On the Korean battlefield in 1950, a blood-wrenching battle was staged on Songgu Peak. A small company of just over 100 men actually withstood the fierce attacks of several US divisions, and the battle lasted for 12 hours, and the US troops were unable to advance even half a step! The regiment commander at that time, Fan Tianen, a 27-year-old Shandong man, went so far as to violate military orders and lead his troops into this almost hopeless battle.
Back in November 1950, war was raging on the Korean Peninsula. The Chinese Volunteers had just won the victory in the Battle of Yunshan, and the morale of the army was at its peak. Marshal Peng Dehuai ordered the entire 38th Army to move quickly southward, with the goal of blocking the fleeing US Eighth Army and South Korean troops. The changes in the battlefield were always unexpected, and the 38th Army unexpectedly encountered elite units of the American army on the march, which thwarted the original plan.
At this time, the strategic deployment of the headquarters of the Volunteer Army faced great challenges. Peng Dehuai sent an urgent telegram to Liang Xingchu, the commander of the 38th Army, asking him to pursue the American army at all costs. When the troops marched quickly to the vicinity of Feihu Mountain, Liang Xingchu had a unique vision and realized that the terrain here was dangerous, and if it could be occupied, it would be greatly conducive to controlling the important transportation arteries in the surrounding area. Therefore, he ordered the vanguard of the 335th Regiment to seize this strategic point with lightning speed.
The commander of the 335th regiment, Fan Tianen, a veritable warrior, did not hesitate after receiving the order. The troops he led quickly captured Feihu Mountain and managed to capture all enemy troops. Just as Regiment Commander Fan was about to continue to advance, in order to make the encirclement of the Volunteer Army take shape, he suddenly received an urgent order from the rear - "The plan has changed, the US army is attacking Feihu Mountain in a big way, and it must hold its position!"
Fan Tianen quickly adjusted his deployment, ordered the troops that had been sent to return, and quickly set up a formation on Feihu Mountain to prepare for the challenge of the American army. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Second Division of the US Eighth Army, under the command of Commander Walker, began a fierce attack on Feihu Mountain. The volunteer soldiers on Feihu Mountain faced the intensive bombardment of enemy planes and artillery, and their positions became a sea of fire for a time. The commander of the American army, Walker, was confident that he would be able to take the position in less than two hours.
But the reality is far more brutal than he imagined. In the face of the onslaught of the American army, Commander Fan Tianen and his soldiers regarded death as home. They took advantage of the terrain to build a multi-layer defense line, and every inch of land condensed the perseverance and bravery of the volunteer soldiers. In the attacks and counterattacks again and again, although the volunteers suffered heavy casualties, they successfully blocked every impact of the US army with great perseverance and bravery.
As night fell, the battle continued. After numerous failed attacks, the U.S. military began to feel unprecedented difficulties and frustrations. Van Tien En, on the other hand, showed a very high command art and military talent in his perseverance. He not only won by surprise in tactics, but also did a good job in morale, inspiring every fighter to keep fighting.
The battle lasted a full 12 hours, until just before dawn the next day. Eventually, the U.S. troops began to retreat due to heavy casualties and fatigue. In what was considered a suicidal defensive battle, Van Tien En's troops miraculously held their positions and successfully stopped the American offensive, gaining valuable time for the overall strategic deployment of the Volunteer Army.
Behind this battle is the extreme understanding and execution of the orders of Commander Fan Tianen. Although he received an order to stop advancing before the battle, at the critical moment, he decided to stick to Feihu Mountain with his deep insight into the battlefield situation, and this decision was undoubtedly highly responsible for the overall situation of the entire battlefield. His decision-making courage and battlefield instincts demonstrate the outstanding qualities of a good commander.
After the war, Fan Tien En and his troops became legends because of this battle, and their heroic deeds were widely disseminated and became a good story in Chinese military history. The brutality of the war also cost the victory dearly. The company lost almost 90% of its strength in this battle, and each survivor was deeply scarred.
The persistence of Commander Fan Tianen and his soldiers in Songgu Peak is a challenge to the enemy, but also a struggle against fate. They used their actions to explain what it means to be fearless of a strong enemy and what it means to defeat the strong with the weak. This battle was a military victory, but also a victory of spirit and faith. When we look back on this period of history today, we should not only sigh at their bravery, but also think about the indomitable fighting spirit that supports a team to create miracles in desperate situations.