Chapter 1115: Must Hold On

Theodore. President Roosevelt nodded, originally, he thought that the anti-forces of the US army could really restrain the armored forces of the Chinese. But I did not expect that in such a short period of time, the Chinese armored forces found a solution that seemed to be resolved, and the effect was very good, almost all the anti-tank units on the US front line were eliminated, and the line was also broken through the US defense line and advanced the front to the city of San Luis Potosí. It seems that it is unrealistic for the US military to resist the advance of the Chinese in Mexico. Fortunately, the U.S. military did not focus primarily on Mexico, but on the Rio Grande defense line on the border between the United States and Mexico. Then, it is the last hope of the US military to resist the Chinese.

"Rutte, although the armored forces of the Chinese wiped out the anti-tank units at the front. But yesterday's battle also proved that only when tactically appropriate conditions can our anti-tank units burst out with extremely strong combat power. It's just that the Chinese are better at changing tactics than we are, and can adopt more effective tactics according to the shape of the battlefield, which is worth learning! "Theodore. President Roosevelt lamented. From the Navy to the Army, the gap between the United States and China is simply too great. As a former U.S. Secretary of the Navy, he is very clear about this. Even if the industrial strength of the United States is stronger than that of China, the gap in the military industry is still too great. On the plain zhì of the commander and the soldier, there is also no comparison between the two sides. These may be the reasons why the US military has repeatedly lost to the Chinese!

"Yes, Your Excellency, I will convey your opinion to the whole army." Elihu. Minister Root said. In his opinion, the reason why the US military cannot resist the Chinese is that a large part of the country loses to the Chinese in weapons. The Chinese not only have air superiority, but also far ahead of the United States in weapon performance. If the United States can come up with more advanced anti-tank weapons and have tanks and armored vehicles that rival the Chinese, it will not be so easy for the Chinese to defeat the United States.

"Although the current situation is a little unfavorable for us, we are not without a chance. As we ease conscription restrictions, more and more enthusiastic Americans have entered the barracks, and after the training of new recruits, they will become qualified fighters. The United States' industrial power is strong enough to allow us to arm more troops. Therefore, I firmly believe that although we are facing great difficulties now, the final victory will definitely belong to the United States! "Theodore. President Roosevelt said. After the United States lifted restrictions on conscription, the United States more than doubled its military resources. Boot camps across the United States are now overcrowded. In the danger of national annihilation, many Americans have chosen to join the military and fight for the future of the United States. U.S. munitions companies are also working overtime to produce weapons and equipment, from rifles to machine guns and artillery, to equip these newly formed units. Although high-end weapons, such as airplanes and tanks, the United States was not able to meet the needs of its troops for a while, but it was still enough to meet the consumption of its troops in light weapons. In addition, it is now almost a local operation, and the supply of the US military is easier, but the supply of the squadron has to cross tens of thousands of kilometers of the Pacific Ocean, which is also where the confidence of the United States lies.

"Your Excellency, General Davis has abandoned the Mexican front and let the army retreat to the continental United States in order to preserve its strength. This is also the view of the Army Staff. "Elihu. Rout said. He needs to consult Theodore on the matter. President Roosevelt's opinion before a decision could be made.

"Give up Mexico? No way! "Theodore. Roosevelt outright refused. While the millions of troops on the battlefield in Mexico were important to the United States, they were not critical. In the U.S. boot camps, there are far more trained soldiers.

If Mexico were to be abandoned, it would cause an uproar in the United States, not only in despair but also in the American people's suspicion of the government and confidence in the war. Therefore, Mexico can be lost, but only after a hard fight, and not given up now!

"Yes, President, I see! I will order Admiral Davis to hold on to San Luis Potosí! "Elihu. Rout understands this, too. It's just that he needs a reason to convince the military that the president doesn't agree, and that's the best reason.

"Tell Admiral Davis that we need him to hold out longer in San Luis Potosí. Only in this way can we build the Rio Grande stronger, and only in this way can we defend the United States and defeat the evil Chinese! "Theodore. President Roosevelt said. Although, it is a bit cruel to let millions of American troops go to their deaths. But for nearly 100 million Americans, there is no way around it. In order to win this war, the United States is destined to pay a heavy price. But as long as you can win, even if it costs a lot, it's worth it!

"Yes, Your Excellency, I am sure that Admiral Davis will complete the mission!" Elihu. Minister Root said. However, he still had to think of a way out for senior generals such as Admiral Davis. If San Luis Potosí is surrounded by Chinese, in this case, for the sake of their own lives, Admiral Davis and other senior generals may not continue to hold out, and may even surrender voluntarily.

In this case, it would not be in line with the plans of the United States.

In the afternoon of the same day, U.S. Secretary of War Eli Hugh. Rutter sent a telegram to the Mexican front, in which Eli Hugh . Secretary Root vetoed Admiral Davis's plan to evacuate Mexico, demanding that Admiral Davis and others must hold out in San Luis Potosí. However, he gave Admiral Davis and others a chance to make their own decisions. Once it is discovered that the U.S. forces are threatened with total annihilation, then Admiral Davis can order the U.S. forces to break out. As long as the U.S. military can successfully break through, then they can go to the east coast of Mexico, and then the U.S. Navy will send warships to support them, at least to be able to pick up their senior generals.

Admiral Davis's face was full of bitterness when he got the telegram from the War Department. Although he already knew that the plan to evacuate Mexico would not be agreed, there was always a glimmer of hope in his heart. It's just that now hope has been completely shattered.

"General Cole, it looks like we're going to have to get ready for a hard fight in San Luis Potosí!" Admiral Davis said.

"Your Excellency, I had already expected this to be the result. And, I'm ready for it. The whole of San Luis Potosí has been armed by us, and it is not so easy for the Chinese to conquer here. The narrow urban lanes are not suitable for the deployment of armored forces, and perhaps we can also use this to inflict heavy losses on the Chinese. At that time, we may also be able to use this victory to evacuate north. In that case, the country may not blame us! Lieutenant General Cole said. The fortifications of San Luis Potosí were built under his auspices. Hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops, after a few months, have turned the whole of San Luis Potosi into an impregnable fortress.

San Luis Potosí is strategically located and difficult to defend, and although it was destroyed in the war several times, it has been rebuilt several times and has grown in size. The U.S. fortifications, in addition to the city of San Luis Potosí, extend eastward, connecting with the Sierra Madre Oriental. Plus San Luis Potosí to the west and northwest is originally alpine. Therefore, if the squadron wants to conquer San Luis Potosí, it will be very difficult.

Admiral Davis's expression is still stern, as a general who has fought against the squadron many times, he knows the combat power of the squadron very well. Whether it is the squadron or the mercenaries under the command of the squadron, the ability to fight in the street is very strong, and it is not difficult to try to damage the squadron in the street fight. What's more, now the Chinese still have complete air superiority, the sky is full of Chinese fighters circling, and the Chinese can call for air support anytime and anywhere. In this case, the attack power of the squadron will be further strengthened.

Even though he knew that it would be difficult to hold San Luis Potosí, Admiral Davis had no other way at the moment. The War Department had already given the order, and he had no choice but to hold out in San Luis Potosi.

On the afternoon of August 25, Admiral Davis gave the order to hold on to San Luis Potosi, announcing to all officers of the U.S. Army that in order to buy enough time for the northern Rio Grande line and inflict heavy damage on the Chinese, they must hold on to San Luis Potosi.

After the order of Admiral Davis was given, the various units of the American army went into action. Although the morale was not very high, it was finally able to persevere. In addition, hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops held the defensive line near San Luis Potosí, and the strength was relatively strong. Coupled with the fact that the U.S. military has stored a large amount of ammunition and food in San Luis Potosi, even if they are surrounded, they will be able to hold out for at least three months or even longer, and there will be no danger of annihilation in a short time. This has made many US officers and men feel a lot more relieved.

After breaking through the American defenses, the squadron did not immediately launch an attack on San Luis Potosí. The losses of the 2nd Army were not significant, but this did not include the armored brigades of the 2nd Army. The armored brigade has already lost more than half of its tanks and armored vehicles. Therefore, Marshal Zhao Bowen, after consideration, let the 8th Army replace the 2nd Army and serve as the main force to attack San Luis Potosí!