In 1955, in recognition of those who had made great contributions to the new China, the state held a grand ceremony to award titles, and awarded many outstanding generals corresponding military ranks. Before the ceremony was held, the state mentioned a special epaulette when promulgating the relevant regulations, that is, the silver and white general epaulettes, but this special rank was not obtained at the time of the award.
Originally, this special rank was only issued for those special technical talents, but in November the state canceled the establishment of this special rank. So, who is this meant to be awarded to? From all kinds of circumstances, the most qualified person is Qian Xuesen.
Some people say that Qian Xuesen only returned to the motherland in October of this year, and the first time he was awarded the title was in September, which did not correspond in time. But in fact, shortly after the founding of New China, the state was ready to invite Qian Xuesen back to China. Qian Xuesen has had a strong patriotic heart since he was a child, and after learning about the founding of New China, he also plans to leave for China immediately. However, such an excellent scientific research talent as Qian Xuesen, the United States was naturally reluctant to let him return to China, so there was a delay of five years in the middle, and in September 1955, Qian Xuesen officially embarked on the road back to China. That is to say, the country had already received news long before Qian Xuesen returned to China, so it was not surprising to consider giving him a title. Of course, many people may ask, Qian Xuesen has not led the troops to fight, is it appropriate to directly award him the rank of lieutenant general?
The answer, of course, is yes. At that time, New China had just been established, and there was a huge gap between the strength of the air force and the Western countries, and there was an urgent need for outstanding talents to help the air force build, and there were only a few people in China who could shoulder this big task. Qian Xuesen also lived up to expectations, and under his leadership, the launch of Chinese missiles and atomic bombs advanced for at least 20 years.
In addition, in 1956, the state established a military organization responsible for the research of missiles and aviation science, and Qian Xuesen served as a deputy ministerial-level committee member, that is to say, if Qian Xuesen had the status of a soldier, he naturally had the qualification to be awarded a title.
Judging from various circumstances, at that time, China specially produced the silver and white air force technical lieutenant general epaulettes, which was waiting for Qian Xuesen to return to China. So, why didn't Qian Xuesen end up being awarded any rank? There is only one reason, that is, Qian Xuesen is low-key and unwilling to accept too many honors. Therefore, Qian Xuesen only almost became the first recipient of this special rank.