newbobooks Chapter 311 Entering the Core Leadership of the Allied Forces
Chapter 311 Entering the Core Leadership of the Allied Forces
Lewis Zhang, a Chinese American, joined the Martin Company under Pu Zhengsong's arrangement, becoming one of the first generation of attack helicopter pilots. At this moment, he sat side by side with the fire controller, operating H-002B aircraft numbered 1, unleashing their might on the underground German armored formations. Supported by 16 H-1As, 32 H-1Bs, operating in pairs, continuously destroyed the tank columns of the German 114th Army's concentration area. By this time, the Germans had already spotted the strange flying objects in the sky. Like demons from hell, they relentlessly tore through the targets on the ground. With almost every rocket fired, a tank or tank destroyer was destroyed from above. The entire assembly area was littered with burning wreckage and scattered tanks and armored vehicles. Many tank crews, horrified by the horrific scene, had already escaped their tanks and fled with the other German soldiers.
But the enemy had no division of labor. Flying monsters pursued the soldiers, machine guns and aircraft cannons rained down relentlessly. Anyone attempting to retaliate was targeted, leaving them unable to evade the enemy's attacks. In less than half an hour, most of the 144th Army's tank division's tanks and armored vehicles had been destroyed. The entire assembly area was a sea of fire, and the enemy was still patrolling the air. Lewis was no different. Unit 002 still had two rockets left to fire, but with no moving tanks or armored vehicles visible on the ground, he turned without hesitation, attacking the enemy's fuel depots, ammunition depots, and other visible structures.
In 45 minutes, having exhausted nearly all of their firepower, the Army Aviation Brigade fled, leaving none of their 48 aircraft damaged. They rigorously executed their top-attack tactics, destroying 152 German tanks and approximately 48 armored vehicles of various types before departing. This battle resulted in the complete loss of the German tank force, over 3000 casualties, and countless more wounded.
When the news reached General Osterding, he immediately realized, based on the survivors' accounts, that the enemy had deployed a type of low-flying aircraft specifically targeting tank units, though the exact nature of the aircraft remained unclear. German intelligence officers on the scene hastily took some blurry photos. Osterding ordered the information and photos to be sent to headquarters as quickly as possible and convened an urgent meeting of all commanders.
In the afternoon, General Osterding and the German headquarters in Italy conveyed orders, instructing General Osterding to ensure the safety of the remaining main forces, given the uncertainty of the enemy's tactics. If necessary, he could evacuate the Caserta area, withdraw from the Campagna region, and retreat to Lazio. That evening, General Osterding ordered his units to alternately cover each other, evacuating Aversa and retreating to Caserta. On the evening of the 18th, the German army completely withdrew from the Caserta line and retreated into the Lazio region. Simultaneously, the German forces that had been confronting the Chinese 13th Army at Nenevento also retreated northwestwards, retreating into the Molise region.
After the Allied occupation of Caserta, they did not launch further offensives. Senior generals such as Weimar personally visited the Army Aviation Brigade's assault on the German tank division's assembly point and surveyed the wreckage. The shocking remains of the battlefield deeply shocked everyone. A report on accelerating the deployment of attack helicopters was immediately delivered to Washington, D.C. Simultaneously, following directives from Eisenhower and other Allied theater commanders, reports compiled by Yang Hong and others on the organization, tactics, and future development of attack helicopters were also distributed to Allied high command. Companies like Martin immediately received large orders from Washington. The Army Aviation Brigade organized by Yang Hong was immediately taken over by the Allied High Command. Extensive training was rapidly initiated, and the Allied helicopter force immediately entered a period of massive expansion.
General Weimade put aside his previous grudges and solemnly called Yang Hong to his office. He personally brewed a cup of fragrant coffee for Yang Hong. Then, he slowly walked up to Yang Hong, gently placed the coffee on the table, and said to him in a tone of regret:
"Little fellow, you are a genius in war, there is no doubt about that. But your behavior makes me deeply dissatisfied. I am hosting you today not because I have forgotten your bandit-like behavior, but because it is an urgent need in the just war against fascism."
General Wei Maide stared at Yang Hong, as if he wanted to see his true thoughts through his eyes. Yang Hong felt the general's gaze and lowered his head slightly, not daring to look him in the eye.
"The Allies plan to establish an Army Aviation Command. General Eisenhower, General Mountbatten, and I have carefully considered the matter and agree that you are the most suitable candidate. By order of headquarters, you are now officially appointed Assistant Chief of Staff of the Allied Theater Command, concurrently serving as Commander of the Army Aviation Command."
When Yang Hong heard the news, he couldn't help but feel excited, but he tried hard to control his emotions and appear calm.
"This appointment has been notified to the flower growers and has been highly recognized by them. Don't play any tricks on me. You must go all out for the expansion of the Army Aviation Corps this time and formulate the latest plan as soon as possible." General Weimade's tone was serious and firm.
"In the first phase, all Allied armies, including your 5th Army Group, and all armies and corps of the main army group must actively prepare attack helicopter units. This is a difficult task, but I believe you are capable of completing it."
Yang Hong nodded silently, knowing full well the weight of the responsibility he shouldered. He secretly resolved to live up to the general's expectations and complete the mission successfully.
"Now that you're my assistant, I might as well share some inside information. The Allies plan a large-scale landing operation on the eve of July, involving an unprecedented number of troops. The location will be somewhere along the French coastline. Your mission is to quickly assemble a powerful aviation unit to provide low-altitude fire cover for the landing troops during the beach landing. You must also work on the specific plan simultaneously. If you need naval support, you can go directly to your old acquaintance, General Nimitz."
Yang Hong knew the old man had received authorization from the High Command, indirectly informing him that he had entered the core leadership of the Allied forces. He didn't show much surprise, but calmly replied, "General, you should know that I'm primarily involved in island operations in the Pacific theater. General Nimitz leading the main force of the Pacific Fleet here must be a major move. I hope to obtain your authorization to discuss the use of supporting aircraft carriers with General Nimitz."