On October 19, 1950, the commander of the South Korean First Division, Baek Sun-yeop, successfully invaded Pyongyang, which attracted widespread attention and discussion. Pyongyang, the temporary capital of North Korea, was occupied and made Baek Sun-yeop famous. As the first commander to storm the enemy's capital, his rank and status rose and went down in history.
Also attracting attention was Ridgway, who was attacked by volunteers on January 4, 1951, 10 days after becoming commander of the U.S. 8th Army. Unable to stop the attack of the volunteers, Ridgway could only give the order to retreat. Before leaving the headquarters, he wrote a message on the wall to greet the commander-in-chief of the Chinese army. This "humorous" move is both a tribute to President Peng and a provocation to the volunteers.
At the same time as Li Qiwei retreated, Wu Xinquan's 39th Army and Zeng Zesheng's 50th Army took the lead in attacking Seoul. The American army almost burned Seoul to the ground when it retreated, but the volunteer soldiers still rushed into the city with firm faith and courage. In this battle, part of the enemy was annihilated, part fled, but the most important point was the meeting of two units. The 116th Division of the 39th Army and the 1st Battalion of the 442nd Regiment of the 148th Division of the 50th Army encountered each other in the process of attacking Seoul.
However, although the soldiers of the 50th Army were the first to capture Seoul, they were robbed of credit by the 116th Division of the 39th Army in the report. The soldiers complained about this, believing it was unfair. Because the 39th Army brought a radio when entering the city, making their report more timely, while the 442nd Regiment of the 50th Army did not carry a radio, the report was one step late. With some effort, the volunteer generals managed to get the 50th Army in front of the 39th Army.
The capture of Seoul by the volunteers was a major victory, marking the first time our army went abroad to fight and occupied the enemy's capital. The existence of this milestone occupies an important place in the combat history of our army, so this honor is very important for every soldier. The invasion of Seoul by volunteers caused a national celebration, and the common people rejoiced at the victory. But in Rhee's view, this was a shame for the Korean army and was called the "1.4 Incident."
Whether it is the 39th Division of the 116th Army or the 148th Regiment of the 148th Division of the 50th Army, they are heroic fighters who won this victory for us with their flesh and blood and courage. However, behind this victory lies more bitterness and strife. Not only the battle for merit between the troops, but also casualties and setbacks in the campaign. But it was this sacrifice and difficulty that forged our victory.
The occupation of Seoul by the volunteers was an important juncture in our War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, and we should remember this history and let it become the strength and driving force for our struggle. We must deeply cultivate the history of war, carry forward positive energy, and record and inherit this history. Let us work together to contribute our own strength to the development and prosperity of the motherland!
(Jiuyuting: A Chinese self-media creator, focusing on publishing all kinds of sharp articles with views, welcome to submit)
