Group 1 - The Second Field Army ranks third among the four major field armies in China and consists of nine subordinate troops, forming a powerful combat cluster [1] - Notable commanders include several distinguished figures, with eight out of nine army leaders holding the rank of lieutenant general, highlighting their exceptional military command and tactical implementation skills [1] - Among the deputy army positions, only Chen Kang from the 13th Army holds the rank of lieutenant general, showcasing his low-profile yet capable leadership throughout his military career [1] Group 2 - During the Anti-Japanese War, Chen Kang faced significant challenges and was eventually able to return to the 129th Division after a series of setbacks [3] - His capabilities became evident during his service in the 386th Brigade, where he successfully completed tasks and gradually rose through the ranks to hold multiple positions [3] - In the Liberation War, Chen Kang participated in several key battles under the leadership of Chen Geng, demonstrating outstanding performance [5] Group 3 - Following the Yangtze River Crossing Campaign, Chen Kang took on various combat tasks and was promoted to army commander in 1952, reflecting his contributions in significant battles [7] - In 1955, he was appointed as deputy commander and provincial military district commander after two decades in Yunnan, later serving in the Lanzhou Military Region until retirement in 1981 [7]

Core Viewpoint - The New Fourth Army, despite its relatively weaker overall strength compared to the Eighth Route Army, demonstrated significant bravery and resilience during the Anti-Japanese War, producing many outstanding leaders and contributions to the war effort [1]. Group 1: Formation and Structure - The New Fourth Army was officially established on December 25, 1937, in Hankou, Hubei, and was composed of the Red Army and guerrilla forces from eight southern provinces [1]. - Initial leadership included Ye Ting as the commander, Xiang Ying as the deputy commander, Zhang Yunyi as the chief of staff, and Yuan Guoping as the political department director, with four main detachments forming its core [1]. Group 2: Detachment Strengths - The First Detachment, led by Chen Yi, started with over 1,000 troops and grew to 2,300, facing severe equipment shortages [3]. - The Second Detachment, commanded by Zhang Dingcheng, had around 1,800 troops and similar equipment challenges, primarily drawing personnel from areas where Zhang had previously operated [3]. - The Third Detachment, under Zhang Yunyi, had approximately 2,100 troops with better equipment, achieving a near one-to-one ratio of weapons to soldiers [5]. - The Fourth Detachment, led by Gao Jingtian, was the largest with over 3,100 troops and superior equipment, primarily formed from the Red 28th Army [5]. Group 3: Post-War Developments and Honors - Chen Yi became the acting commander of the New Fourth Army after key leaders were incapacitated and was later awarded the rank of Marshal in 1955 for his contributions [7]. - Fu Qiutao, the deputy commander of the First Detachment, participated in major battles during the Liberation War and was awarded the rank of General in 1955 [9]. - Zhang Dingcheng, the commander of the Second Detachment, held significant positions post-war but did not participate in the 1955 rank awarding [11]. - Cu Yu, the deputy commander of the Second Detachment, was recognized as a prominent military leader and awarded the rank of General in 1955 [11]. - Zhang Yunyi, the commander of the Third Detachment, was also awarded the rank of General in 1955 for his contributions [13]. - Gao Jingtian, the commander of the Fourth Detachment, passed away in 1939 and did not receive honors posthumously in 1955 [15]. Group 4: Overall Impact - Despite being outnumbered and less equipped than the Eighth Route Army, the New Fourth Army's leaders achieved remarkable feats under challenging conditions, leaving a lasting legacy in Chinese military history [15].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the formation and leadership of the New Fourth Army during the Anti-Japanese War, highlighting the military ranks awarded to its commanders in 1955, with a focus on their contributions and fates during and after the war [1]. Group 1: Commanders and Their Contributions - The New Fourth Army was composed of four brigades and ten regiments, led by notable military leaders [1]. - Commander Fu Qiutao of the 1st Regiment played a significant role in establishing the anti-Japanese base in southern Jiangsu and was awarded the rank of General in 1955 [2][4]. - Commander Zhang Zhengkun of the 2nd Regiment was known for his bravery and leadership during the Anti-Japanese War but was ultimately captured and killed in action [5][7]. - Commander Huang Huoxing of the 3rd Regiment was involved in various military roles and was awarded the rank of Lieutenant General in 1955 [8][10]. - Commander Lu Sheng of the 4th Regiment also received the rank of Lieutenant General in 1955 after serving in multiple leadership positions [12]. - Commander Rao Shoukang of the 5th Regiment was recognized for his contributions and awarded the rank of Lieutenant General in 1955 [13][15]. - Commander Ye Fei of the 6th Regiment was awarded the rank of General in 1955 and had a distinguished military career [16][18]. Group 2: Fates of the Commanders - Commander Yang Kezhi of the 7th Regiment defected to enemy forces and was executed in 1942 [19]. - Commander Zhou Junming of the 8th Regiment did not receive a military rank due to various issues and later served in the Ministry of Water Resources [20][22]. - Commander Gu Shiduo of the 9th Regiment was killed in action at a young age during a battle against Japanese forces [23]. - Commander Zhan Huayu of the Handgun Regiment was awarded the rank of Major General in 1955 and had a notable military career [24][26]. Summary of Military Ranks Awarded - Among the ten initial commanders, two were awarded the rank of General (Fu Qiutao and Ye Fei), three received the rank of Lieutenant General (Huang Huoxing, Lu Sheng, Rao Shoukang), one was awarded the rank of Major General (Zhan Huayu), and one (Zhou Junming) did not receive a rank [1].