Matthew Bunker Ridgway, a shrewd and capable U.S. general, served as commander of the 82nd Infantry Division in 1942 and presided over the reorganization of the division into an airborne division.

In July 1943, during the Sicily landing campaign, he commanded the division to carry out the first large-scale night airborne operation in the history of the U.S. military.

However, after the defeat of the Battle of Sicily, he took over Clark's 5th Army, and the 15th Army under Alexander's command, which was about to be handed over to him for half of his forces.

During the Korean War, Ridgway took over as commander of the Eighth Army after the death of Commander Walker, because his superior, Commander Walker, died in a car accident that overturned his car and died on the front line.

After taking over, he quickly rescued and revived the Eighth Army, which was demoralized, demoralized, and demoralized, from such a low morale in just a few months.

In the end, these soldiers were finally restored to an elite division, and within a week after the three battles of the Korean Volunteers, based on their own analysis and judgment of the volunteers, they decisively gave the order to counterattack and launched the "Thunderbolt Operation".

As a result, the Korean volunteers were in great trouble, and at the same time, the pattern of the Korean War was reversed.

Therefore, Li Qiwei's name also resounded all over the world, because the vast majority of the United Nations troops at that time were defeated and retreated by the Korean volunteers, and suffered heavy casualties; For this reason, many officers and soldiers of the United Nations forces are talking passively about how to retreat, how to stay alive and preserve their strength to withdraw from North Korea.

But in such an environment of great defeat, Li Qiwei relied on his courage, courage, and decisive and confident strategic vision; A counterattack was launched against the Korean Volunteers, and a certain victory was achieved until peace negotiations between the two sides began.

Therefore, Ridgway is one of the rare talents in the American army, so Roosevelt and Marshall also let him take over Clark's 5th Army first, and as for half of Alexander's 15th Army Group, the reason why he was also transferred to command at the same time was that Alexander had other things to deal with secretly.

And this mission was secretly sent to him by Churchill, so even President Roosevelt and Marshall and other high-ranking allies knew nothing.

While Hausser and the others were preparing a major attack on Tyto's troops, Ridgway was sitting on Pace's plane and arrived at Eisenhower's headquarters in Tunisia.

This is the second time he has been back and forth here, and now he has two grenades on his chest, and a pistol and a water bottle at his waist; It was like a commander who had just stepped down from the battlefield of a great war.

After he and Eisenhower shook hands and greeted each other, he bluntly explained his strategy for how to deal with Chen Yanlong's German attack.

His tactic was very simple, that is, in the event of an attack by the German troops, regardless of whether they were on the land, sea or air side; As long as a new offensive is launched; Then all the troops under his command must retreat in an orderly and strategic manner.

And when they retreated, they must find ways to make the Germans pay a heavy price, and once the battle begins, he, as the commander of the 5th Army, will definitely personally direct the operation at the front, and all orders must be approved by him before they can be sent to the battlefield.

In addition, they need to be aware of the weather conditions on a daily basis, especially heavy rain, winter or other stormy bad weather.

Because these bad weather not only caused a lot of unnecessary situations for the soldiers, but also had a great impact on their logistics and material transportation; Because these bad weather can make muddy water on the roads, or those that merge with the snow, the rivers will swell.

Let those places such as riverbeds that were originally dry and covered with ice are prone to sudden floods and flooding; Wash away their supplies, military supplies, and all kinds of weapons and equipment, or radios and other items, or destroy them.

And it will make it more difficult for them to fight.

Of course, in addition to these tactical arrangements for the German attack, Ridgway's military training was as severe and strict as Montgomery and Patton.

As the saying goes, strict teachers produce high apprentices, and the stricter and stricter the training of their troops before the war; Then not only can their combat effectiveness be greatly improved when war breaks out, but also their lives can be guaranteed to a certain extent.

After discussing these military issues with Eisenhower, Sen Howell also took Ridgway's army in Tunisia for a circle; Take a look at the training of Montgomery and Patton's troops, the strength of Tunisia; and the deployment of defenses, as well as the situation of construction.

Eventually, the two of them found a place to have lunch.

Their lunch is more rich, not only roast duck, steak, but also a lot of vegetable salad; and fruits, as well as foods such as cakes and desserts.

Of course, wine and other beverages are also available.

"I didn't expect you to be promoted so quickly, congratulations! Commander Ridgway! ”

After eating some food, Eisenhower picked up the wine in his hand, touched the bottom of the glass lightly with Ridgway and smiled.

"Thank you, Commander, for your appreciation, but even I was surprised that President Roosevelt and General Marshall had given me such a sudden and surprising appointment! I still have a lot to learn from you in the future! ”

Li Qiwei modestly replied with a smile.

"I think I'm going to be removed soon, go home, go back to the United States!"

Hearing this, Eisenhower sighed softly and said with a wry smile.

"Hmmm! How so? You're still doing well! Although the Battle of Sicily was lost, I am sure that President Roosevelt will not blame you completely! ”

"Because a large number of new weapons and equipment have emerged in an endless stream like the German army, and now even the aircraft carrier fleet, the new carrier-based aircraft group, and the new submarine force are available! Even if I had faced so many cards and means to fight against the Germans, I believe I would not have performed much better than you; Maybe even his own life will be lost, and even his own troops will be completely annihilated! ”

Li Qiwei responded with sincere words.

"Thank you for your comfort, my own business, I know! I've heard that General Marshall will be here soon, and I don't think my time here is far off! So let me take care of you today! Commander Ridgway! In the future, you must send troops and kill those German soldiers without leaving a single piece of armor! ”

Eisenhower smiled with a lost face after taking a long sip of wine.

"Everything will be fine, as long as we can live, then we are willing to have opportunities, who hasn't fallen into the trough? So I really hope that Eisenhower you can pick yourself up and not be defeated by a momentary defeat! And I believe in your abilities very much, and I am optimistic about you! ”

Seeing Eisenhower's negative and depressed appearance that made him sigh, Ridgway took a deep breath slightly, and then encouraged the other party with blazing eyes.

After listening to this, Eisenhower was silent for a while, and his eyes flashed, and the whole person gradually began to regain his original self-confidence and ambition.

"Thank you for your encouragement! Commander Ridgway! Cheers to our defeat of the Germans in the future! ”

Then Eisenhower held up the wine in high spirits, clinked glasses with Ridgway again and smiled.

"Hmmm! This is the brilliant and excellent Commander Eisenhower I know! The final victory will definitely be ours! ”

Li Qiwei was also happy and had a toast with the other party.

Immediately, the two of them happily began to discuss how to demoralize the 5th Army, which had been beaten by the Germans; And how to take over half of Alexander's 15th Army for training.