On January 8, 1951, a crucial battle was staged on the Korean battlefield, and the Chinese and North Korean coalition forces won a complete victory and successfully liberated Seoul. But behind the flames and smoke of war, there is a little-known contest. When the generals of the Volunteer Army were boiling with enthusiasm and were ready to go south in one go, the commander-in-chief Peng Dehuai unexpectedly ordered to stop the pursuit and rest on the spot. This decision aroused strong resentment from the Soviet adviser to North Korea, Razovaev, who not only angrily rebuked Peng Dehuai in person, but even complained to Stalin. What kind of battle of wisdom and courage is this?
In the freezing snow at the beginning of 1951, the Volunteer Army, in conjunction with the Korean People's Army, launched a fierce attack on Seoul. This battle was not only a victory in military operations, but also a major spiritual boost. The brutality of war and the complexity of military decision-making are far from what outsiders can imagine.
Peng Dehuai, a veteran of the battlefield, has a deep understanding and unique insights into the war. When many generals were boiling with enthusiasm and ready to pursue the victory, Peng Dehuai chose a seemingly unconventional decision to stop the pursuit and rest in place. This decision has puzzled many people, and even attracted fierce opposition from Razovaev, the Soviet adviser to the DPRK.
Razovaev was a typical Soviet tough guy who rose to prominence in World War II and had his own unique understanding of the military. In his view, Peng Dehuai's decision was tantamount to surrendering in the war. In a fit of rage, he broke into the command headquarters, clashed head-on with Peng Dehuai, and even recklessly complained to Stalin about it.
However, Peng Dehuai is not without purpose. In fact, he had already sent reconnaissance units to conduct in-depth observation and analysis of the Coalition forces before the war. The results of the reconnaissance showed that the Coalition Army, although ostensibly losing ground, was in fact orchestrating a larger counterattack. Ridgway, the new general of the Coalition Army, was more cautious and difficult to deal with than MacArthur before him. In this case, blind pursuit will only lead the volunteers into the trap set by the enemy.
More importantly, Peng Dehuai knew that the supply of troops and the physical recovery of soldiers were crucial. At that time, many of the volunteers were wearing thin clothes to fight in the bitter cold, and many soldiers had developed severe frostbite. If the pursuit continues at all costs, not only may it suffer greater casualties, but it may also affect the overall combat capability due to injuries, fatigue and lack of supplies.
The complex changes in the international situation are also important factors that Peng Dehuai must consider. The world situation at that time was like a big game of chess, and every move could lead to a realignment of international forces. Every move and reaction of the United States and the Soviet Union, the two superpowers, has a direct impact on the strategic deployment of the Korean battlefield. Peng Dehuai knows that any rash military action could trigger unnecessary international intervention, which could make the situation even more unfavorable.
And Razovaev's behavior, although to some extent reflected the Soviet Union's attitude towards the Korean War, also exposed the differences within the Soviet Union about the strategy of this war. The Soviet Union, while outwardly supporting North Korea, was in fact wary of direct military involvement. They influence the war more through the political and strategic dimension than directly sending large numbers of ground troops. Behind this strategy was a reflection of the Soviet Union's careful consideration of the geopolitical balance in Northeast Asia.
Under such complex domestic and foreign pressures, Peng Dehuai's decision-making is particularly important. He should not only consider the immediate victory on the battlefield, but also the long-term strategic layout and international influence. This deliberate strategic vision ultimately helped the Sino-North Korean coalition forces maintain high combat effectiveness and morale in the subsequent battles.
The strategic struggle between Peng Dehuai and Razovaev is not only a contest of personal will, but also a confrontation between strategic thinking and short-sighted impulses. In the extreme environment of war, every decision can affect the lives of thousands of people, which requires great courage and wisdom to make the most reasonable choice.
By looking back at the exciting history of early 1951, we not only saw the cruelty of the war and the severe test of the commander, but also felt that as a military commander, in the face of war, it is not only extraordinary courage, but also extraordinary decision-making wisdom. Peng Dehuai's choice at that critical moment undoubtedly showed his far-reaching vision and sense of responsibility as a military strategist. Every historical review gives us a deeper understanding of the key moments. In the days to come, these chapters of history will continue to enlighten us, both on the international political stage and in the choices made by individuals in their lives.