This was the most successful rescue in the history of World War II:
Cabanatuan Rescue!
When Lieutenant General Walter Krueger, commander of the Sixth Army, saw the 712 returning prisoners of war, he found that his eyes were moist.
God, what kind of torture these people have suffered in these three years!
Thank God!
They were finally able to come back.
"Charles!"
Lieutenant General Kruger's eyes fell on Meng Shaoyuan:
"On behalf of the U.S. military, and on behalf of the United States of America, thank you for your hard work and effort!"
"Thank you, Commander." Meng Shaoyuan replied in a neither humble nor condescending manner.
"Now, we can attack Manila freely."
At this time, Lieutenant General Kruger was in high spirits and wanted to stand on the highest point of Manila immediately: "Charles, are you from Manila?"
"Yes, General, I lived there for a long time."
"That's great." Lieutenant General Kruger immediately asked: "So, can you give me some useful advice?"
He knew that the Charles in front of him was from Peter Lin.
As an excellent intelligence agent, he will definitely be able to bring him the much-needed information.
"General, under Iwabuchi's command three times, Manila is fully prepared for battle!"
Meng Shaoyuan said: "Now the entire Manila has turned into a huge war fortress.
In Manila, there were a total of 17,000 marines and 4,000 security forces. Iwabuchi transformed every place where war might occur into defensive positions three times.
What I can guarantee is that when advancing towards Manila, fierce fighting will break out in the outer positions, and when entering the city of Manila, it will become a tomb.
When you enter downtown Manila, for a long time you will find that there is not a single Japanese soldier in broad daylight. But when your tanks just touch this place, countless Japanese soldiers will appear out of thin air.
Fire from holes in the ground, from cracks in walls, from any incredible place. Many of the bunkers were carefully camouflaged, and they also laid a large number of mines, which would slow our advance very slowly. "
As Meng Shaoyuan described, Kruger's expression gradually became serious.
He was not an arrogant general, on the contrary, he was a very cautious soldier.
After landing on Luzon Island, his caution also caused serious dissatisfaction with MacArthur.
Although I was fully mentally prepared for the Battle of Manila before, it seems that my thoughts are still too simple now.
"Even encirclement will become extremely difficult."
Meng Shaoyuan’s intelligence was not over yet: “There are many defensive fortresses around Manila and in the city, and among these fortresses, Tramulos Castle is undoubtedly the strongest.
The 75mm caliber artillery of the Sherman tank could not destroy it at all, and it could only rely on the outflanking of the infantry detachment and the blasting operations of engineers to break into the depth of the Japanese defense bit by bit.
General, you can completely assume that when you finally enter the city, there will be intensive firepower in every hotel, shopping mall, and building. At the Manila Hotel, nearly a thousand troops were deployed.
You can hardly imagine that from day to night, the superior artillery fire that the Allies relied on will no longer be absolute. Cold weapons such as bayonets and daggers will become the key to determining the victory of the Battle of Manila! "
"Report to General MacArthur immediately."
Kruger's face became more serious.
If the intelligence provided by the other party is completely true, then the US military will encounter unprecedented challenges after landing on Luzon Island!
"According to the current advancement speed, the first fierce battle to break out will be the Xuanzi Defense Line." Meng Shaoyuan continued: "This will be the first vicious battle you face."
"The war must continue."
Although there were many difficulties, it also inspired Kruger's determination as a soldier: "Lieutenant Colonel Musi."
"Yes, General."
"I am grateful for your efforts in rescuing prisoners of war." Kruger stared at his men: "I know you and your people are very tired, but I still have a task for you.
Take your rangers and immediately move closer to the Xuanzi defense line. After fully understanding the Japanese defenses, you are allowed to launch a tentative attack on the Japanese troops in front! "
"Yes, General!" Lieutenant Colonel Musi said without any hesitation.
"As for you, Charles." Kruger turned his attention to Meng Shaoyuan again: "I know it is very hard. I have been fighting in Manila for so long, and I am in fear every day, living in darkness.
During the Cabanatuan rescue, you took the lead, penetrated deep into the heart of the Japanese army, and made outstanding achievements. Moreover, you are not under my jurisdiction, and I have no right to issue orders to you. "
"General, I know what you mean." Meng Shaoyuan interrupted: "No one knows Manila better than me. I know every location of the Japanese army's defenses, what weapons the Japanese army has deployed in which position, and how many soldiers there are. .
Therefore, I am the most suitable to serve as a guide, and I am willing to work with Lieutenant Colonel Musi to take the lead in launching an attack on Manila! "
"Okay, Charles, okay. I thank you for everything you have brought to the victory of the war." Kruger said with great satisfaction: "By the way, Charles, what is your military rank?"
Military rank?
When Meng Shao was in command of the military, his official rank was colonel, but in fact his real military rank was only captain.
here?
What military rank does he have?
Crook probably saw it too.
This person should be the secret intelligence agent developed by Peter Lin, right?
"Take Major Charles to change his clothes." Kruger said with a smile: "Charles, what you are wearing is quite dirty."
Meng Shaoyuan also laughed.
Major in the U.S. Army?
Of course, this kind of temporary appointment does not count.
It's nothing more than a formal tribute from Kruger.
Therefore, Meng Shaoyuan took a good bath.
All the filth all over his body was cleared away.
That set of dirty clothes would most likely be burned by the Americans.
When he appeared in front of Kruger again, he had already put on a new set of U.S. Army major uniforms!
Meng Shaoyuan likes the feeling of wearing military uniforms.
That is the most sacred symbol!
But he also has some regrets.
When will I be able to wear the military uniform of my country?
Maybe this will always be just a dream.
By this time, Lieutenant Colonel Musi and his rangers had assembled.
These guys who just came back from Cabanatu are still in high spirits.
Cars have gathered one by one.
All weapons have been changed.
The sufficient ammunition and equipment made Meng Shaoyuan once again sigh with emotion at the strength of the US military's logistical support.
"Boys, I wish you good luck!" General Crook said:
"Major Charles, Lieutenant Colonel Musi, I hope you can bring news of victory!"
