Survive as a World War II Soldier - Chapter 161



Only Krnovel

“So it’s not Formosa or China, but Joseon?”

King scoffed at the Army’s suggestion. Who doesn’t know that China is now turned upside down?

Marshall let out a sigh and smiled as King asked back with an expression that showed that he didn’t really like it.

“If you think about it, isn’t our target Japan anyway? In Europe, too, we’re putting aside all the complicated stuff and rushing to Berlin to catch Hitler.”

“Hmm. Really?”

Marshall knew that King had a competitive spirit toward MacArthur, even though he pretended not to know.

As expected, King’s reaction changed when the topic of Europe came up.

“Joseon… But isn’t that a land that the Japs have been working on for quite some time?”

Although they were becoming crippled in many ways, the Japanese army was not an opponent to be taken lightly.

What has been particularly troubling to the American military in recent times has been the incomprehensible mentality of the Japanese people.

“No, wouldn’t it be right to just surrender at this point?”

“That’s right.”

“But why aren’t you surrendering, but rather holding on for dear life?”

I couldn’t understand it at all.

The outcome of the war had already been known for a long time.

No matter how much Japan struggled, there was no one who did not know that their path to victory was already lost.

Of course, until recently, there were many among the American military who hoped that Japan would surrender late.

“That way, we can kill at least one more Jabs.”

“Well then, that’s true. Sooner or later, I’ll make Japanese the language used only in hell.”

“Oh. That’s a great word.”

But shouldn’t that continue to some extent?

The US military leadership, well aware that the longer the war dragged on, the more people would die, now wanted to end the war as soon as possible.

But Japan didn’t seem to have any such intentions.

If we were thinking about the future, it would have been natural to surrender appropriately even now, but the Japanese were still shouting for an all-out war.

Even on a small island like Saipan, the US military was in a very perplexing situation as not only soldiers but also civilians resisted, saying they would rather die than surrender.

“Honestly, we laid mines like that in an attempt to kill the Japanese mainland, but they are holding on. Our Army Staff believes that it is because Joseon is alive.”

“Hmm.”

Supplies from Southeast Asia were now virtually cut off.

However, it was not possible to completely prevent travel to and from China or Joseon.

“And what was the reason you decided to make Joseon independent in the first place?”

Marshall pointed to the Korean Peninsula.

A natural harbor surrounded by breakwaters around the Japanese archipelago. It was a land in an excellent location for keeping Russia above and China to the west in check.

King nodded and accepted the words.

“Well, I’ve heard that the Soviets are really out of their minds in Europe.”

Not only that, but even in Casablanca, where the independence of Joseon was first discussed, the Soviet Union showed great interest in the Pacific coast, including Siberia.

They too could not give up their advance into the Pacific, and they felt the need to check China and Japan.

But if you ask me whether I can still show that kind of interest and enthusiasm now, the answer is no.

Although Operation Bagration was a success for the time being, the German border was still a long way off.

So, it is unlikely that Stalin, who was obsessed with Berlin, would have the capacity to show interest in Siberia, which was far to the east and not in immediate need.

“So isn’t this an even better time?”

The argument was that if we could place Joseon and its surrounding areas firmly under the sphere of influence of the US military, we could seize control of Northeast Asia.

It would have been even better if the Soviet Union’s share could have been reduced even further, as it is now.

“But if we want to occupy the Korean Peninsula, we’ll have to launch a large-scale landing operation.”

“Since we’re going to land anyway, shouldn’t we do it even if it means hitting the island?”

It was Roosevelt who intervened in their conversation.

“That’s right, yes.”

“Isn’t the size of the island what determines the difficulty of landing there?”

King could not help but nod at Marshall’s subsequent words.

It may sound like nonsense in the past, but the Pacific War brilliantly demonstrated that the difficulty of an amphibious landing has nothing to do with the size of the island.

This was because conquering an island like Saipan required significant, unexpected sacrifices.

“In the end, it comes down to how prepared the defense is.”

“Then, the Army’s opinion that we should focus on one big thing instead of stirring up small islands here and there doesn’t seem so bad.”

“But landing on an island is not comparable to landing on the Korean Peninsula.”

“Yes. The Korean Peninsula has been under Japanese control for a long time, so the size of the garrison and the level of armament…”

Arthur III also added his words.

However, the Navy’s counterargument was that while the island had limitations since its supply was cut off, the Korean Peninsula was not something to be taken lightly, starting with its size.

In order to invade the Korean Peninsula, it would have been necessary to prepare a fairly large-scale landing operation, even if it was not on the level of Normandy.

“But if it’s the Korean Peninsula, wouldn’t the Korean people take the lead?”

The excellent fighting ability of the Korean people was already famous.

The performance of the Air Force, especially that of female pilots, has been a topic of conversation in many ways.

“I heard that the resistance will respond quite well internally as well.”

“But that’s all just their words, so wouldn’t it be difficult to completely trust them?”

“But are you going to do it only for the Chinese?”

At the last Marshall’s words, King and Arthur III smiled and nodded.

“And wouldn’t it be better than landing on the Japanese mainland? After Formosa, there are only small islands like Okinawa.”

“I have a similar opinion. If Joseon has such a strong will for independence, there will be considerable internal support, and if they lose the land they have long considered their homeland, it will be a greater shock than losing Formosa or other lands.”

Roosevelt’s choice, which he had been struggling with, was Joseon.

“Putting everything else aside, considering the post-war period, we need to somehow reduce Soviet influence in the Pacific. To do that, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Korea to be a little bigger.”

In Casablanca, Sakhalin and part of northeastern Manchuria were promised to the Soviet Union, but aren’t promises meant to be broken?

“Then the role of the Korean people will be important.”

“yes.”

##

“Is that true?”

When Kim Koo received Eisenhower’s message about the decision on the American mainland, he was unable to hold back his overwhelming emotion and ended up shedding tears.

It wasn’t just Kim Gu. The eyes of the provisional government members, including Ahn Chang-ho, who had come with him because it was an important story, were all red.

“I know, but it won’t be easy.”

“No matter how difficult it is, we will do it. It’s our dream, how could we refuse?”

It wasn’t just them.

The rumor that he was going to Joseon to liberate his homeland spread like wildfire.

“Oh my, Grandpa. I told you not to do that.”

“It can’t be helped. I’m still farming…”

“You know that’s not the problem.”

“Then even a soldier’s child will do. If you can’t cook, then being a porter is fine too…”

The rumor spread from somewhere and chaos broke out all over the Philippines. Koreans came rushing in and demanded to enlist.

“I told you I’m 18. My mom was a little late in reporting it, but look at these arms and size. How can I be so young?”

“I heard that women also accept it. I’m good at doing laundry and cooking too…”

There was no man, woman, old or young.

At first, I felt uncomfortable about the leak of confidential information.

I felt a brief sense of disappointment that it was not as good as China, but after confirming the Korean people’s desire to somehow help their country achieve independence, my thoughts changed.

“At that level, no matter where we land, we won’t fail.”

“Yes, if those here are like that, then the resistance on the mainland can also look forward to it.”

But where is war fought with the mind?

“I didn’t think a surprise attack would be possible, but wouldn’t it be problematic if rumors spread like this?”

When rumors spread throughout Asia, including the Philippines, that the next target for the US military was the Korean Peninsula, the Navy immediately expressed its displeasure.

“Well, I think it was necessary to get help from the resistance within and put pressure on the Japs.”

“Ha, but their defense is…”

“It’s obvious that if we move, it will be known anyway.”

Since the French coast could be reached from England in less than half a day, maintaining secrecy until just before the operation was of the utmost importance.

But in fact, it is difficult to say that Normandy was completely secret, because Germany knew that the Allied forces would land at some point.

“The important thing is not to get caught where you’re going.”

“We haven’t decided on that yet…”

“Oh, oh. That’s right.”

Pacific Fleet Commander Nimitz was still inadequate to deal with Eisenhower, who was working under MacArthur and Mitchell.

Admiral Nimitz burst out laughing at Eisenhower’s playful expression as he said, “Then we can decide now.”

“I don’t know what the Navy is so dissatisfied with, but we decided to attack Formosa first, just as they wanted.”

“It’s done.”

Nimitz sighed deeply and turned his gaze to the map on the table. There were several places marked on the map.

“We have selected several landing points in consultation with the North Korean military.”

Incheon, Gunsan, Pyeongtaek, etc. were all areas on the west coast.

“Hmm. I heard that the tidal range here is quite large.”

“I know. But didn’t we overcome it in Normandy? And the south is not easily accessible because of this island.”

What Eisenhower was referring to was Tsushima Island.

“And this one is what···”

The East Sea is more difficult to access than the South Sea, so the only place left is the West Sea.

“So, that means I have to choose one of these three…”

All three places had distinct pros and cons.

“Considering the motto of this operation, which is to get a big win at once, this place is the best.”

Admiral Nimitz pointed to Incheon, saying that since the capital was right next door, a successful landing would be the best.

“The problem is that the defense will be that good.”

“Isn’t that obvious?”

“Let’s look somewhere else. Gunsan? This place doesn’t look so bad either…”

From the perspective of Koreans, it was a city in the south, but to Americans, 200km was not that far.

The last region that came under consideration was Pyeongtaek.

“Unlike the previous two cities, there are no large cities here.”

“is it so?”

There was a heated debate over where to land.

##

“You haven’t decided yet?”

“Yes. That’s a bit like that. It’s our country’s business, but our opinion is…”

Independence was promised and the home invasion operation was finally imminent, but it was the US military that raised its voice.

“Isn’t it inevitable?”

“Yes, that’s right. The number of troops and equipment being deployed is different. However, it is a bit bitter.”

“Well, what can we do? We’ll do what we can.”

While the US Navy and Army were arguing over where to land, the Koreans did what they could.

The first thing I did was to check my contacts in the country.

Next,

“You’re going in on a submarine?”

“Yes. We plan to infiltrate in advance, take out some Japanese bastards, and deliver weapons to our comrades in the country.”

“Yeah, after all that hard training, you foolishly think you’ll do well.”

“I will do my best.”

“Please take care of yourself.”

Those who had received special training from the US military went in on a submarine in advance.

“The newly introduced bombers are more than enough to make the round trip.”

The air force members, including Kwon Ki-ok, were enthusiastic about the air raid operation.

B-29s taking off from Luzon Island conducted precision air strikes on Japanese military bases every day.

They also did not forget to distribute propaganda materials along the way, saying that Japan’s defeat was imminent and that the Allied Forces, including the Korean Liberation Army, would soon land in Korea.

As a result, the Korean Peninsula was heating up more than ever.

“Father, look at this.”

“Hey, if the police catch you… ”

“Then what? It won’t be long before those kids are running around with their balls in their mouths.”

“still···.”

“They say a bomb fell on the Japanese military camp down there this morning and it caused total chaos.”

Those who were skeptical at first began to change their minds as each day passed.

It wasn’t just Koreans who were changing their minds.

“Aren’t we all going to die like this?”

“Wouldn’t it be better to go back to the mainland?”

“There’s no stomach, there’s no stomach!”

Ports such as Busan, Gunsan, and Incheon were all packed with people flocking to board ships bound for Japan.

And it was common for the bombs to fall on them before the ships to Japan.

Boom, boom.

Why?

“It’s a bombing.”

“Ahh.”

Finally,

“A bomb fell on the Governor-General’s Office.”

When a bomb hit the Government-General of Korea located in Gyeongseong, the Imperial General Headquarters could no longer remain silent.

But they had no chance to do anything.

This was because the landing operation by the US and Korean armies began the day after the bomb was dropped on the Government-General of Korea.

Can’t we all go?