's Type 10 medium tanks and Two Type 89 IFVs were covering them.
"Don't get too close to the armor," called out Lt. Urashima. "If their destroyed you're fucked over when it blows. Also watch the windows for snipers and machine gunners. The urban war zone is prime for ambushes."
"Sir?" said Asou.
"Mm?"
"Why are you carrying an American rifle?" asked Asou pointing to the M-16A5.
"My old rifle was destroyed and I grabbed this one off a dead GI. It's more accurate than our Type 89 and I see no reason to replace it," he said patting the rifle on the barrel. "Besides your big friend over there with the sunglasses has American rifle, so why not I?"
He gave Asou a smile and walked on. He turned and walked backwards for a little scanning the buildings. His eyes were checking places where he knew the Chinese liked to set up. He turned forwards and stopped in his tracks. 2nd platoon stopped too and the armor seeing their infantry escorts stopping, decided to halt too.
Lt. Urashima spoke in his radio and said, "Hollow 3-1, there is a hostile MG bunker in front of you."
There was a pause and then, "Negative sir, I don't see anything, but a bombed out street."
"Look harder. The rubble pile 80m ahead, left side, there is a gap in the pile. That is a camouflaged MG nest. Fire when ready."
Everyone was crouching down on one knee and placed the butts of their respective weapons against their shoulders ready to fire.
The Type 10 fired a shell at a large pile of rubble up the street. The pile exploded and brick and cinderblock flew through the air. Looking up the street, Harima see the pile collapse as if it were hollow on the inside.
Experience taught 5th squad that when one shot was fired, there was normally a larger reaction from the enemy. This situation was no exception. From inside one of the destroyed buildings on the right side of the street a Chinese machine gun squad opened fire. Chinese riflemen on the floor below them started shooting too.
Feeling an all too familiar feeling of déjà vu, 5th squad scattered for cover.
"Where's Shibata?" called Amakasu.
"I don't… oh shit," said Tsutsui pointing to the soldier in the middle of the street.
"I'll get him," said Mori as if it were no big deal.
Shibata was in the middle of the street completely exposed and shooting off his H&K UMP .45 yelling random phases he probably got from watching war movies. Mori carefully moved towards him, smacked him on the back of the head, grabbed him by the back of the collar of his jacket, and dragged him back while simultaneously scolding him.
"Hasn't anyone ever told you not to play in the street? What if you got hit by a car or run over by a tank or shot by a sniper? Do you think just because we are at war and in a foreign country means we can act like children? Cause let me tell you young man, if you do something like that again I'll take that SMG away from you?" she said pulling him unceremoniously behind low wall that surrounded a street café.
The Type 10 fired a second shell while the Type 89 IFVs pelted anything that moved with 35mm auto-cannons.
Between the shooting and the dust being kicked up it was hard to see, but it was just visible that more PLA soldiers were joining the fight. Kitsumori redirected his M-60E4 to suppress the reinforcements. NATO 7.62x51mm cartridges and NATO 5.52x45mm rounds streaked past Soviet 7.62x39mm cartridges and Chinese 5.8x42mm cartridges heading in the opposite direction. Red and green tracers went up and down the street.
"Left side, TOW launcher!" shouted Lt. Urashima pointing to a team of PLAGF soldiers setting up a HJ-8 wire-guided anti-tank missile launcher on a tripod. Urashima fired off a burst of automatic fire at the AT crew, but was forced to duck behind one of the IFVs by rifle fire.
Chinese soldiers were now starting to suppress the Japanese movements. 2nd platoon was finding themselves being pinned down by incoming fire.
"Toyotomi, get us artillery support!" shouted Asou.
"Hang on," he said calmly. "This is Echo 5-3, Hammer 1 I need artillery on Red 39912 Green 00182. Incendiary rounds, fire for effect."
"…… stand by, fire mission inbound."
Within two minutes the familiar roar of artillery was approaching the 2nd platoon's position. Fireballs exploded setting fire to the Chinese soldiers. 2nd platoon watched horrified as the very flesh of the PLA soldiers burned.
"Hollow 3-1, advance! 4th squad follow!" shouted Lt. Urashima. The Type 10 lurched forwards. The tank commander opened the hatch and manned the M2 machine gun on top of the tank which served as a supposed anti-aircraft weapon on all tanks.
Under Lt. Urashima's continuous encouragements, 2nd platoon kept moving slowly, but steadily. PLAGF soldiers with an anti-tank launcher fired ambushed them from an alley destroying one of the Type 89 IFVs. Soldiers were being wounded or killed by fanatical, but effective Chinese resistance. It appeared that unlike the People's Korean Army Ground Forces, the People's Liberation Army Ground Forces didn't just throw soldiers at NATO. They would ambush and when they started to get overwhelmed they would fall back to attack further up the street.
Eventually they reached a roadblock. The PLA seemed to be bent on making a stand here. Barbed wire prevented infantry from advancing. The remaining Type 89 IFV rolled over the barbed wire and exploded.
"Shit, it's a minefield," groaned Lt. Urashima to himself. 'I have an engineer team, but they won't get close to that field with all that incoming fire… we need support.'
Lt. Urashima whistled to get one of the radiomen's attention and hand singled to get support. A few minutes and another volley of 105mm white phosphorous rounds smashed into the PLA lines. However, the PLA weren't yielding.
"What's the plan lieutenant?" asked SSgt. Ugiji over the radio.
"Either pop smokes and fall back or call in a napalm strike."
"Sounds good to me sir," said Sgt. Watanabe who was completely pinned down by a heavy machine gun.
"Not really because then the street would be impassable to us too... somebody try to call in a cluster bomb strike," ordered Lt. Urashima.
"On it sir, this is Echo 6-3, we're requesting a cluster bomb strike, over," said 6th squad's radioman. He got no response.
"This is Echo 4-3, we need cluster bomb strike, over," said 4th squad's radioman. She got a response.
"This is Raider 6-2, I'm over your area. I need you to mark the target with a red smoke, over."
"Stand by," said Echo 4-3. She threw a red smoke grenade with all her might which landed just at the foot of the roadblock.
"This is Raider 6-2, I see the smoke. Clear the area." An RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) CF-18A Hornet (1) dived down from high above the Taegu and up the street dropping four CBU-87 cluster bombs. After the Hornet released its munitions it accelerated and flew off to rearm. The CBU-87s broke apart into the smaller bomblits and pelted the PLA position.
Much to Harima's shock and indignation the PLA weren't completely silenced. There were still a few hold outs that survived the bombing run, but refused to stop shooting. That was until what appeared to be a PLA officer shouted ordered at the PLAGF soldiers who popped smokes and retreated.
"2nd platoon keep sharp and cover the engineers! Engineers start clearing mines," barked Lt. Urashima. Amakasu slowly led his engineers out into the open. Tsutsui used bolt cutters to clear the fence. Mori and Shibata pulled out a collapsible metal detector and began to slowly, carefully sweep for mines. Shibata, however, was told to step aside because he was trembling so much he couldn't do his work. He sat against a wall. Harima knew that the harsh reality of war was setting in on him. At first Harima had thought he was an idiot for never understanding the ugliness and shear terror of war, but now he felt pity for the young man.
Lt. Urashima stood in the middle of the street. Thinking out loud he said, "Clever bastards. They know this minefield will hold us up for an hour or so. Oh well."
He walked over to one of the radiomen and directed her to contact Battalion HQ.
"Lt. Colonel, this is 2nd Lt. Urashima. We have encountered stiff resistance, lost both IFVs, and are currently clearing a minefield. 2nd platoon may be held up for about 60 to 90 minutes."
"Copy that. I can detail you a Type 73 APC with a mine-clearing kit and LAV-25s APCs to fill in for the IFVs you lost."
"Arigato ma'am. Can you send an anti-air squad too? I have a feeling the PLAAF may have choppers waiting near the river."
"Hai, we have a squad with Type 91 shoulder launched SAMs. ETA 25 minutes."
0840 Hours; October 18th, 2010; 4km south of the Geumho River, Taegu; Taegu Special Administrative Province, Republic of Korea
The Type 73 APC with the mine-clearing kit made quick work of the minefield by using basically carpet bombing the mines so they exploded. They were other methods of clearing mines, but most were meant to clear mines buried underground where as these were on the surface of the asphalt street and painted to blend in.
The anti-air squad Lt. Urashima had requested was merely a regular infantry squad, but two teams carrying the Type 91, the Japanese production version of the US FIM-92 Stinger. The LAV-25 was an 8 wheeled APC with a 25mm auto-cannon and a TOW launcher that the Japanese had recently purchased from the Royal Canadian Army.
They marked the cleared area through the minefield and the Japanese soldiers began their advance again. Asou was well aware of the time they must have lost. Aware of the delay they must have caused the rest of the regiment who were coordinating the assault… or at least trying to.
Harima was scanning rooftops and upper story windows when he saw movement. He saw a man with a Chinese Type 95 assault rifle slung over his back and a walkie-talkie in his hands.
"Scout!" he shouted firing a couple of shots at the forward observer.
Lt. Urashima watched as the observer fell from the roof of a six story office building to the street and smash into the sidewalk with a crunch. The grotesque angle of the man's limbs did not bother Urashima, he'd seen soldiers and civilians die in worse ways. What concerned him was that they were being watched and their progress was being reported to the PLAGF HQ in the area. Any number of things could be happening now: they could have an ambush set up ahead, marking them for artillery, or just sizing up their enemy. All of it was bad. Worse yet, they had little information on the PLA operations in the area.
"And I thought my life was bad before the war," said Lt. Urashima with a sigh and a smile.
1358 Hours; October 18th, 2010; Geumho River, Taegu; Taegu Special Administrative Province, Republic of Korea
Harima was rather shocked that the area around the bridge was reduced to a parking lot from air and artillery. It was an even greater shock that the bridge wasn't destroyed. It was a generic concrete bridge that spanned the Geumho River to the outskirts of Taegu at the edge of the Palgong Mountains.
Leopard C2 of the Royal Canadians Army were trying to push through PLAGF Type 69 medium tanks and Type 96 heavy tanks. The Canadians were coming out from the south and southeast.
Chinese howitzers on the north side of the Geumho River were shelling the RCA soldiers and armor.
The Japanese were starting to advance out of the southwest. Chinese Type 80 medium tanks and Type 63 light/amphibious tanks were firing off smoke dischargers to cover the retreating infantry who were regrouping with their fellows defending their bridgehead.
"Captain Hitsugaya, there is a chopper squadron coming in from the north side of the river," said a soldier over the radio.
About a dozen Z-10 attack helicopters plowed across the river and into a volley of machine gun fire from the Canadians.
Asou was trying to get across the piles of rubble that were once buildings. The next thing he knew, 5th squad was at the front on the Canadians left flank.
The Canadian soldiers used a rifle called the C-7A3 assault rifles (2) which were replacing their older C-7A2s. It looked just like the M-16A5 and worked just the same. Their primary light machine gun was the C-6 which was basically the FN MAG, a light machine that was replacing the M-60E4 in NATO including the US Army where it is called the M240.
Asou looked straight into the eyes of a Canadian sergeant major who seemed to be surprised at their sudden appearance. He pointed at the Chinese Type 90 APC that had them pinned. Asou nodded and turned to Hanai, "Get on that APC's flank and destroy it. We'll cover you."
"On it. Let's go Kenji!" shouted Hanai. While most of 5th squad covered their fire team, Hanai and Harima scaled a mountain of cinderblocks. Harima unslung the AT4 from his back and took aim at the Type 90 APC. He fired and struck the APC in its side. Harima and Hanai dashed down the heap of ruins to the where 5th squad was.
The Canadian squad began to slowly advance in a leap frog style attack (3). Asou stood up to follow, but dropped to his belly as a PLAAF Z-10 made a pass at 5th squad. A couple blocks away, the anti-air squad fired two of their Type 91s at the Z-10. One was drawn off course by an IR flare, but the second missile connected.
A second squad of Canadian soldiers pushed up the street. 5th squad followed them up for the bridge.
Harima found the push to be confusing. It was easy enough that he would shoot at Chinese soldiers and machine gunners, move up to Hanai's position as soon as Kitsumori reached his, and repeat. He wasn't even taking aim at the PLA soldiers, but just shooting at their general direction to pin them down. Harima wasn't even sure where the rest of the platoon was let alone Lt. Urashima location.
Harima followed SSgt. Asou to the top of another rubble pile where a Canadian platoon was firing at the Chinese. From this position they were a few meters from the bridge. They were elevated a little above the street. Chinese appeared to be retreating across the bridge. On the north side of the river to the east was more Chinese retreating slowly, but organize; Harima couldn't tell who was the advancing army, but they weren't Americans.
The last of the Chinese tanks and soldiers retreated to the north side of the Geumho River and a Japanese Type 74 medium tank and soldiers were giving chase. Harima, Hanai, Kitsumori, Yamako, and Asou knew what was about to happen because they did the same thing at the Nakdong River. Lt. Urashima, Lt. Matsumoto, and Captain Hitsugaya also knew the grave mistake that platoon made.
Kaboom!
Sections of the bridge over the Geumho River fell into the river below taking several soldiers and the Type 74 into the river. Some of the bridge was still standing leaving soldiers stranded.
Within an hour the Chinese were gone. They'd killed some of the stranded soldiers, but at least 18 or 20 soldiers were still alive, but unable to get to either side.
Dogwood Company, Echo Company, and Foxglove Company that made up the 27th Battalion began to regroup.
5th squad was standing at the bridge's edge. The north side of the bridge was in the hands of the Turkish Army. Turkish engineering vehicles had lay down some temporary bridges. Currently they were waiting for another bridge laying vehicle.
The Turks had rescued the stranded Japanese soldiers who were on the north side of the river now.
Some of the Turkish soldiers were standing at their edge of the bridge which was only a few meters away from 5th squad.
"We sure have seen a lot of faces in NATO," said Hanai.
"Hai. Is it me or are they staring at us?" asked Harima.
"The Turks haven't seen a lot of East Asians," said a voice from behind them.
"Lieutenant," said Asou giving Lt. Urashima a salute.
"The Turks," said Lt. Urashima pointing to the Turkish soldiers, "they pretty nice guys. They seem to like us because like them we're pretty different from most of NATO."
"What'd you mean?" asked Harima confused.
"Most NATO nations are in Western Europe. Japan and Turkey are both nations pretty different from the Western Europeans and the Americans. We're also both at the edge of NATO territory. Turkey and Japan are also the only nations in NATO where Christianity isn't the most commonly practiced religion (4)."
The Turkish soldiers wear a similar uniform to the US soldiers. They used the older style camouflage and the PASGT helmets that the US Army and Marine Corps wore from the 1980s until 2003. The standard assault rifle was the H&K G-33 which looked a little like the MP-5, but larger and fired the 5.52x45mm cartridge. The standard light machine gun like the Canadians was the FN MAG. Some were carrying the H&K G-3. A couple of soldiers had M203 grenade launchers attached to their G-33s.
Across the river were Turkish Army Leopard 2A4 and M113 Garvin APCs. These vehicles bore a white crescent moon and star which appeared to be the Turkish Military's insignia.
"Sir, why are you here?" asked Asou.
"Because I was drafted."
"Seriously, why are you here?"
"Because I am apparently the only person in our battalion that speaks Arabic," he said with a shrug. "I picked it up after a few excavations in Arab speaking nations."
1930 Hours; October 18th, 2010; a NATO field HQ, Taegu; Taegu Special Administrative Provide, Republic of Korea
"Herr Generalleutenant," said a German attendant.
"Ja?"
"Our forces have cut the highway northward. We have completely secured Taegu."
"Sehr gute (very good)," said Lt. General Müller.
"The citizens of Taegu seem to be celebrating, I don't know why though. The city was destroyed mostly during the fighting, a thousands of soldiers and civilians are dead."
"They are happy because they can rebuild the city and know it's theirs."
The phone rang.
"Hallo (hello)?" answered the Lt. General. "Ja, we secured the city… was (what)? … Wenn (when)? … I understand, I appreciate you telling me, auf wiedersehen."
"Is everything all right mien herr (sir)?"
"Nien (no), the Chinese launched a counter-offensive in the northeastern part of North Jeolla Province and cut off our allies attacking Taejon. They are surrounded and a French unit is preparing to attack to reestablish the supply lines," said Lt. General Müller rubbing his face in exhaustion.
"Und wenn (and when) that fails what do we do?"
"The French aren't that incompetent, they are arrogant and jackasses, but they can fight against nations that aren't Germany or Vietnam."
Both men laughed.
"Besides the Japanese, Belgians, Dutch, British, and US Marine are going to aid them."
"Sounds easy enough."
"It always does. What the this really implies is that the communist aren't out of a fight yet. We have a long road ahead of us northwards before we reach Seoul."
So ends the Battle of Taegu. I have succeeded in completely three chapters in one week, oo-rah. In other words you may not see another chapter for a while because I have to do homework. Whoever said seniors get less homework should be dragged out into the street and shot.
Respectfully
J. H. Kamiya
Appendix
1. The CF-18A Hornet is the Canadian production version of the F-18A Hornet. The CF-18 is the sole fighter plane of the Canadian Forces Air Command which serves as fighter, interceptor, escort, combat patrol, and fighter-bomber. It is expected to be replaced by the F-35 Lightening-II which Canada has expressed interest in buying from the US company Lockheed-Martin.
2. The C-7A3 is a fictional weapon. The Canadian's assault rifle is called the C-7A1 and C-7A2. Both are based on the US M-16 series.
3. The leap frog attack (or retreat) is a basic, but effective infantry maneuver for when under fire. The idea is that the lead soldier runs up to the nearest position with cover and provide covering fire to allow the second soldier to reach his position. The second soldier then covers the first soldier who advances to the next nearest cover while a third soldier goes to the second soldier's position. The idea is that roughly half a group of soldiers can advance while the other half covers them so a column of infantry can move through enemy fire. The leap frog formation requires at least two soldiers and has no real limit to the number of soldiers.
4. Most people in Turkey practice Islam. Most Japanese practice Shinto or Buddhism.
