In the Continental Space Museum, there is a silver-gray MiG-15 fighter with 9 red stars on the fuselage, which is extremely eye-catching.
Among them, 7 solid red stars represent the number of enemy aircraft shot down, and 2 hollow red stars represent the number of enemy aircraft damaged.
This brilliant achievement is that Zhao Baotong, known as the "king of the air force," was created in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, and no one has surpassed it so far.
The impressive achievements of the heroes on the battlefield have also achieved the romantic love between Zhao Baotong and the female journalist Wang Jinfeng.
1
Zhao Baotong was born in July 1928 in Fushun, Liaoning Province, to a poor, ordinary family.
Because his parents died early, Zhao Baotong began to earn a living to support himself at the age of 6, he once raised pigs and sheep for the landlord's family, and also worked as a child laborer in a factory opened by the Japanese, and suffered humiliation.
Young life is like a trampled grass, many times faced with the danger of life, but also cultivated the spirit of not afraid of hardship, and finally survived to the age of 17, Zhao Baotong decisively chose to join the army.
In the Liberation War, he participated in the Liaoshen Campaign, the liberation of Fushun and the three towns of Wuhan, and other battles, and showed great bravery in the war.
In 1949, Zhao Baotong was transferred to the Fourth Aviation School to study, becoming the first pilot in New China and the first solo flight in the class.
In the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea in 1951, the mainland and the United States launched the first air force contest in history.
The first to participate in air combat was the 4th Division of the Chinese Volunteer Air Force, which gave the U.S. Far East Air Force a slap in the face as soon as they appeared.
In early June 1951, after five battles, the Mainland People's Volunteer Army and the Korean People's Army ground forces drove the "United Nations Army" and the South Korean Army back to the vicinity of the "38th Line", forcing the enemy to stop the strategic offensive.
By early June, the two sides began to move into a strategic stalemate.
While planning armistice negotiations, the Americans formulated a plan of "air blockade of railway lines" in an attempt to block our logistics supply line by bombing the main railway line and important bridges in northern Korea.
In October, under the command of Liu Yalou, commander of our Air Force, the 3rd Division of the Chinese Volunteer Air Force, where Zhao Baotong belonged, entered Andong Langtou Airport and succeeded the 4th Air Force Division.
The 3rd Air Division, a young air force, has only 60 hours of air flight time per capita and has no experience in air combat.
The enemy they faced was the U.S. Air Force, which had more than 2,000 hours of air flight time per capita and had just been equipped with the new F-86 fighter.
For the 3rd Division of the Air Force, it was undoubtedly a fierce battle. A deadly battle is about to begin.
After Zhao Baotong and the comrades of the 3rd Air Division arrived at the Andong front airfield, they did not immediately enter the battle, but formulated a plan for actual combat training according to the situation of the enemy and us.
At 10:00 a.m. on November 4, patches of white clouds floated in the sky, and our radar showed that 6 batches of 128 enemy planes were flying toward the Qingchuan River, Dingzhou, Bozhou and other areas.
With "bang, bang" a few green signal bounces rose into the sky. Under the leadership of Deputy Regiment Commander Meng Jin, Zhao Baotong and his comrades-in-arms flew 22 fighters into the air to meet the battle.
This was Zhao Baotong's first time in the Air War of Korea, and he was both excited and excited.
He looked down on the earth from a warplane, and what had once been a beautiful and quiet village was now a scorched earth that had been blown up, full of wolf smoke, and there was not a complete house in sight.
"Notice that there are enemy planes in front!" At this time, Zhao Baotong's headphones suddenly heard the voice of Captain Mou Dunkang.
Then Mou Dunkang quickly issued an order: "2 squadrons cover, 1 squadron attack!" "Everybody goes hand in hand.
Zhao Baotong led the wingman Fan Wanzhang to immediately follow up, seeing that the enemy plane was getting closer and closer, but because the angle was a little large, Zhao Baotong did not have time to fire, and the wingman Fan Wanzhang first fired at the enemy plane.
The enemy plane was caught off guard by the sudden attack of our air force, and the original neat formation was immediately scattered.
However, because Zhao Baotong rushed too fiercely, he suddenly fell into the middle of more than 20 enemy planes.
When he saw more than a dozen enemy planes coming towards him, Zhao Baotong quickly pulled the joystick, and the plane rushed out from above the oblique like an arrow off the string.
When he turned back, the wingman Fan Wanzhang and the other comrades's planes were gone, and only a dozen enemy planes were circling low.
In the battle of the large aircraft group, single-machine combat did not meet the tactical principles, and he quickly issued a call to the captain: "I can't see it!" ”
Captain Mou Dunkang replied, "If you can't see it, you must also keep fighting!" With this answer, Zhao Baotong instantly had a bottom in his heart.
At this time, he remembered the experience taught to him by the pilot of the 4th Division of the Air Force:
When you attack an enemy aircraft, look back to see if any enemy aircraft are attacking you. He jerked his head back, and sure enough, he saw a group of enemy planes following him.
Therefore, he aimed at the enemy plane and fired quickly, and then quickly flew upwards, although he dodged the enemy's artillery fire, but Zhao Baotong's plane entered the spiral, swirled around, and fell several thousand meters in an instant.
However, he did not panic, but calmly and correctly handled it, and quickly adjusted.
When he rushed into the air again, he saw that the enemy plane that had just been hit by him had fallen into the mudflat of the river bay, and it was still emitting black smoke.
When the enemy planes were beaten by our air force and fled, he followed one of them and shot down one of them again.
At the end of the first air battle, Zhao Baotong shot down two enemy planes, which not only made a good start for the 3rd Division of the Air Force, but also gave himself great encouragement.
Soon after, with his exquisite skills and extraordinary courage, he shot down and injured one F-84 enemy aircraft again.
On December 2, 1951, after Zhao Baotong took over the position of captain of the brigade, he entered another battle again.
In this battle, he shot down two F-86 enemy aircraft, the first record of shooting down the US Air Force "Ace" aircraft in the whole division, but also almost died.
Because when he hit the enemy plane to prepare to return, he was suddenly surrounded by 4 enemy planes, his wings and elevator were shot one after another, and the plane lost control and entered the spiral and fell rapidly.
At this moment, only skydiving can have a glimmer of life, only living can serve the country, Zhao Baotong quickly made a "skydiving" action.
The Volunteer Army found Zhao Baotong on a small snowy hillside.
When this air combat hero was found, the Army Volunteers gave Zhao Baotong the best things they had.
When the local Korean villagers learned about it, they welcomed Zhao Baotong with their best folk songs and dances.
The hero is the protagonist everywhere, Zhao Baotong is proud in addition to being moved, after resting here for a few days, he immediately returned to the base and continued to fight.
During the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, Zhao Baotong shot down and injured 9 enemy planes, was awarded the honorary title of "First Class Combat Hero," and was received by Prime Minister Kim Il Sung.
2
In 1952, Zhao Baotong returned to China after joining a delegation of volunteers and was received by Chairman Mao. After learning of Zhao Baotong's brilliant achievements, Chairman Mao said humorously: "I am not as good as Zhao Baotong when I fly an airplane to fight." ”
Zhao Baotong was a well-known hero at the time, and major media rushed to interview and report on him.
In the interviews of many reporters, Zhao Baotong met a female reporter who made him fall in love at first sight.
This female journalist, named Wang Jinfeng, came from a family of intellectuals, studied at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Tsinghua University, participated in the patriotic student movement many times during the Liberation War, and was an excellent underground party member of our party.
In 1949, Wang Jinfeng became the youngest reporter of the People's Daily, and in 1952, he became a member of the People's Daily's reporting team on the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea.
Sometimes fate is predestined by heaven, and the reporter who was originally responsible for interviewing the Volunteer Air Force was another person, because he was unwell and could not go, so he was replaced by Wang Jinfeng.
In order to interview the volunteer delegation in advance, in late July, Wang Jinfeng rushed to the Tianjin Railway Station, and on the train from Tianjin to Beijing, he met zhang Jihui, Zhao Baotong, and Liu Yudi for the first time.
Wang Jinfeng later said: "They are more restrained when they see me, especially Zhao Baotong is the shyest and does not like to talk much." ”
At that time, the PLA soldiers were basically like this, and they didn't know how to communicate with female comrades.
In order to break the embarrassment, Wang Jinfeng took the initiative to chat with the three of them, Zhang Jihui and Liu Yudi quickly relaxed, only Zhao Baotong was always full of red face.
As soon as the train arrived at Beijing Station, many people and students immediately came forward to surround them and excitedly lifted the three of them up, fortunately Wang Jinfeng rushed to Tianjin ahead of schedule to complete the interview.
Zhao Baotong and several others originally thought that after participating in the opening ceremony of the All-Army Games, they could immediately return to the front line to fight. Who knew that various organs and schools in Beijing had asked them to make a report and tell them about their deeds.
This is not difficult for Zhao Baotong, who has only read books for one year, he is not afraid to go to the battlefield to fight, but it is too difficult to write.
While he was worrying about it, he suddenly thought of the intelligent and competent female reporter who had interviewed them the other day.
The shy Zhao Baotong thought for a long time before he plucked up the courage to call the People's Daily and told Wang Jinfeng the truth of the matter, hoping that he could help him write a manuscript.
Wang Jinfeng heard that he wanted to write a manuscript for the hero and agreed without thinking.
After hanging up the phone, she hurried to the Xidan Hostel where the volunteer delegation was staying, and as soon as Zhao Baotong saw Wang Jinfeng, he whispered, "There is a fierce battle ahead, how can I stay in Beijing to make any report?" ”
This casual word was heard by Wang Jinfeng, and she was instantly touched by this simple soul that was bent on fighting.
On this day, the two of them talked from the afternoon to the evening, and talked for a full 8 hours.
At first, Zhao Baotong was still a little worried that she would not help herself.
Because the reporters are busy, when he asked Wang Jinfeng if he had time to write? Wang Jinfeng said firmly, "It's okay, I promise to write it for you in one night." ”
Hearing this, Zhao Baotong was a little embarrassed, and Wang Jinfeng said: "I often write all night, I am used to it, it will be fine." ”
Zhao Baotong instantly admired this female reporter who loved her work and was not afraid of hardship.
Wang Jinfeng spent an all-night writing a 6,000-word manuscript, and then copied it again, which is equivalent to writing 12,000 words.
The next day she came to Zhao Baotong early to give him the manuscript.
Zhao Baotong felt very incredible, the content of the manuscript is both vivid and full of affection, if you write it yourself, it is estimated that you will not be able to write such a good manuscript in a week.
He was very grateful to Wang Jinfeng for helping himself with such a big favor, but he praised people more subtly, and only said to Wang Jinfeng: "Oh, it's not simple!" ”
When Zhao Baotong took the manuscript written by Wang Jinfeng for himself and gave a rather affectionate speech on the stage, he suddenly and inadvertently saw Wang Jinfeng sitting in a corner under the stage, and suddenly stuttered.
Wang Jinfeng knew that he must be a little embarrassed, and in order not to disturb Zhao Baotong, she secretly went out again.
After this incident, Zhao Baotong's boldness became bigger, and he took the initiative to ask Wang Jinfeng, saying that he wanted her to accompany him around Beijing City, and Wang Jinfeng agreed very happily.
The weather was very good on this day, and the two of them took a walk on the moat of the Forbidden City in Beijing. They talked and laughed along the way, and the conversation was very speculative.
From the conversation, Wang Jinfeng learned that Zhao Baotong had a very unfortunate childhood, and also learned that Zhao Baotong was an ambitious patriotic youth.
Suddenly, Zhao Baotong asked Wang Jinfeng, "You know my situation very well, can you introduce me to your affairs?" ”
Wang Jinfeng said that he was born in Xiangmendi and went to primary school, middle school, and university. He then joined the party and was assigned to the People's Daily as a journalist.
She introduced herself very simply in 5 minutes.
Zhao Baotong did not want to hear this, and seeing that Wang Jinfeng no longer said it, he took the initiative to ask: "Go to college, don't you have a boyfriend?" ”
Wang Jinfeng said lightly: "I have talked about one, but I broke up when my personality was inappropriate." ”
Hearing this, Zhao Baotong secretly snickered. Immediately after, Wang Jinfeng also asked: "What about your girlfriend, introduce it." ”
Zhao Baotong laughed loudly: "I don't have a girlfriend, I am so nervous about fighting, where do I have the heart and time." ”
After saying this, both of them tacitly smiled.
In fact, Zhao Baotong had a good feeling for Wang Jinfeng when he first met her, but after all, he was not familiar with her, and he was embarrassed to talk to her too much.
There is just such a thing as a speech, and there is a good excuse to contact Wang Jinfeng.
Wang Jinfeng also had a good impression of Zhao Baotong, otherwise her nature would not have been so happy to agree to accompany Zhao Baotong shopping.
Since then, the two have officially entered the love phase.
3
After that, Zhao Baotong often called Wang Jinfeng and went to her as soon as he had free time.
Wang Jinfeng has an older car with no electric lights. Zhao Baotong often went to the small shop to buy paper lanterns, but the paper lanterns were not durable, basically only one night.
As long as it is broken, Zhao Baotong will go to the same store to buy another one, during that time, he bought more than ten paper lanterns, and the shop owner is mature, every time the boss sees them enter the store, he will take the initiative to hand him a paper lantern.
Once, the two of them went out for a walk together again. This time, Wang Jinfeng suddenly said to Zhao Baotong that he would put forward three conditions, and he did not know whether he would agree or not.
Zhao Baotong smiled and said, "Feel free to mention it." ”
Wang Jinfeng said: "First, after getting married, I will continue to do my work;
Second, for work reasons, I can't do the family members of the army;
Third, when I was a journalist, 90% of the interviewees were gay men, and sometimes even talked about late at night, you can't have feudal ideas or machismo, you have to understand, respect and fully trust me. ”
Zhao Baotong pondered for a while, and then said with a serious face: I just like your independence, and you love the seriousness of your work, so I will definitely support your work.
I will also fully understand and trust you about the nature of your work.
Zhao Baotong said this and did the same.
It is not difficult to see that Zhao Baotong really loves Wang Jinfeng, and he will not ask his wife to be a housewife after marriage like other men, but he will respect Wang Jinfeng very much.
Although Wang Jinfeng also loves Zhao Baotong, she is also a very independent woman.
Getting married and continuing to do the work she loves is very happy and lucky for a woman, especially for women with independent personalities.
In this way, the two happily reached an agreement and made a lifelong engagement.
In the blink of an eye, a month had passed, and Zhao Baotong wanted to return to the army and continue to participate in the battle.
Before leaving, he pulled Wang Jinfeng to take a photo as a souvenir gift for each other.
Love at that time was so pure and simple.
In April 1953, Zhao Baotong suffered from lung disease, which was first treated in Beijing and then transferred to Qingdao. When Wang Jinfeng learned of this, he rushed to Qingdao to take care of him meticulously.
In August of the same year, Zhao Baotong and Wang Jinfeng held a simple wedding at the Air Force High Cadre Guest House in Dongcheng District, Suzhou Hutong, Beijing.
Less than a month after their marriage, Zhao Baotong bid farewell to Wang Jinfeng and went to study at the Moscow Air Force Academy with Zhang Jihui and 6 other comrades.
Zhao Baotong's cultural background is very low, he only attended primary school for one year, Northeast Military and Political University for one year, and aviation school for 10 months.
In the context of not much cultural knowledge base, Zhao Baotong not only had to learn Russian, but also advanced mathematics, aerodynamics and so on.
He was very hardworking and very smart, and in the end he achieved excellent results.
Although the two got together less and more after marriage, they respected, trusted, understood each other, and lived very happily.