Frank Noel, a senior reporter for the Associated Press, wore the rank of captain and went to the battlefield to record the battle of the 1st Marine Division at Changjin Lake. When the main force of the division was surrounded in Liutan-ri and Hajieyuli, he followed
Drysdale's detachment' attempted to reach the front line, but was captured on the way.
The Volunteer Army was unable to send the reporter to the rear for the time being, so they could only send him and other prisoners to Gutuli. Also being escorted to Gutuli were Major McLaughlin and others who were also captured.
As a reporter, Frank Noel was not as depressed as other captured American soldiers. Instead, he was extremely excited. Because after identifying himself, he was allowed to carry a full set of battlefield photography equipment and could have close contact with the volunteers fighting in Korea. Moreover, from the current situation
It appears to be very safe.
"Major, what do you think of today's battle during the day?" After being captured, Frank couldn't run around. He was restricted to a house specially set up for US military officer prisoners, and was guarded by volunteer soldiers.
The person being questioned was Major McLaughlin of the 'Drysdale Detachment' who finally chose to surrender. He was the one who was confident that he could escape and still pretended to be brave when a tank hit his head. But after he finished pretending,
He was captured, which made him feel bad.
Major McLaughlin's personal belongings were still there. Looking at the time, it was now seven o'clock at night. In the room he was in was a group of extremely frustrated U.S. military officers. Outside the window were volunteers who were busy but unable to communicate. The only person speaking to him was
It’s this annoying reporter next to me.
What do you think of the battle during the day? There really isn’t anything you can’t bring up!
McLaughlin didn't want to speak, his muscles were still trembling from time to time, and the scene when he was captured was still vivid in his mind. He was determined to hold on for one night with the troops and firepower in his hands, but the sudden situation on the battlefield made his
The dream is broken.
"I can't comment. I don't want to say anything now." McLaughlin shook his head. In fact, he had a lot to say in his heart, but he didn't want to say it to a reporter who couldn't keep it secret. Because no matter what he said, the result would not be too great.
good.
"I know everyone is very depressed, but at least we are still alive, and this war has nothing to do with us. For example, the tanks we saw during the day, that new type of tank. Wow..., I have never seen it before
Can you tell me the model of such a powerful guy?"
Frank would not give up, and every fiber of his excitement was cheering. If the volunteer soldiers had not been able to communicate, he would have tried every means to conduct interviews. Now, although he can only interview captured colleagues, he is still very enthusiastic
.
Major McLaughlin didn't want to say it, but another captured officer in the room said frustratedly: "That is definitely a super tank aided by the Soviet Union to China. It is more powerful than all the tanks we currently equip. Compared with it, our tanks
It’s all scrap metal.”
"Tell me about it, keep talking about it." Frank grabbed the notepad and kept writing, while waving the camera on his chest, "Can I take pictures?"
"There's no need to take pictures. It's not a glorious moment for me to look like this. If you want to know more, why don't you ask the people in the tank company?" the captured officer who spoke suggested.
Sitting in the other corner of the room was an equally gray-faced US military officer. He was the commander of a tank company that surrendered to the volunteers. Frank ran over happily and asked: "Hey, tell me about the enemy's tanks. They're so special.
The awesome kind.”
Unlike McLaughlin who didn't want to talk, the tank officer was full of grievances, like a bullied little baby, and almost burst into tears. After being questioned, he said bitterly: "The enemy's tank showed up.
It was so unexpected, we didn't expect it at all.
Its main gun was super powerful, and my men were shot to death like chickens. When the flying debris and raging flames appeared, I felt like I was in hell, and the only thing I could do was pray to God.
I admit that I was scared to death at the time. The terrible scene kept replaying in front of my eyes. I feel that I will never forget it in my life. I don’t even remember how I was captured. When I woke up, I stayed here.
.
Looking back now, the enemy tank should be the latest heavy tank provided by the Soviets. It not only has powerful firepower, but also has extremely thick armor. I swear the men I commanded at the time hit it with at least five armor-piercing rounds, but they failed to cause any damage to the opponent.
Moreover, the opponent runs very fast and is very flexible. I feel that when we discovered it, it had already discovered us. Therefore, our failure is almost inevitable, and we cannot resist at all."
The tank officer's words were extremely emotional, which made Major McLaughlin on the other end very annoyed. The officer who didn't want to speak shouted loudly: "That's enough, you are just saying that you are a loser. How should you treat the enemy like this?
To those men who died on the battlefield?"
"Oh..., damn it! I'm a loser? So who do you have to criticize me? I've tried my best to fight, and at least I saved some of my remaining subordinates from being bombarded to death.
I'm not like someone who, for that ridiculous amount of honor, asked people if they wanted to surrender when faced with a tank, only to be bombarded by someone and realize that it was him who should surrender. But who could have had more subordinates?
I feel really sad for those who died in vain."
The tank officer angrily revealed the consequences of McLaughlin's failure to pretend, and also poured a pinch of salt on the other's wounds. The two officers soon went from quarreling to punching each other, until Frank, who caused the trouble, shouted loudly:
"That's enough, stop. Look out the window, it's the enemy's new tank!"
IS-7 was passing by the house where the prisoners were staying, which immediately attracted the attention of the prisoners in the house. Frank saw a tall man in a US military uniform jumping from the tank and talking to other US soldiers serving the volunteers.
"Oh my god, there is an enemy who can speak English. He is directing our people to work. I finally found someone who can communicate." Frank excitedly smashed the window and then smashed the door.
The volunteer soldiers guarding the prisoners of war couldn't figure out what was going on in the room, so they could only open the door to check. Frank, who was behind the door, grabbed his camera and tried to express what he meant. After receiving no permission, he could only struggle to move farther away.
yelled the tall man.
"Hey General, can I take a picture of you and your tank?"
After shouting for a long time, the tall man opposite finally responded and allowed Frank to approach. The other prisoners of war in the room immediately crowded to the door and windows of the room, wanting to see what news this reporter could get?
Frank walked up to the IS-7 with an almost charming smile. He first expressed great interest in the tank, and then repeated his request to the young enemy tank officer. But the other party said: "I am not a general, I am just
A tank platoon leader."
"With your record today, you will definitely become a general." Frank flattered him.
The 'tank platoon leader' laughed out loud at being flattered. Frank immediately grabbed the camera and took several photos of the opponent - the tall and handsome enemy hero, paired with the powerful and domineering invincible tank, a perfect match!
"You said you were a reporter from the Associated Press?" asked the 'tank platoon leader'.
"Yes." Frank replied.
"Do you want to send a war report?"
"Now? Can I?"
Frank's eyes widened in surprise. He thought it would take at least a few months for his reports and photos to be published.
"If it were anyone else, I would definitely not agree to you, but I am different." The 'tank platoon leader' seemed to be easy to talk to, and he continued with a fox-like smile: "But I have conditions. First, you have to agree to work for us.
"
"No problem, no problem, of course I am willing to help you." Frank agreed hastily. He didn't care what kind of work he had to do? He only knew that he would get unparalleled exclusive news.