Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the life and experiences of Wang Zhenbin, a 101-year-old veteran of the Anti-Japanese War, emphasizing his dedication to the Communist Party and his contributions during various military campaigns [5][10]. Group 1: Early Life and Military Involvement - Wang Zhenbin was born in 1924 into a poor family in Jiangsu Province, where he faced extreme hardships, including not having proper footwear [6]. - In 1940, at the age of 16, he joined the Eighth Route Army as a service soldier, motivated by the desire to fight against Japanese invaders and support the poor [5][6]. - After proving his determination, he was accepted into the army and later became a soldier in the New Fourth Army [7]. Group 2: Combat Experiences - Wang participated in numerous battles during the Anti-Japanese War, including the Gao Yang Campaign, where he was part of a key assault unit [8][9]. - He faced significant challenges, including injuries from enemy fire, but remained committed to his comrades and the cause [8]. - Throughout his service, he contributed to the destruction of over 50 enemy strongholds and played a crucial role in various military operations [9]. Group 3: Post-War Contributions and Legacy - After the war, Wang served in various military leadership roles and continued to demonstrate his commitment to the Communist Party [10]. - He has been actively involved in sharing his experiences and educating younger generations about the history of the revolution [10]. - Wang has documented his experiences in a memoir and continues to engage with the community, emphasizing the importance of remembering the sacrifices made during the war [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the life and experiences of Zhang Yishun, a 92-year-old veteran who participated in significant historical conflicts, including the Anti-Japanese War, the Liberation War, and the Korean War, emphasizing his contributions and the importance of remembering history and valuing peace [4][9]. Group 1: Early Life and Motivation - Zhang Yishun was born in 1933 in a poor family in Shandong and became involved in the Anti-Japanese War at the age of 11, motivated by the harsh realities of Japanese occupation [4][5]. - He experienced severe hardships as a child laborer in coal mines, which fueled his hatred for Japanese invaders and motivated his enlistment in the military [5][6]. Group 2: Military Service and Experiences - After reuniting with his family in the Anti-Japanese base, Zhang Yishun joined the military as a young nurse, where he learned to care for wounded soldiers [6][7]. - He initially struggled with the idea of caring for Japanese soldiers but later understood the importance of compassion, realizing that some were conscripted against their will [7][8]. Group 3: Post-War Contributions and Legacy - After the war, Zhang Yishun continued his education and became a key figure in the medical field, eventually serving as the head of the health and epidemic prevention station in Zhangzhou [9][10]. - He actively participates in initiatives to document the memories of war veterans, emphasizing the need to pass on the love for the Communist Party and the values of peace to future generations [10].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the life and experiences of Zhang Yishun, a 92-year-old veteran who participated in significant historical conflicts, including the Anti-Japanese War, the Liberation War, and the Korean War, emphasizing his contributions and reflections on war and peace [6][12]. Group 1: Early Life and Motivation - Zhang Yishun was born in 1933 in a poor family in Zibo, Shandong, and joined the anti-Japanese efforts at the age of 11, motivated by the harsh realities of life under Japanese occupation [6][7]. - He experienced severe hardships as a child laborer in coal mines, which fueled his hatred for Japanese invaders and motivated his enlistment in the military [7][8]. Group 2: Military Service and Experiences - Zhang Yishun became a nurse in the military, where he learned to care for wounded soldiers, including Japanese prisoners of war, which he initially resisted but later accepted as part of his duty [9][10]. - He participated in significant battles and was involved in the care of injured soldiers, demonstrating a commitment to humanity even towards enemies [9][10]. Group 3: Post-War Contributions and Legacy - After the war, Zhang Yishun continued his service in the medical field, eventually becoming a key figure in the health system in Zhangzhou after transitioning from military to civilian life in 1978 [11][12]. - He remains active in sharing his experiences and promoting the values of patriotism and peace, contributing to initiatives that document the memories of war veterans [12].

Group 1 - The article highlights the experiences of medical personnel during significant battles in the Chinese Civil War, emphasizing their critical role in treating wounded soldiers and the challenges they faced [1][2][3] - The narrative details the transition of the medical unit to the East China Field Army and their involvement in the "Lunan Campaign," showcasing the intense conditions under which they operated [2][3] - The article describes the overwhelming number of casualties during the Huaihai Campaign and the resource shortages that medical staff had to navigate, including limited supplies and transportation difficulties [3][4] Group 2 - The text illustrates the dedication of medical staff who worked tirelessly, often without rest, to save lives, highlighting their emotional and physical struggles [4][5] - It recounts specific incidents of severe injuries treated by medical personnel, showcasing their skills and the urgency of their work in life-and-death situations [2][5] - The narrative concludes with the successful crossing of the Yangtze River, marking a pivotal moment in the campaign, and reflects on the collective effort of soldiers and civilians in achieving victory [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the life and experiences of Bai Zhirong, a 101-year-old veteran of the Anti-Japanese War, emphasizing his dedication, bravery, and the historical significance of his service during a tumultuous period in Chinese history [4][6][9]. Group 1: Personal Background and Military Service - Bai Zhirong was born in 1924 in a small village in Shanxi and decided to join the Eighth Route Army to fight against Japanese invaders, motivated by a desire to protect his homeland [6]. - He served for 16 years, including significant participation in the Anti-Japanese War, and was recognized for his skills as a soldier [5][9]. - Bai Zhirong was initially tasked with sabotaging enemy communication lines before becoming a mortar operator, where he faced numerous dangers and challenges [6][8]. Group 2: Combat Experiences - During his service, Bai Zhirong participated in various battles, including a notable ambush against Japanese forces, where he witnessed the harsh realities of war [7][8]. - He described the conditions of warfare, including the scarcity of ammunition and the need for strategic planning to maximize their limited resources [8][9]. - Bai Zhirong's experiences reflect the camaraderie and support from local civilians, who often aided the troops despite their own hardships [8]. Group 3: Legacy and Reflections - After the war, Bai Zhirong joined the Communist Party and continued to serve in various capacities, eventually retiring from the geological exploration sector [9][10]. - He maintains a habit of writing diaries, documenting his memories and reflections on the war, which serve as a testament to his experiences and the sacrifices made by his comrades [9][10]. - Bai Zhirong expresses gratitude for surviving the war and often shares his stories with younger generations, emphasizing the importance of remembering history [10].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the life and experiences of Sun Yeman, a veteran who participated in significant battles during the Anti-Japanese War, the Liberation War, and the Korean War, emphasizing his dedication to protecting his family, comrades, and country [6][12]. Group 1: Early Life and Motivation - Sun Yeman was born in January 1926 in Anhui Province and faced hardships in his childhood, including the loss of his father and poverty [6][8]. - His early experiences with Japanese invaders and the struggles of his family instilled a strong desire to fight back against oppression [6][7]. Group 2: Military Career - In December 1943, at the age of 17, Sun Yeman made the pivotal decision to join the New Fourth Army to combat Japanese forces [8][9]. - He underwent rigorous training, which not only enhanced his military skills but also fostered lifelong friendships with fellow soldiers [9][13]. Group 3: Notable Battles - Sun Yeman participated in a significant battle during the Spring Festival of 1944, where his unit successfully attacked a Japanese stronghold, leading to the capture of numerous enemy weapons [10][12]. - The victory was celebrated by local villagers, marking a memorable moment in his military career [12]. Group 4: Post-War Contributions - After the establishment of New China, Sun Yeman continued to serve the country by engaging in various construction projects, including building reservoirs and underground facilities [13]. - He has remained committed to sharing his revolutionary stories and encouraging younger generations to contribute to national development [13][14].

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].