The old Doobie Brothers’ song struck out across the water and through the city. It was happy. It was hopeful. It was fun. It didn’t take long before people along the water’s edge began to clap along with the music and some even started to dance. The group on the ship kept playing the song, doing it over a couple of times before it ended. By then the crowds had built and spread almost across the waterfront. They noticed the big containerships moored against the piers unloading materials into the army trucks. Even there, some of the people were moving to the rhythm of the songs.
Something had changed in the night. The people knew there had been a battle of some sort, but even the feeling around the city had changed. As the music played the mood was changing. People were looking forward to the day. They began thinking about tomorrow and the next day and not worrying about what might happen. People began seeking out their friends and sharing the moment. Sure, there was much to do, but somehow, that didn’t seem so important. People began to sing along now.
The song changed. It was another upbeat song. Most people didn’t understand the words to “China Grove,” but that didn’t make any difference. It was more fun. They could see the men on the ship. They were dancing along with the people on the shore. Even though a war was raging not far from where they stood, the people threw away all of the uneasiness and fear and celebrated. Song after song had the people dancing and cheering.
As the music played the anchor was slowly raised on the big ship. Tugs positioned themselves on the bow and began pushing the ship around so that it pointed toward the open sea. It slowly moved away from the city; the music getting softer as it did. Many of the people didn’t leave until the ship was out of sight and the port was again silent. It had been the first respite the people had since the war began, and they returned home with a new more positive feeling. South Korea would survive. Now it was up to them to rebuild it.
Kim Sung Nua sat at the table in a rage. Seated around him were a number of military officers called in to decide how to fix the problems their former military leaders allowed to happen. Seated next to him was his nephew, Hua Te Nua. Already the names were being changed on the records stating that Lu Chen was no longer the Defense Minister. The former military commanders had suffered from either illness or had died in battle. All of that had happened one hour before in one mass ceremony in the courtyard of a local military post. Now Kim was going to direct the war from Pyongyang.
The new Air Force commander was giving his report. “Our losses were extensive; however, crews are working to ready our aircraft for service. As of this morning’s report, we have ten MIG-29s, three MIG-23s, fifty-two MIG-21s and F-7s, twenty F-6s, and another thirty MIG-17s. On the attack side we have three SU-7s, twelve Q-5s, and another five SU-25s. In our fighter and attack aircraft we lost 398 of our first line aircraft. We lost another 200 training aircraft and over half our helicopter force. To counter this, I have ordered the H-5 bombers brought back into service. This will give us another fifty or more bombers. I have also instructed that our training aircraft be fitted for carrying bombs. Fortunately, our transport aircraft were located at commercial airports, so were spared. In all, we will still have a formidable air force. We are transporting our aircraft to the civilian sites since all of my military airfields are now unusable. We should be ready in two days. The fuel and ammunition situation is critical. We lost nearly fifty percent of our fuel reserves and one-third of our ammunition. This will not prevent us from making attacks; however, we will have some difficulties with sustained operations.”
“So you are saying we have the capability to attack the Americans?” asked Kim.
“Yes, Comrade Chairman. We will be fully ready tomorrow afternoon and can begin making limited strikes this evening. This is giving us time to get the planes to their new airfields where they can take off and land safely,” the Air Force Officer said.
“Then I do not want a minute wasted. As soon as a unit can get in the air, I want them up and attacking where they can,” said the Chairman. He turned to the Army. “What about our ground forces?”
“As commanded, we have begun moving 20,000 troops to the Inchon area to counter the invasion. Another 100,000 are being rounded up for reinforcements. Between these two forces, there should be ample troops to push them back. I would suggest we have some of those air force fighters shifted to go after the naval units as they try and come in to the beach. It would kill many of the enemy soldiers on the ocean instead of on the ground,” the general said nervously.
“That is a good idea,” said Kim. “Coordinate your efforts and remember that the tides work with us on any invasion of Inchon. Exploit it to the fullest,” he said.
The two men nodded and the General continued. “With communications disrupted, I know there was some sort of landing last night in Pusan. Our troops and equipment were shelled up to 24 miles away from the port. A massive breakthrough by the allied forces has pressed us back thirty miles as of this morning. However, our forces are mobilizing and the lines are firming up. The Americans landed some armor and some troops; however, our intelligence sources have not indicated that this could be anything but a stop gap measure. I should have firm information from the front as soon as the communications lines are reestablished. Until then, my orders are to hold fast and not give another inch to the Americans.”
Kim nodded. That was the proper order. He didn’t want to delay his victory too long. The Americans would have to reinforce the Pusan area to try and stop them. The loss of ground was unexpected, but such was war. They still had the upper hand. He turned to another officer, “Naval Forces?” he asked.
The admiral was tall and thin. His uniform hung on him like an adult suit on a child. He beamed at the Chairman. “No naval losses. I have ordered our ships to deploy tonight to harass the enemy and to carry out lightning raids on any units encountered,” he nearly shouted.
Kim beamed. At least someone was still ready. “Why are you waiting until tonight?”
“Since we lost our air capability temporarily, it would give our ships a better chance to escape observation and attack with some surprise. Since our forces may be outnumbered, it would be best to initiate a set of quick, decisive attacks to disrupt their shipping or to harass troops. The plan is to sortie from our bases and dash to Inchon and try and hit any transports they have there. If they have landed some troops, we can also launch attacks from the rear. Then we will dash back to our bases to refuel and resupply,” the admiral said as he pointed to the areas on the chart. “On the eastern coast we shall sortie the ships and patrol boats to the south and attempt an early morning raid on the Pusan area. In the resulting confusion we shall get as many ships and men back as possible. Our aim will be to cause any temporary efforts to be slowed or thwarted by having to reinforce facilities around Pusan,” he said. No further elaboration was needed. Everyone in the room knew that more than likely these ships and men wouldn’t be coming back home.
Kim nodded in approval. “I approve the plan. Do whatever you can to stop this incursion,” he said to the admiral. “Now what about our strategic reserves?” he asked turning to the new Minister of Defense.
Hua passed over some papers. “We lost a great deal of fuel and munitions. Our overall oil supplies are down by one-third and our munitions have been depleted by forty-eight percent. Much of this was due to the ineptitude of the former Defense Minister,” he snarled. “We can continue on. Our oil supplies will be increased from the People’s Republic. I have already sent someone to negotiate this. The munitions are a different matter. Last night all of our above ground major munitions works were attacked by air. With the exception of the underground factories, we have less than half the capability of manufacturing our own arms. This means a major expense to get these arms from our brothers in the People’s Republic. Unlike the oil which can come by pipeline, our arms must be manufactured first. This will mean a delay. My office is already in touch with the Russians, India, and the People’s Republic to purchase what is necessary. We will also need the transportation to import them,” he said.