Chapter 378 Armored Ace!

Under the sunshine of the hour of Si, thirty-seven air overlords are queuing up for preparation.

The ground crew not only needs to check the status of the fuselage and engine to ensure that all transport aircraft can take off and land normally. They also need to load the heavy weapons used by the Marine Corps into the cargo hold to provide guarantee for the combat effectiveness of the airborne troops.

Most transport aircraft are towed by a Hamilcar, whose exaggerated wingspan allows it to obtain enough lift for takeoff without much power.

It is worth mentioning that these heavy gliders have great potential for upgrading.

If the troops need it in the future, two Blenheim engines of the same type can be installed on the wings on both sides to provide a certain amount of auxiliary power during towing takeoff and unhooking gliding.

Before the Marine Corps was about to set off, the infantry expert came to the station in person.

During this period, Commander Li would learn from the deputy division commander whenever he was free, and the relationship between the two had already reached a higher level.

"It seems that your regiment is ready."

"Do a good job and let our allies see the spirit of our elite Eighth Route Army troops. By the way, bring back Yano Otosaburo's command knife! The trophy you gave to CG has made me covet it for a long time."

"But you must pay attention to safety and strive to end the battle with minimal losses."

Hearing this, Li Yunlong nodded.

"Don't worry, this is not the first time our Marine Corps 1st Regiment has carried out a mission. In a few days, I will deliver the old devil's knife to your office!"

"Okay! I'll wait for your good news in Taiyuan!"

Just as the two were talking, all the soldiers had gathered. They lined up on the playground and were making the last preparations before departure.

After several expansions, the Marine Corps 1st Regiment now has three airborne infantry battalions and two airborne infantry battalions. In addition to multiple support companies including the Fighter Mobile Company and a small number of regiment-affiliated troops, the total number is over 3,000.

If this kind of organization is placed on the European battlefield, it will definitely be a fully staffed airborne brigade.

The mobilization work before boarding was naturally handed over to the infantry experts. Looking at the comrades ready to go, he walked to the podium and said loudly:

"Comrades! Everyone should know the next task! In a few minutes, you will go to Huairen area to crush the last spark of the Mongolian troops!"

"After this battle, we will liberate Suiyuan! Liberate all of North China! You will also become the pride of the troops and fellow countrymen!

"Now! Everyone! Get on board! ”

The infantry expert was indeed a little thin, but his voice was very loud. Even without the help of a loudspeaker, most of the soldiers present could clearly hear his mobilization.

With just a few words, the comrades were all excited and wanted to fight with the 26th Division immediately.

Under the leadership of the grassroots commanders, all the soldiers quickly boarded the plane according to the groups in daily training. The whole process was smooth and pleasing to the eye.

At this time, Lao Cui, wearing the special uniform of the Eighth Route Army Airborne Force and holding a Mosin-Nagant, came to Li Yunlong. After hesitating for a moment, the old Maozi made an application that was not excessive.

"Captain Li, can I exchange a glider with Captain Lu? I want to act with the fighter company temporarily."

"You know, the reason I participated in this battle is mainly to observe the performance of the Cicada tank and glider in actual combat. With the experience of close contact, I can report my work to my superiors."

"Of course, if I can learn advanced combat experience in action, it would be great. "

The learning that Lao Cui mentioned was not just a polite word. He was in urgent need of airborne combat experience.

Although the North had formed an airborne force a long time ago and conducted many offensive and defensive drills before the outbreak of the war.

But so far, these paratroopers have only performed slightly in the Battle of Nomonhan and the Winter War, and have not participated in any large-scale military airborne operations.

The Russians, who are in passive defense on the current Eastern Front battlefield, use paratroopers more as fire brigades, or even send them directly to fill the line as light infantry.

Compared to the Eighth Route Army with a mature combat system, the North has been left far behind by its former younger brother on this track.

After saying this, Lao Li agreed to the other party's application after a little thought.

"Okay, then you and Lao Lu can go directly. As for Sun Desheng, I will personally say hello to him later. "

"But you have to promise me that you must return to my guard platoon in time after the battle begins, and don't follow the fighter-mobile company to do any infantry-tank coordination. "

"Okay! No problem! "

Since Lao Cui had no experience in parachuting before, Li Yunlong arranged for him to act with the airdrop troops in this operation.

Although the protection performance of the glider is not as good as that of the air overlord, fortunately, our side firmly occupies the air supremacy in Shanxi, and the enemy does not have an organized field air defense system.

In this case, it is safer to take a glider.

After boarding the plane, Lao Cui was not as calm as before, and his face showed some tension.

Although he has a lot of combat experience, he even fought hand-to-hand with a German major general named Ge Siyun in Stalingrad in a strange timeline.

But, it was the first time to ride a heavy glider.

Seemingly seeing the uneasiness of his allies, Sun Desheng, who was originally chatting with his comrades, said very considerately:

"Comrade Cui, don't worry. We are absolutely safe before landing. The Japanese army has lost air superiority in North China. Even if they go all out, they are no match for the escort formation."

"In order to ensure that everything is foolproof, the Air Force 1st Division has dispatched five ace pilots this time! There is not a single novice!"

"Sit next to me when we take off. Even if something unexpected happens, I can help you in the first place."

Perhaps Sun Desheng's comfort worked, or perhaps the soldiers' calm state infected Lao Cui. The old man nodded and then looked at the Cicada tank in the belly of the aircraft. After all, this was one of the purposes of his trip.

You don't know until you see it, and you'll be shocked when you see it.

Just a glance, Lao Cui widened his eyes, as if he had discovered something incredible.

"Huh? What is the white ring on the tank barrel?"

Hearing this, Sun Desheng looked in the direction of his ally's vision, then waved his hand casually and said, "You mean this, the kill ring."

"One ring means that a Japanese tank was destroyed by us. In a sense, our crew is still the first armored ace in the Eighth Route Army."

After speaking, Sun Desheng and the soldiers around him showed proud expressions. The number of kills of their crew was naturally the record achieved when they fought against the cavalry group during the thousand-mile raid to rescue the Seventh Route Army and a half.

It is also true that they are the first ace crew. After all, only the airborne tanks of the First Marine Regiment had been on the battlefield at that time.

As for the tank regiment of the headquarters?

Aren't they still building roads and practicing driving skills throughout Shanxi? (End of this chapter)