Chapter 21 Chapter 21 Great Victory in Yichuan and Wazi Street

Mizhi Yangjiagou in January 1948 attracted the common people in northern Shaanxi.We all know that there will be a very important meeting there, maybe Chairman Mao will be there.The gossip spread vividly, saying that after the meeting, the Northwest Field Army was about to attack Yan'an, and that at that time all counties would send representatives to participate in the Yan'an entry ceremony, shake hands with Chairman Mao, and send Yangko teams, waist drum teams and so on.An old shepherd at Shishilipu even went around bragging, saying that Peng Dehuai had told him about it himself.Most people who are skeptical come to the conclusion afterwards: there is no wave without wind, and the rumors of ordinary people are always justified.Because the meeting really took place—it was the well-known expansion meeting of the Front Committee of the Northwest Field Army in history.It is famous because all leaders of the Party Central Committee including Mao Zedong attended the meeting.Not all PLA brigade cadres have the opportunity to have this honor.And Mao Zedong directly participated in an enlarged meeting of the Front Committee of the Field Army, which was also an exception, and it was a pleasant exception-Peng Dehuai did not break his promise, and brought him a decent gift: the experience of "complaining and three investigations".

With overwhelming enthusiasm, Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai listened to Yi Zong's report on "Complaints and Three Investigations".Peng Dehuai called Liao Hansheng, Yu Qiuli, and Yan Jinsheng who were going to participate in the report together and said: "Not only represent Yizong, but also represent the entire field army. The three of you should divide the work well. Don't talk about it. Be clear and give examples. In fact, one is one, and two is two, don't mix it up, just say it as it is." This is exactly what Mao and Zhou expected.The two listened from the beginning to the end, and even ordered "wait a minute" when they went to the toilet in the middle.When it comes to important points, Mao Zedong must add one or two punchlines, or quote classics, or village slang, to express his ideas.This not only made the faces of Liao, Yu, and Yan glow red all the time, but also made the whole report look relaxed and interesting.

Mao Zedong was particularly interested in Peng Dehuai's first complaint against Ku Sancha.Peng Dehuai was blatantly concerned about the combat effectiveness of the troops, but Mao Zedong was not. He had more considerations.He has a strong "stomach", and he can always digest the first-hand materials just right, and discover and refine those things with theoretical value from the masses' initiative.However, what he outputs is never a theory, he never talks about dry theories, but always a living reality, with warmth and life. After Mao Zedong listened to the written report, he felt that it was not enough. He went to Yu Qiuli alone and asked in detail about the situation of the 358th Brigade's "complaints and three investigations". The notes written on the horse dung paper, the letter of invitation to fight according to the blood of a group of people, a row of people, and a row of people, and so on.He said that since the Central Soviet Area, we have wanted to find a good way to educate the captive soldiers, but we have not been able to do so. This time, the method of "complaints and three investigations" solved this problem.Zhou Enlai simply gave it a position, saying: "'Complaints and Three Investigations' is a magic weapon for strengthening the army!" Peng Dehuai did not express his opinion on this for a long time.He thought, whether it is a "magic weapon" has yet to be tested.The troops left the battlefield, and all the bragging was empty.

In the winter and spring of 1947 to 1948, Liu (Bocheng), Deng (Xiaoping); Chen (Yi), Su (Yu), Chen (Geng), and Xie (Fuzhi) of the People's Liberation Army laid out a three-way army in the form of Pinzi The advance of the formation into the Central Plains has attracted the attention of the entire Chinese people.In just over 4 months of combat, by the end of 1947 nearly 200,000 enemies had been wiped out, nearly 100 counties were liberated, and 90 of the 160 brigades of the Jiang army on the southern front had been attracted to the Central Plains.At the same time, the four columns of the "Eastern Front Corps" of the East China Field Army commanded by Xu Shiyou and Tan Zhenlin and Peng Dehuai's Northwest Field Army flexed their muscles in Shandong and Shaanxi respectively. Excellent performance, there are many large and small battles comparable to the battles of Shajiadian, Yanqing and Huanglong.Such as Qingfengdian, Shijiazhuang, Yuncheng Battle, etc., can be called masterpieces here.

Chiang Kai-shek couldn't hold his breath anymore!The military has lost its grip, and the "strategies" outside of the military have changed beyond recognition.Starting from tearing up the resolutions of the CPPCC and the armistice agreement, attacking Yan'an, holding the "National Congress", expelling the representatives of the CCP peace talks, suppressing the democratic movement, until signing the "Sino-US Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation", "Sino-US Air Transport Agreement" and other treaties that humiliate the country... He fell into a panic step by step.Today, people are devastated and politically isolated.Then came the economic crisis.The policy of betraying the civil war will inevitably lead to inflation and soaring prices in the Chiang-managed area, the national industry and commerce will continue to go bankrupt, and the decline in industrial and agricultural production will be out of control.The people's stomachs are not full, they are in dire straits, and they have no days to live!Students, teachers, and workers from all over the country fought against hunger, civil war, persecution, and US interference in China's internal affairs as slogans, and staged strikes, strikes, and strikes. In the middle of the city, and is spreading to the vast rural areas.A national united front, including workers, peasants, urban petty bourgeoisie, national bourgeoisie, enlightened gentry, other patriots, ethnic minorities and overseas Chinese, is rolling in like a tide.The world is churning, and there is only one voice: Down with Chiang Kai-shek!

All of this was clearly seen by Mao Zedong, who was wandering in the loess ditch in northern Shaanxi.He said: "The Chiang Kai-shek government, which is an enemy of the whole country, has now found itself surrounded by the whole people. Whether it is on the military front or on the political front, the Chiang Kai-shek government has lost all battles and has been declared by it. Surrounded by the power of the enemy, and can't think of a way to escape!" These words are really pleasant, like a spring breeze.Indeed, good moods, like bad ones, linger when they come.It is conceivable that one day after the beginning of spring in 1948, Mao Zedong calmly drank a bowl of millet porridge, lit a cigarette, and walked to the map humming a Hunan flower drum tune.He doesn't even need a magnifying glass to read a map.He was not old in the first place, but he looked younger all the more.

This is how the Northwest Field Army decided to go south to attack Yichuan.It has been more than ten days, and Mao Zedong is hosting a national meeting. The leaders of the main battlefields are here. Everyone talks about land reform, correcting deviations, and the military situation. The hottest topic is still the overthrow of the Kuomintang government.Mao Zedong enthusiastically proposed a five-year period, and everyone expressed their enthusiasm around this "five-year" idea.It was lively for a while, Mao Zedong said: "Enlai, it's spring, and Lao Peng should go south!" Zhou Enlai got it right: "The chairman means..." He didn't want to repeat it simply, and said after a little pondering: "It's very Yes, after the army's "complaints and three investigations", large-scale military training has also been carried out for a period of time, and it is ready to attack!" Mao Zedong proposed the idea of ​​attacking Yichuan.He believed that Hu Zongnan's attack on Yan'an started from here, and now that he is one year old, he should let Hu draw a circle.He was so thoughtless about everything.In the confident words, there can be a little humor at any time, so that people can feel the flesh and bones with their hands.

Three days later, Peng Dehuai came to Zhou Enlai with the opinion on the direction of the spring offensive campaign researched by Ye Si.He opened his mouth and said: "The chairman's decision is absolutely correct!" He was still in the habit of tapping the pile of charts in his hand when he was excited: "It's completely deliberated, and it is very consistent with the opinions of the following." Mao Zedong came over while speaking, and he just After walking for a while, his face glowed with enthusiasm: "Enlai, Lao Peng is here just in time, call Bishi over, everyone will be sure." After Zhou Enlai responded and left, he walked up to Peng Dehuai with a smile, and took the bag out of his pocket. He took out half a pack of cigarettes and handed it up: "Come on, let's have another battle of annihilation!" Then, he talked about the enemy's situation like a few treasures: "...In the entire Northwest battlefield, the Jiang army has 29 integrated brigades, with more than 330,000 people. But the combat effectiveness Well, it has to be discounted. Hu Zongnan, the director of the "appeasement" office, is not good. Chiang Kai-shek spilled his blood twice in three days. The thirty-sixth division and the sixty-fifth division, four divisions, Hu Zongnan doesn't say anything, but his heart hurts!"

Peng Dehuai excitedly took up the conversation: "Now, the Pei Changhui Corps has left Tongguan and southeast Shaanxi. The intention is very clear. It is to cooperate with Liu Zhi to open up the Longhai and Han lines and reinforce the Central Plains battlefield." Seeing Mao Zedong nodding repeatedly, Peng Dehuai's words were more Straightforward: "In this way, the Hu Zongnan Group's nine reorganized divisions have 28 brigades, and there are only 17 brigades left around Shaanxi, Gansu and Ningxia. Chairman, look, the opportunity is obvious!" Mao Zedong thought ecstatically Thinking about it, he decisively stubbed out the cigarette butt: "Your judgment is correct. At present, Liu Kan is the main force of the Hu army in the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia region!" You can't look down on someone who is not waiting for you!"

At this time, both Zhou Enlai and Ren Bishi came over.Peng Dehuai habitually walked up to the map, using a tree branch as a baton, and introduced the deployment of the enemy's troops with gestures: "... Liu Kan's reorganized 29th Army headquarters, 27th Division, and 90th Division assembled at the The Luochuan and Huangling areas are mobile forces, used to aid Yan'an in the north and Yichuan in the east, or prevent our troops from going south; the 72nd Regiment of the 24th Brigade of the 76th Division and the 6th Shaanxi Security Regiment are stationed Hancheng and Yumenkou to prevent our army from advancing westward from the east of the Yellow River; the 24th Brigade of the 76th Division (less than the 72nd Regiment) was stationed in Yichuan; He Wending led the 12th Brigade, 48th Brigade and The 11th Shaanxi Security Regiment was stationed in Yan'an to maintain the highway traffic line from Yan'an to Fu County (now Fu County). The rest of the troops were stationed in Tongchuan, Sanyuan and other places. , Xifeng Town; Ma Hongkui of Ningxia formed the other two brigades of the 81st Division, stationed in the area west of Anbian; Deng Baoshan of Yulin is still under siege by our local corps..."

After talking about the enemy's situation, Peng Dehuai found a kang and sat down. As usual, he asked Mao, Zhou, and Ren to give their opinions first, and he would talk about his own ideas later.Mao Zedong, who had been confident for a long time, stood up without hesitation.With a smile on his face, he turned to Peng Dehuai: "Talk about what you think about it? Is it more beneficial to go south to attack Yichuan?" Isn't it "more advantageous"!When Peng Dehuai saw the hydrangea thrown in front of him, he unceremoniously revealed the plan discussed by the wild secretary.Then, he said: "The most serious problem right now is food. Let's attack Yulin again. There is no food there, so it's not attractive. The commanders and fighters are hungry and deflated. How can we fight? In addition, the severe cold weather is not conducive to attacking fortified positions." ..." Zhou Enlai interjected: "Deng Baoshan has sent a representative here and wants to negotiate peace with us." Mao Zedong said: "This person is still a bit inclined in politics, and it will be good if he can make peace." "So, why not go west to Longdong? It's not appropriate!" Peng Dehuai continued to analyze, "There is no food in Longdong. Besides, if we go to fight the Erma, Hu Zongnan will definitely take the opportunity to concentrate his troops to the east to aid the Central Plains, which is not good for the overall situation. This kind of battle that can't take into account the overall situation is a bit cheap, and we can't fight it." Peng said here, sighed, showing a little helplessness, "The only way out is to go south to Guanzhong. Guanzhong manpower, The material resources are sufficient, at least we can get food locally. In addition, from a strategic point of view, as soon as we break through the pass, Xi'an will be threatened, and Pei Changhui will have to come back for a while. In this way, we have also realized the support of the Central Plains Three Routes The goal of the army..." Ren Bishi heard the truth, and turned his head to exchange excited looks with Zhou Enlai: "Okay! Okay! One action serves multiple purposes, so why not do it!" Zhou Enlai said: "The chairman's decision to attack Yichuan first is very correct in my opinion. At present, among Hu Zongnan's strongholds in Yan'an, Luochuan, and Yichuan, Yichuan is the weakest, with only two regiments! We are besieging Yichuan, and the enemy will definitely come to help. It is early spring, The weather is cold, and it is not easy for the reinforcements to build fortifications during the movement. This is very beneficial for us to wipe out the enemy. Besides, our army is backed by the Shanxi, Gansu and Ningxia areas, so it is not difficult for the troops to move and cover. He Long's rear supply is also guaranteed Well." Mao Zedong interjected: "The Second Column and the Fourth Column went to Hedong to raise them for a few days, and they can join the war soon!" After all, it is still Peng Dehuai's old method of "surrounding the spot to fight for aid", annihilating the enemy in motion.There is always such a coincident process before each battle.From then on, it depends on Peng Dehuai's kung fu.He attaches great importance to the reconnaissance of the enemy's situation, and he will never move a single soldier lightly if he does not make clear the topographical records of the soldiers in the theater and the enemy's deployment.The disguised reconnaissance personnel who sneaked into the Huanglong area were sent out in batches. The deputy officers or chiefs of staff of each column and brigade also brought capable reconnaissance troops to Jinpen Bay and Linzhen Town to survey the terrain and find out the enemy's rear. The deployment situation, while he himself was busy looking for the main commander of the column to set up a long-term formation.No matter how light your steps are, there will be movement.Such a big momentum will undoubtedly alarm Hu Zongnan in Xi'an. Hu Zongnan had the most headache when he was woken up by the phone during his nap in the afternoon.When I asked, it was Zhang Hanchu, the commander of the 24th Brigade of the Yichuan Defenders, who had no choice but to suppress the fire, but there was a little emotion in his words: "Oh, what are the suspicions of a few Communist troops found on the battlefield?" It’s a big deal, don’t be 'worrying about the sky', panicking at every turn..." This has wronged Zhang Hanchu.He didn't mean to bump into this boring.At first, the call was made to the headquarters of the Sui Department according to the procedure, but Sheng Wen, the chief of staff, could not find anyone.The orderly spent a lot of effort, and finally found out the whereabouts, but for no reason pulled out some kind of pink singer, saying that Sheng Wen had ordered that no one should disturb him, and anyone who violated it would be shot!The orderly couldn't even speak with his tongue when he mentioned this. Zhang Hanchu was so angry...the microphone in his hand fell in half, and then he dared to wake up Chief Hu: "Mr. Hu, Yichuan is the gateway to Guanzhong, President..." Zhang Hanchu Can't help being soft and hard. Hu Zongnan had to cheer up a little when Chiang Kai-shek was mentioned (although this sentence made him sound uncomfortable).He stretched out his pajamas and frowned: "Yeah, Yichuan's defense was personally inquired by the president. No matter the fortifications, bunkers or weapons and equipment, they are all first-class. What are you afraid of? The broken guns of Deng Baoshan in Yulin are guarded." Well! The Communist Party’s army in northern Shaanxi is no more than tens of thousands of horses. Right now, Wang Zhen’s troops are still in Hedong, and the other troops have lost their vitality by attacking Yulin. Anyway, my Twenty-ninth Army is a vegetarian?" Hu Zongnan's mood brightened with his words.He was led by the telephone line and turned around the phone: "The most important thing now is to trust Yichuan's defense capabilities. I know the Communist army, and most of them are scrap copper and iron picked up from the battlefield. , they can’t even attack Yulin, and want to attack Yichuan? What a joke!” When the topic turned to fortifications, Zhang Hanchu felt a bit of comfort in his heart.As early as in the hands of Yan Xishan, permanent and semi-permanent fortifications like cobwebs have been built around Yichuan City.After Hu Zongnan took over the defense, and under Chiang's secret advice, he specially invited domestic and foreign military experts to conduct a lively survey for a while, and then recruited thousands of migrant workers, spending more than five months to "strengthen" it severely.Yichuan is a mountain city, surrounded by steep mountains and overlapping cliffs, it is already extremely difficult to climb.After such a management, there is a tendency that one man is in charge of the gate, and ten thousand men are not allowed to open it. However, the Kuomintang's general situation is gone, the army has no fighting spirit, and Zhang Hanchu's two regiment leaders have an extremely delicate relationship with Zhang Maung, which makes Zhang Hanchu's heart always filled with endless worries.Having been in the army for many years, he certainly knows that fortifications alone are not enough to fight a war.After Zhang Hanchu thought about it, he returned the call to Liu Kan, commander of the 29th Army.He didn't know what he wanted to say to them, he just felt oppressed and breathless, and he had to find someone to talk to. This mentality is exactly what Peng Dehuai expected.The night before the brigade-level cadre meeting was held in Lujiagou, Peng Jiang called Xu Guangda, the commander of the three verticals, and said, "Xu Guangda, I want to entrust you with the task of encircling Yi. You have to be careful with your fists. Neisong, don't let Zhang Hanchu feel that he is a bait." After thinking for a while, he said: "I guess we have already alarmed him, and Zhang Hanchu is pouring oil on his ass now, so he can't sit still!" Mr. Peng's words reminded Xu Guangda one thing.It was the evening of the previous day. Peng Dehuai took Wang Zhengzhu, the deputy chief of staff, and several combat staff officers and guards to the outskirts of Yichuan to look at the terrain. Because it was too close to the city, it was probably spotted by the enemy's gun mirror. The shells, the closest ones landed more than ten meters away from the boss, almost had an accident.Xu Guangda was so scared that he hurriedly called to ask about the situation, and asked to pay attention to Mr. Peng's safety, not to let him run close to the enemy, in case something went wrong.I heard Mr. Peng laughed and said, "This Xu Guangda is nosy. I'll go to the front and have a look. I'm really worried!" Thinking of this, Xu Guangda couldn't help laughing: "You hate me. You meddle in other things, you are more lenient than me!" Peng Dehuai was taken aback for a moment, then came to his senses, and the two laughed heartily together. After laughing, Peng Dehuai said seriously: "Some people say that the fortifications in Yichuan are solid and the location is very important. I'm afraid Zhang Hanchu will not cry when he sees the coffin. What do you think?" Xu Guangda thought about this question seriously, so he opened his mouth and answered: "I think there are two points worth noting: First, the Yichuan fortification is Lao Jiang's masterpiece. If you can hold it, it is reinforced concrete; It’s hard, but it’s lonely after all. Second, Zhang Hanchu became the commander of the brigade as a last resort. The 24th brigade was destroyed by us as early as in Qingjian. Where did another 24th brigade pop up? Now this designation It was Hu Zongnan who forced it on Zhao Ren and Cai Zhongfang, the heads of the regiment, and the personal relationship between Zhao and Cai and Zhang Hanchu is not at all..." Peng Dehuai showed a trace of imperceptible satisfaction, and then he asked anxiously: "The internal factions in Hu Jun are fighting fiercely. From this point of view, Zhang Hanchu has no foundation. If there is an emergency, who will stand up?" Xu Guangda knew that the boss was always there. Test yourself.After the Battle of Shajiadian, such conversations between them were frequent, and Xu had a theory, which Lin Biao had also tacitly agreed to in the past.But in front of Peng Dehuai, Xu Guangda always maintained the attitude of a student, and he had to think carefully when answering questions.Immediately he thought about it, and said decisively: "There is one person who must stand up, and he is Liu Kan. Liu Kan's two editors in Luochuan and Huangling are close at hand, and it is impossible to pretend to be deaf. This person is also Old Whampoa, in the first phase, the 'hero' still has a little bit of energy, and in the few battles in northern Shaanxi, he lost face and lost face, when will he not bring him back this time?" How to completely solve Liu Kan during the campaign became the exciting point of the brigade-level cadre meeting the next day.After discussion, everyone believed that there were only three ways for the Liu Department to reinforce Yichuan: one was along the Luochuan-Yichuan Highway, almost from west to east, and when it was approaching Yichuan, it had to pass through a small road called Wazi Street. the other from Huanglong to Yichuan, from south to north, passing through Getai Town halfway; and another one from Jinshimiaoliang in the north of Luochuan to Yichuan.There are three roads and three terrains with different styles of play.Therefore, Peng Dehuai also prepared three aid plans. Judging by Hu Zongnan's arrogant nature, it is most likely to order Liu Kan to take the Luo-Yi Highway, and must pass through Wazi Street.Peng Dehuai spread his thick slap, pressed down hard on the Wazi Street on the picture, and said: "Eliminate the enemy on Wazi Street, this is our first plan!" It is actually another pocket, with the mouth facing Luo Chuan and Bottom are facing Yichuan.Peng Dehuai ordered the third and sixth columns to use a force as the bottom of the pocket, to fight in the front, and prevent the enemy reinforcements from joining the Yichuan defenders; the first column suddenly attacked from the left and back, and was responsible for piercing the "pocket" to cut off the enemy's retreat.The second column on the east bank of the Yellow River quickly crossed the river, from south to north, and attacked the left wing of Pocket from behind the enemy's buttocks, which happened to correspond to the attack direction of the first column.In this way, the first and second columns are like the two blades of a pair of scissors. When they are twisted together, Liu Kan's life is twisted.This aid plan called "encirclement and annihilation" was like a fire in the hearts of cadres above the brigade, and everyone talked about it.Peng Dehuai raised his fist and shouted: "Just fight like this. If one division eats another division, and if two divisions eat two, take as much as you come, and don't keep one!" Chuan gets rid of it, and it's over!" His fists landed on two points on the map, first hitting Wazi Street and then Yichuan, as if they were two chalk characters that could be erased with one touch. The day for the army's expedition was fixed.The expedition this time was different from usual. The peasants in the rear areas of Shaanxi, Gansu and Ningxia who turned over and liberated had just carried out land reform, and their enthusiasm for support was extremely high.Boss He is really busy!The Central Military Commission decided to change the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia-Shanxi-Sui Joint Defense Military Region to the Northwest Military Region in consideration of the Northwest Field Army's outer-line operations, with He Long still serving as its commander and Xi Zhongxun as its political commissar.That is to say, in the entire Northwest, where Peng Dehuai fought, He Long had to protect it, and he had to consolidate a piece of territory. This is a veritable "liberation". "Folks—" On an earthen platform in the northwest of Shanxi Province, He Long held a pipe and wore tall leggings as usual, standing majestically and speaking in front of the platform.He told those peasants in northwestern Shanxi who were wearing white goat belly handkerchiefs and rough cotton padded jackets that Chiang Kai-shek of the Kuomintang was about to die! "At the moment of the land reform, we have been allocated land, turned over and liberated, and lived a good life. However, there are still many places in the country still under the rule of Chiang Kai-shek, and the common people do not have enough food and clothing. The folks there, let them live a good life like us!" As he spoke, he was about to set off for the Hexi Suide Army Division. Cut off the traffic between Yu (Lin) and Bao (Tou), contain the enemy as a whole, and ensure the safety of the northern wing of the border area.This was the first time that the two regiments fought alone, and Zhang Dazhi, the commander of the division, hoped that Boss He would have a word. At that time, He Long had just come back from Jinnan to purge Wang Zhen's troops. Xi Zhongxun said, "Boss, don't break your body!" He felt it.The Second Column crossed the Yellow River to the east, together with the Eighth Column and the Third Column and the Third Brigade of the Shanxi-Hebei-Luyu Military Region, defeated Yuncheng, an important town in southern Shanxi at the end of 1947, and wiped out more than 13,000 enemies. The record is commendable, but there was a deviation in discipline. , What confiscated everything, even the school piano was confiscated.Zhou Enlai was very angry when he heard this, and criticized it with a straight face at the meeting of senior officials of the Northwest Bureau.He Long felt uncomfortable, Er Zong was his old army, this kind of thing happened!He greeted Peng Dehuai and rushed to Xinjiang, Shanxi.Seeing Wang Zhen, he said: "You are helping the enemy objectively! Without the masses, how can we win! How can we eliminate Chiang Kai-shek in three to five years? Think about it, comrade! The party committee of the column must conduct self-criticism and check for mistakes. Accept the lesson, and take this matter as a big deal. Set up a shop, I will stay here, and catch it with you..." Wang Zhen will never forget this catch. After liberation, he often mentioned this matter, saying It has "great effect" on the construction of the second column in the future. As soon as the outer battlefield opened up, all the main troops that were a bit decent were killed, leaving the rear area empty.Especially in Jinsui, they have to deal with Fu Zuoyi and Yan Xishan, and they have to fight. If they don't fight, nothing will happen.He Long discussed with Li Jingquan and let the deputy commander Zhou Shidi take the burden. In December 1947, the Shanxi-Sui branch bureaus jointly held a struggle meeting against the enemy, and an inspection found a "Leftist" mistake: some local policies during the land reform were not well grasped, and the landlords were hung up for criticism in general, which provoked Mao Zedong to lose his temper.Even if the Kuomintang prisoners are paid enough travel expenses to go and stay freely, why can't they tolerate a landowner?Mao Zedong ordered Ren Bishi to be "strengthened" to do work, and it was considered to have turned the trend around.This incident made He Long a little embarrassed. Fortunately, the two regiments of Suide Division did a good job after they went north. There were more than 1,000 people in the Mongolian Garrison Division, and the commander of the major general of the enemy was captured; more than 1,000 people from the 256th Regiment of the 86th Division of the enemy were wiped out at one time.The battle was fought well, and the discipline on the battlefield and the discipline of the masses were also resounding.While He Long was slightly relieved, he also felt a lot of emotion.The two regiments in the Suide Division were not very good at one time, and Zhang Dazhi was transferred to be the commander, and a new look appeared.Therefore, to say one thousand and ten thousand, we still need to be a good cadre.Zhang Dazhi, all right. Zhang Dazhi was originally the deputy political commissar of the Suimeng Military Region. When winter was approaching a few months ago, the front troops were going south to fight and urgently needed quilts, equipment, and funds for the winter. After discussing with Lin Boqu and Xi Zhongxun, the only thing to do is to do some business and sell local specialties.He Long thought of Zhang Dazhi.As soon as the order came, Zhang Dazhi rushed over with two cavalry regiments.He Long explained the task and said: "You take two regiments, one to Guanzhong and one to southern Shanxi. I will give you two radio stations and appoint you as the guerrilla commander of Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Jinsui. You contact me directly every day and report everything in detail. In exchange for things and money, no matter which unit of the Northwest Field Army you meet on the road, they just need to send a note if they want money or something. Remember, your task is not to fight, you must guarantee money and money. The materials are safe!" As a result, the task was completed very well. While He Long signed the telegram to Zhang Dazhi, he was thinking about the way forward for this army.He tried his best to run the local corps, not only for the self-defense of the rear area, but also to send soldiers to the field army.The troops have to tighten the organization and enrich the company every once in a while, step by step.In the old districts, He Long wanted to mobilize the separated soldiers to return to the army; in the new districts, he vigorously mobilized the masses to join the army and organize guerrillas.This is how the He Long Local Corps was pulled up bit by bit.After a few battles, the wings of the troops hardened, and they were upgraded to field corps.In 1947 alone, 50,000 people joined the local army in this way, and 30,000 people were promoted to the field army.No wonder Peng Dehuai said that the construction of the Northwest Field Army has been condensed with the hard work of Boss He from beginning to end.Without Boss He, there would be no victory for the Northwest Field Army.Boss He has the deepest relationship with the commanders and fighters of the Northwest Field Army. This is indeed the case.Raising food and raising funds, He Long mentioned the commanders and fighters in front of the fellow villagers and was moved: "Our army is suffering. Marching and fighting, we can't even have a full meal. We work with the Kuomintang every day hungry. Everyone has seen it. It's cold. When the north wind blows, it’s going to snow again, and the soldiers don’t have a decent cotton padded jacket...” In the twelfth lunar month, the villages and villages in the liberated areas are singing that song: “Hao Erlang, go to the battlefield and defeat Chiang Kai-shek. New Year." He Long also sang along.In the singing, common people in Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia and Jinsui sent food, medicine, and clothing to the troops in the western field from thousands of miles away.Liu Jingfan, vice-chairman of the Border Region Government and logistics commander of the Field Army, had red eyes and organized tens of thousands of former masses into teams, such as stretcher teams and transport teams. Men, women, old and young carried door panels and pushed carts, and followed the regular troops of the Field Army. Going south in a mighty way.When the old people met each other, they would say, "Waah, let's go with the army, let's go to Yichuan!" The expression was solemn and self-satisfied.When he came to the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, Peng Dehuai recalled this passage by the Datong River, and sighed: "Why is it called a people's war? This is called a people's war..." For a week in a row, the city of Yichuan was extremely quiet.It was so quiet that the common people couldn't sleep at night.Zhang Hanchu's biological clock was also completely disrupted, he was very excited after dinner, he had to keep tossing, checking this post, looking at that bunker, until five or six o'clock in the morning, he was absolutely not sleepy. As far as fortifications are concerned, Yichuan City Defense is indeed something to brag about.All available terrain conditions have been utilized.The most important ones are Waiqilang Mountain and Fengchi Mountain, which are the core of the city defense fortifications.Outer Qilang Mountain is located in the west of the city and is closely connected with Inner Qilang Mountain in the city. Inner Qilang Mountain is the commanding height in the city, and the terrain is extremely dangerous.Once a fight started, all the strongholds outside the city would be lost, and as long as this point was defended, even if the city was broken, the opponent would not be able to gain a foothold in the city.The fortifications of Neiqilang Mountain are extremely hidden, surrounded by cliffs, and there is only one single path to go up.If this road is blocked, the great powers of heaven will not be able to attack it.Zhang Hanchu said to the two unharmonious regiment leaders: "You two, one person and one mountain, as long as I can capture Waqilang Mountain and Fengchi Mountain, and the cannons will make my ears bleed, I can also fight them." Snore to sleep!" However, what if you can't hold these two mountains and want to break through?Zhang Hanchu didn't think about it seriously.When Dong Zhao conveyed Hu Zongnan's order to him to take up the post in Yichuan, he privately revealed 120 reluctances to Wang Yingzun, the commander of the 27th Division.That's just because I don't have a deep relationship with the two regiment leaders Zhao and Cai, and I'm worried that the command will be hindered in the future.Besides, Yichuan is a battleground for military strategists, the more "impregnable as gold", the greater the danger.As for breaking through... Zhang Hanchu kept hearing those familiar words: "If you don't succeed, you will be benevolent! You can only die with the Communist army, and you will serve the party and the country to the death..." This is the ecstasy soup that Liu Kan randomly poured into him on the phone that day.Are you really going to bury the corpse in the rubble of Yichuan City?Zhang Hanchu thought with great doubts.The more I think about it, the more I feel that there are major flaws in Yichuan's city defense fortifications, which are quite unfavorable for breaking through! Then, there is only a sinking boat.After Zhang Hanchu made up his mind, a series of problems with food, ammunition, radio and defense forces rolled out like bugs.Especially the support of the people.The people in the city have long complained about the forced confiscation, and the shelter in the south of the city, which is dedicated to accepting captured officers and soldiers, continues to beautify the PLA's policy of treating prisoners leniently, like a heavy artillery shell. Turn a blind eye.Zhang Hanchu, who was suffering from loneliness and suffering, hoped for the stars and the moon. Finally, in mid-February, he finally received a notice from Hu Zongnan: The main force of the communist army was going south from Yanchuan. Intentions unknown.At the same time, Wang Zhen's column crossed the river from Yumenkou, and there seemed to be signs of attacking northwestward.The report also informed that Liu Kan had already gone into battle, and the entire 29th Army headquarters and two divisions and four brigades with about 30,000 horses were also assembled near Luochuan. Of course Zhang Hanchu didn't know that the first and fourth columns of the Northwest Field Army had already been ordered to drive to the depths of a certain mountain on both sides of the Luoyi highway, where they were ambushed in an unpredictable way!For a few days, God kept his face dark. A heavy snow was about to fall, and the cold wind in Huanglong Mountain was sharper than a knife.Because of the need to be concealed, and the intention of the battle must not be revealed at all, Peng Dehuai instructed the troops to camp only in sparsely populated barren mountains.The soldiers huddled their bodies together in a frantic manner, using the withered grass and fallen leaves to avoid the wind and cold; but no matter what, the bone-chilling cold still couldn't escape.Everyone's body seemed to be drenched with ice water, without a trace of heat. There is no human habitation, of course, no fire is allowed, and fire is never allowed. The grain that is brought on the body is the raw grain that has just been prepared, so naturally it cannot be processed. No matter how rough it is, it can only be stuffed into the mouth as it is.Whether it's raw yam eggs or raw corn balls, they can't swallow it with cold water from a small kettle.However, none of the commanders and fighters said that they could not eat or swallow. All of them ate and swallowed with red noses and smiles.Combat mobilization was actually carried out before departure, but in order to grind the combat plan more finely, each battalion and company still held "Zhuge Liang meetings" over and over again.Relying on the two slogans of "destroy the entire 29th Army and capture Liu Kan alive", the soldiers lasted for three days and three nights drinking the northwest wind and swallowing rice balls.It is more unforgettable than any fierce fight, so that the veterans who have experienced it will never forget it decades later.They said, how can our People's Liberation Army defeat the Kuomintang army armed to the teeth?Go and see the three days and three nights when the ambush was waged in the Huanglong Mountains, and you will understand. Of course, there is another important reason, that is, the army has just conducted the "Three Investigations of Complaints", and everyone's heart is burning with fire.In the period before the expedition, the big training was very hot for a while.Every day before the wake-up call is blown, people are shouting and shouting at the training ground.Those who are sick don't dare to tell, they try every means to hide it from the squad leader and platoon leader, for fear of being taken care of and stay to lay the grass.At night, the lights went off and the horn blew for a while, but the dormitory couldn't get quiet.As soon as the battalion and regiment held a meeting, the company cadres "complained", saying that they used to drive people from the house to the playground, but now they have to pull people from the playground to the house in reverse;有的战士，拉都拉不下来，下命令也不管用。 一纵三五八旅大练兵有传统。1943年他们驻防陕甘宁边区时，就创造了“官教兵、兵教官、兵教兵”的练兵经验。这次“诉苦三查”，又是他们带头搞起来的。接着就有了“带着阶级仇恨练”的新口号。这个口号可提精神啊，部队往操场一拉，情绪嗷嗷叫。野司作了规定，基层指战员着重训练进攻作战技术、战术，纵队和旅团干部着重研读毛泽东著作中关于：十大军事原则。训练时间虽说不长，但部队军政素质见长，每天考核，各项指数标尺直往上蹿。 就在这时，攻打宜川的任务下来了。思想动员才开头，血书就雪片一样往上送。七一四团二营六连请战书上面，还一条一款写着：全连有多少指战员亲人被逼死，多少人被捆打，多少人被抓了壮丁，多少人坐过国民党牢房等。这个团有的连队还别出心裁，为死难亲人和牺牲的烈士举行公祭大会，组织全连指战员在灵前宣誓。灵台搭在练兵场，那是一种什么感觉？有人对灵牌跪着说：“给旧社会折磨死的爹娘兄弟姐妹，你们死得太可怜了。现在，我手里有枪杆子，我要为你们报仇！”有人对着灵牌忏悔开了：“……我被蒋介石抓兵，打咱穷人的队伍，真是糊涂啊！今天我明白了，我有罪，我要向你们请罪。如今我回到咱穷人队伍上，一定为你们立功，多杀敌人。” 七一六团四连有个叫杨和光的战士，祭完爹娘后，转身含着泪向全连敬个礼，说：“同志们，我请求大家帮我报这个仇！”此言一出，口号冲天而起：“为杨和光同志报仇！为天下受苦人报仇！”有些家在蒋管区的战士就扯破嗓子喊：“打回老家去呀，消灭地主老财，消灭蒋介石；解放咱们父老乡亲！”更有些战士为了打头阵，“立第一功”，联名给各级首长写请战书，下到营团长，上到彭老总，有的甚至给毛主席、朱总司令写信，表达决心…… 这些，对张汉初来说，自然是天方夜谭。他从通报中知道解放军攻打宜川的部队，充其量不过两个旅。按他比照国民党军两个旅作战能力的估计，在宜川那些硬邦邦的工事面前，解放军如果没有后续兵力，只能围着城墙吆喝吆喝而已。鉴于这种自信，在双方小有接触的前两天围城中，张汉初一直稳坐钓鱼台，吃饭睡觉基本不受影响。开始感到吃紧那是到了26日，围城部队突然向外七郎山放了两炮。27日入夜，老天爷蓄谋已久的一场大雪，终于落下来。张汉初望着夜幕下漫天飞舞的雪花，心里忐忑不安地想：“这究竟是个什么兆头呢？” 负责全权指挥围城的三纵司令员许光达，这会儿也在望着雪飘。他刚与彭德怀通过话。彭告诉他，刘戡的整二十九军仍然无动于衷，全不把宜川的事当回事。“看来，你得用点力呀光达，今晚机会就不错嘛！”许光达知道彭老总指的是这场大雪。他说了声“我明白”就放下话筒。然后，一只手撑着腰踱出指挥部，在雪地里默默站住，仰脸迎着雪花。他要知道雪朵猛不猛。警卫员飞奔过来，一把拉住许光达：“司令员，你的伤口……”话没说完，被许的大手捂住嘴巴。许的腰上昨天在前沿勘察时中了一块六〇炮弹皮，为不影响部队，他让妻子邹靖华和警卫员偷偷拔了出来，并嘱咐不准透露消息……警卫员从许光达汗淋淋的手掌上，知道伤口痛得不轻，便挣开许的手说：“首长，不行，我得报告上级！”许光达压低声厉喝：“你忘了我怎么跟你交代的？”“那也不行！”警卫员的固执惹毛了许光达，他低声吼道：“你敢！看我不处分你……”见警卫员低着头长久不说话，许缓和了语气：“想不通啊，打完仗再提意见，现在，把我的马牵来……”“什么，你还要骑马？”警卫员简直傻眼了。 许光达已决定当晚9点整，四城出击，向宜川展开猛烈攻势。 按照他的指挥习惯，命令下达之后，必须要亲临各旅、团掌握情况，而且越是靠前的指挥所越是要到。警卫员当然懂得战场上谁服从谁的道理。几分钟后，马牵来了，同时，他还为许光达提来一只水壶。那里面装着满满一壶白酒，是打清涧时备下的地道内蒙古货，烈得烧嘴。许光达让警卫员将自己推上马背，接过水壶狠狠喝一口，哈着酒气说：“小鬼，这就对了嘛！” 外七郎山及其一脉相承的太子山方向，枪声突然由稀而密。不一会儿，炮声隆隆，群山震撼，机关枪打连发的脆响更是清晰入耳。张汉初一听便知，共产党军队这一下是动真格的了！他一口气给赵、蔡两个团长下达了三道命令：“坚决顶住，人在城在，誓与宜川共存亡！”调门上来就有点高，它多少表达了张汉初此刻过于紧张的心情。这心情被无限制地拉长，让张汉初在刻骨铭心的期待中煎熬了整整一个小时。报告终于来了：蔡仲芳团长声称阵地上伤亡很大，请求炮火支援；赵仁干脆大喊，外七郎山顶不住了，守护阵地的二营营长身负重伤，太子山阵地已经失陷…… 张汉初一屁股瘫下来，这才刚接火呀！他一路小跑来到无线电台旁边，操起话机直呼刘戡。搬兵如搬山，救城如救火，他的声音中情不自禁掺进大量悲剧色彩：“刘军长，务请电转胡先生，看在党国分上，速派部队增援，否则宜川就……”这种话和这种腔调，让那位因清涧战役增援不力而“撤职留任”的刘戡，心里很不是滋味。张过去是在董钊手下混军粮的，那时凡沾上整一军的牌子，不论师长、旅长，为人处世多少带点儿夸夸其谈。如今董钊当他的陕西省主席去了，没想到这个不争气的部下就这么不坚挺！刘戡决定，既要表现自己关键时刻扶危救难的本色，也让张汉初小小吃点苦头。所以，开头几天张汉初呼救时，刘戡总是打官腔，以西安胡宗南尚未下令为托词，部队行动不慌不忙。 彭德怀有点着急了：“光达，你那边再加点劲！”没想到这把劲加上去，打出一个口子。那是独二旅部队用炸药包炸的。许光达一听张开基旅长报告说，口子炸开了。一个营排好梯次，准备往里进，慌忙下令：“部队就在口子附近猛打，不许进口子！”他让张旅长组织好掩护部队，每打10分钟撤换一拨，轮番攻击。还特别吩咐：“一个口子就够了，在别的方向打猛些！” 这个口子的确让张汉初惊吓不小。刘戡的官腔官调，使他彻底失去信心。调过头来，他真想抽自己两个耳刮子。当初为什么抹不开情面要委曲求全，来当这个受制于人的破旅长！怪来怪去还是怪胡宗南，都是这个千刀万剐的家伙强人所难……想到这里，张汉初立逼通信兵掐断刘戡而接胡宗南的频道：“胡先生，我敢说，共产党军队攻打宜川的部队绝非两个旅！起码是三个纵队！我军伤亡甚大，太子山、外七郎山、凤翅山和老虎山阵地均已丢失，城墙也被共产党军队炸开一个口子，宜川……危在旦夕，务求火速派兵增援！” 西安绥署大厅的气氛，像滚油锅里丢进一个稞子，立刻爆起泡泡来。参谋长盛文故作镇定地皱着眉头：“不可能吧？空军半小时前还报告说城外只发现小股共产党军队……”胡宗南承受不住这种无可无不可的打哈哈。他气呼呼地制止道：“你就不要再提空军了好不好！”急匆匆地踱几个来回，一个急刹步，“空中情报误事已经不是第一次……我要查办！”又急匆匆地踱几个来回，又一个急刹步，“要知道，宜川是丢不得的。宜川一丢，西安麻烦可就大了！” 一亮出西安，大家的嘴巴全都圆在那里。静场片刻，盛文不甘心地自言自语：“假如其中另有隐情，援兵贸然一动，共产党军队半路上来一下子……”他借用两手虎口做了个宰杀的手势。然后，颇为痛苦地揉了揉太阳穴，打个哈欠，用一副疲惫不堪的神情面对胡宗南说：“围点打援可是彭德怀的老把戏呀！这一次嘛，可能……”胡宗南瞅一眼盛文那个做派，气就不打一处来：“这种时候，你就不要'假如''可能'了，彭部共产党军队三分之一是游击队编成的，现在有三个纵队攻打宜川，唔——还有一个纵队远在河东，他拿什么兵力来打援？！”胡举起一根手指：“别再犹豫，我决定紧急命令：刘戡率整编二十九军军部和整编二十七师、九十师共5个旅、9个团，从洛、宜公路，经瓦子街驰援宜川！” 盛文瘪掉了，刘戡进入情况。军令如山，而且又加着“紧急”二字，虽然完全没有出乎刘戡预料，但真正动作起来，也还是免不了有几分忙乱和仓促。宜川的危急，刘戡大体上是掌握的，所以一旦有令，只能就快不就慢了。若是再来个“增援不力”，还不又得罪加一等？刘戡时刻记着自己的角色，那是个只能吃补药不能吃泻药的“罪臣”啊！按部就班的军事会议已经来不及。干脆，二十七师打头，九十师殿后，以常势用兵，取道洛、宜公路，尽快赶到宜川为要。 “刘戡动起来了！”这消息着实叫人既兴奋又紧张。西野司令部一片繁忙。彭德怀拉着副司令员张宗逊和赵寿山兴奋地说：“来来来，看看下一步……这个刘戡，好快哟！”张宗逊激动地说：“不出所料，果然抄近路！”彭德怀让张即刻告诉各纵，按原定第一方案部署行动。转而问赵寿山：“你看刘戡，是不是有点反常？”赵想了想，说：“不反常，也不会反常。他用兵一向是黄埔根基，求实、求稳。这一次，他在玩拖刀计哩！我仔细分析过所有敌情通报，前期刘戡按兵不动是假，韬光养晦是真。其实，取道洛、宜公路在他已是胸有成竹，不是急就章。拙中藏奇才是他的要害呀！”彭德怀一听，哈哈笑着，连说：“鬼把戏！鬼把戏！” 实际上，同样话题彭德怀已经问过许多人。再问一遍赵寿山，是为了最后印证。现在，他的第一方案即可万无一失地展开了：三纵和六纵各以一部兵力，继续冒充胡宗南判断的三个纵队围攻宜川，其他九个旅的兵力，立即在瓦子街以东南北高地进入预伏阵地。王震的二纵强渡黄河后，按要求必须迅速北上，向黄龙到宜川的公路上一个叫圪台街的小镇集结，然后，跟贺炳炎、廖汉生一纵盯住刘戡的后脑勺，待进入预伏的瓦子街地区，左右一剪刀，扎紧口袋，断敌退路。 “宗逊，我这个'口袋'是密不透风的。最容易漏气的地方还是'口袋'口，扎'口袋'任务非同小可！”彭德怀一边用红铅笔在图上比划，一边对张宗逊说。张将部队从受领任务、战斗动员直至展开，仔细推敲了一遍，很有把握地回答：“一纵没问题，就怕二纵路太远了点，按原定总攻时间，他们赶不及。我想，要不要派个人去接应一下？”彭德怀略一掐算，认为有必要，说：“就你去！告诉王震，所有战斗准备，都在行军中完成，部队一到就投入战斗，一分钟都不能耽误！” 万事齐备，只欠东风。刘戡肯往口袋里钻吗？令彭德怀万分担心的事，在整二十九军从洛川集结地出发的当天晚上，果然就发生了。当前锋整二十七师进到一个叫永乡的小村宿营时，师侦察小分队在距驻地十几里远的观亭，突然发现我一纵的隐蔽部队！二十七师师长王应尊是个神经过敏的人，当即觉察到情况不妙，连夜派出一个轻装营，到观亭武力搜索。这一下，一纵部队没有退路，一不做，二不休，索性神不知鬼不觉地将这个营“包了饺子”。哪知这个轻装营在包围圈中混战了大半夜，居然有少量人员突出重围。王应尊从残兵的报告中当即判断：“共产党军队在观亭的兵力绝对不少于一个纵队！” “军座，我有一种预感，”王应尊在电话中说，“共产党军队既围宜川，又在观亭集结重兵，难道不是想围点打援吗？如不去掉侧翼威胁，我部非但不能解宜川之围，本身将有被歼的危险！”刘戡心里“咯噔”一下，可又似乎不太相信：共产党军队胃口真有这么大？敢吃我的一个军？王应尊看出刘的疑问，便毫不客气地坦言：“此一时彼一时，如今咱们二十九军……”后边的话他没出口，那意思是，什么军不军的，早被胡宗南调得七零八落，不就是两个师嘛，而且疲惫不堪，士气低落……话到嘴边，王灵机一动，说了句：“军座，常言道，识时务者为俊杰呀！” 王虽为刘的部属，过去也有过不愉快，但如今表面上以兄弟相称，所以对此微感刺激的话，刘戡也不作计较，反而问：“依你的意思怎么办？”王应尊的意思很明确，先打观亭，解除侧翼威胁。他说：“观亭打下来了，我军可沿着山梁直抵宜川城下，解围也不在话下。”谁知胡宗南一听刘戡报告，气得七窍生烟：“你是不是被共产党军队吓破了胆？我看你越来越没有魄力了！”挨了骂的刘戡不肯罢休，知无不言，言无不尽：“事关二十九军生死存亡啊胡先生！你务必三思！” 胡宗南一思也不思，反而端起祖师爷的架子：“我早就跟你说过，胜败乃兵家常事，打了几个小小败仗，你就变得这么没血性了，软不啦嗒，还像个党国的军人吗？真让我失望！共产党军队充其量就那么几万人马，能有多大能耐？现在你要集中考虑的倒是宜川，兵不足三千，一旦失守，老头子怪罪下来，你能担待得起吗？要知道，宜川的防务是老头子亲自过问的！不用多说了，张汉初已多次告急，宜川城防已多处失守，共产党军队从小北门攻入了城内……再犹豫不前，军法无情！听到了没有？我再说一遍：军法无情！”刘戡听见“咯嗒”一声，胡宗南挂了电话，顿时木头似的僵在那里，手里的话筒迟迟放不下，嘴唇抖动了许久，才对参谋长刘振世喃喃地说：“你就通知下去吧，按原计划行动！” 于是，二十九军大队人马又沿着洛、宜公路向宜川进发。走了一天，到瓦子街以西宿营。王应尊的侦察分队再度发现我军在瓦子街以东地区的警戒部队，并目睹了我大部队抢修工事。这一回，王应尊的口气强硬多了：“军座，毫无疑问，共产党军队正在张网以待。我军再往前去，后果不堪设想！”刘戡何尝没有看到这一点。他长长叹了口气，决心冒死以谏。大出意外的是，胡宗南没等刘戡把话说完，又是一顿没头没脑的教训。这次胡是真动了怒，竟把刘戡的谏言看作是“仅仅为了本部的安全，而把关中战略要地和一个加强旅，拱手让给共产党”！这么上纲上线，刘戡哪能吃得消？更不用说胡最后那句“宜川若有差错，我先撤你的职，再送你上军事法庭”的警告了！死生由命吧！他已别无选择，身体一软，坐到路边一块石头上，像哭一样笑起来。 这是1948年2月29日凌晨2点，天空静悄悄地飘着鹅毛大雪，独一旅三团一律轻装，战士们反穿着棉衣，白里朝外，很快隐没在茫茫大雪之中，无声无息，不见一点痕迹。按预定计划，一营从瓦子街北山向东攻击；二营为主攻，直插瓦子街以西；三营作为预备队在二营后面跟进。据预侦情况判断，他们将有可能碰到敌九十师一个后卫搜索连。当天下午布置任务会议上，纵队司令员贺炳炎和政委廖汉生一再问独一旅旅长王尚荣：“这次任务不一般，你们准备几团当前卫？”王尚荣肯定地回答：“三团！”“三团行不行啊？”“行！没问题，他们能完成任务！”王尚荣转身把自己在纵队首长面前打包票的事告诉了三团团长王万金。王万金心头沉甸甸的。他对二营营长和教导员说：“就看你们两个的戏了！旅首长这么信任我们，可千万别出岔子啊！” 主攻二营打头阵的是四连。连长高如海心里明镜似的：瓦子街及其北山，是纵队堵击围歼援敌的关键之地，必须不惜一切代价抢占有利地形，才能完成扎“口袋”口的任务，这关系着整个战役成败！他把全连分成两路，沿着道边沟渠静肃前进。约摸走了两个多钟头，三排在团侦察排王副排长引导下，摸到瓦子街西口。王副排长带着战士郭正英，几个跃进，猫腰进了村。摸索一会儿，他们看到两名敌哨兵正跺着脚，哆哆嗦嗦地在墙角晃动身体。王副排长凑在小郭耳边悄声说：“你干左边的，我干右边的！”于是两人蹑脚蹑手绕到敌哨兵身后，突然一个飞跃锁喉，扼住哨兵脖子。结果，郭正英出手太猛，松手一看，哨兵咽了气；而王副排长抓的那个却还活着。与此同时，一排立即展开，猛冲敌驻地。国民党兵全都脱光衣服在熟睡之中，枪声一响，个个懵懵懂懂，好多人光着身子乱蹦乱跳找不着枪。当四连一、二排从村东头包抄过来时，敌搜索连的这个排30多人已全被活捉，缴获两挺机枪和20多支步枪。敌另一个排准备上山放警戒，正爬着山，来不及抬头，我三团一营如同天降，突然扑向敌人，当场一个个缴枪，如数生俘。 此时，二营六连也攻占了南山脚下一个敌人的小碉堡。国民党兵胡乱放了几枪，立刻向东——他们在阵营里没命地跑。到天快亮时，瓦子街及其北山全部被独一旅三团占领，全团几乎没有伤亡。当即审问俘虏，得知敌五十三旅是九十师的后卫，瓦子街以东到片石山一线是一八五团营地，一五七和一五九两个团集结在乔儿沟。从兵力部署上分析，刘戡是打算从瓦子街南侧高地突围出去的。当时，其九十师各团都在急匆匆地调整部署，可按计划占领瓦子街南侧高地的二纵，却迟迟没到位。 Urgent situation.瓦子街南侧高地立即成为敌我双方争夺的焦点。一纵指挥所刚下到瓦子街，贺炳炎便心急火燎地对廖汉生说：“老廖，计划要变，二纵一时上不来，我们再等下去，要误大事！”按野司的原定作战计划，一纵部队只负责在公路以北展开，由西向东发展进攻。二纵缺席的这个情况是意外变故，稍微耽搁一下，就可能把彭德怀精心布设的这只死“口袋”弄成网开一面。廖汉生果断挥手：“给三五八旅压个挑子！要他们拿个团出来，补这个缺口！” 当时三五八旅三个团，一个已奉命向洛川警戒敌后续部队，一个留作纵队预备队，手里仅剩一个机动团，再要拿出去，就成光杆司令了。贺炳炎在电话中对黄新廷说：“服从大局吧！我知道你们有困难，可整个战役需要，而且刻不容缓！”这当然没什么价钱可讲，黄新廷和余秋里异口同声喊坚决执行命令，并决定派七一四团上，再从七一五团挖一个营加强上去。不用说，他们也深知这个缺口的分量。 七一四团团长任世鸿是个人物，货真价实敢碰硬的烈性汉子，打仗很有一套，独具个性，点子特别多。他接受任务从不挑拣，从不讲条件，而交代任务总是替下面想得周周到到。几个营长平时聊天都说：“跟任团长上阵，脑子慢一点就追不上趟，他眨眨眼睛就是个新主意，每次战斗还没打响，他肚里几套方案都成熟了，没见有难得住他的任务！”这个团又是“诉苦三查”中最扎实的一个单位。后来摆灵堂大练兵，也是他们首创的。所以，贺、廖一致同意七一四团执行这个任务，就有好钢用在刀刃上的那么一层意思。 七一四团上去时，独一旅三团二营已跟敌人拼得难分难解、精疲力竭。任世鸿当眼瞅准敌前沿阵地几个致命的制高点，也不多言语，瞄着主阵地，咬紧牙关一个冲锋打上去，硬是给拿下来了。接着，又趁势连续夺得几个相邻的高地，将火力一配置，交叉起来，口子基本上封死了。但这毕竟是刘戡夺命的通路，其五十三旅一五七、一五九两团，也都死盯在这里，拼命抢占有利地形，一时双方形成混合交战的复杂局面。按计划、有条不紊的抨击已不可能，只能上下左右浑然一体，齐心协力主动配合。全团指战员乃至友邻部队众志成城，只要看到哪里有插手的机会，立刻冲上去……三营营长钱树登，看到二营猛攻时火力不足，不待有令，立即指挥八连配合二营杀向敌人左翼阵地，转眼间构成三面包围的态势。 二营夺取敌主阵地之后，敌两个团在配属轻重火器掩护下，反反复复反冲击，每次多则一个连，少则一个排，搞车轮战术，轮番不息地干，从下午2点一直干到晚上10点多，总共冲了三十多次。二营部队经过这么一场搏斗，伤亡已相当突出，连、排建制全都不完整了。战士们就自动组织战斗群体，连长倒下副连长上，副连长倒下排长上，排长倒下班长、副班长、老战士，一个接一个。只要有谁挺起腰杆振臂一呼：“同志们，跟我上！”大家就毫不犹豫地跟着跃出堑壕，杀向敌阵。 七连有个徐万财，是个