From the outbreak of the War of Resistance to the victory of the War of Resistance, Xue Yue was a series of conquests and feats, and was known as the general who annihilated the most enemies.
Xue Yue (December 27, 1896 - May 3, 1998), formerly known as Xue Yangyue, was nicknamed "Tiger Boy", a native of Shaoguan, Guangdong. Sometimes known as the "first god of war against Japan", a first-class general in the army. He successively served as chairman of Guizhou Province, former commander-in-chief of the enemy in the First Anti-Japanese Theater, commander-in-chief of the Ninth Theater, chairman of Hunan Province, chief of staff of the government, chairman of Guangdong Province, and deputy to the National Congress.
Xue Yue made two major contributions in the War of Resistance:
1. During the War of Resistance Against Japan, General Xue Yue commanded the Battle of Changsha in three battles and three victories, which was enough to destroy 117,500 Japanese troops.
The three Battles of Changsha, the "three battles and three victories" of the Chinese army, not only severely damaged the Japanese army, but also affected the situation in World War II. Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union, and other countries sent congratulatory messages to China, praising the outstanding performance of the Chinese army in the Battle of Changsha.
In this regard, then US President Roosevelt praised: "The reason why the Allies were able to win the anti-fascist war is inseparable from the achievements of the Chinese army in the Battle of Changsha." ”
Chinese troops at the Battle of Changsha
The military and civilians celebrated the victory of the Third Battle of Changsha
2. Wanjialing Dajie. In this battle, Xue Yue completely annihilated a division of the Japanese army, and the Japanese army suffered more than 11,000 casualties and hundreds were captured. The famous Japanese general Okamura Ninji once commented that he was "easy to shake the mountains, but difficult to shake General Xue". This is unique in the eight years of the War of Resistance. Therefore, Xue Yue was known as the first general of China's anti-Japanese resistance.
Japanese troops using poison gas in combat
This battle also left "five firsts" in the history of China's War of Resistance:
1. The first encirclement of a division of the Japanese army, which was annihilated by more than 10,000 people.
2. The first total annihilation of one wing of heavy troops and two wings of artillery and 4,100 war horses of the Japanese army.
3. For the first time, the Japanese 106th Division was besieged to the point that it could only be replenished by airdropping food and ammunition by aircraft.
4. The first airborne mid-level officer of the Japanese army, replenishing the 106th Division besieged on the battlefield of Wanjialing.
5. For the first time, the Japanese emperor ordered that every effort should be made to rescue the 106th Division.
This battle completely shattered the Japanese army's dream of a quick victory to destroy China, and strengthened the determination of the Chinese people to drive the Japanese invaders out of China.
General Ye Ting, a famous general of a generation, commented on the Battle of Wanjialing:
"In the battle of Wanjialing, Banghong Capital was in danger, as a guarantee for Jiang Han, and it was equal to Pingxingguan and Taierzhuang, and its reputation was immortal."
Wanjialing Dajie Monument
On October 10, 1946, U.S. President Harry S. Truman awarded the Medal of Freedom to Xue Yue for the first time, and was the first Chinese to be awarded the medal in recognition of his merits in the War of Resistance Against Japan.
Let us remember the history of the War of Resistance and stand in solidarity
Strengthen the power of rejuvenation!