On a late autumn night in 1950, in the camp of the 19th Corps of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, a telegraph broke the silence. Commander Yang Dezhi received a top-secret telegram from the central government, ordering him to lead his troops to the Korean battlefield immediately. This is a momentous and urgent decision, and the flames of war on the Korean Peninsula have already been ignited, and every moment is crucial.
After considering various strategies, the central decision-making level chose the 19th Corps under the command of Yang Dezhi, which is a recognition of their strength and a great trust in Yang Dezhi personally. At a high-level meeting in Zhongnanhai, Zhu De personally conveyed the decision and asked Yang if he had any special requests to support the expedition.
After thinking for a moment, Yang Dezhi made an unusual request: "If possible, I hope that Marshal Zhu De can come to us in person to see how we are prepared." "Why did he make such a request, and how would Zhu De respond?
Chairman Mao ordered Yang Dezhi to go to Korea to participate in the war
In 1950, shortly after the outbreak of the Korean War, the People's Republic of China faced a huge diplomatic and military challenge. At this critical moment, the Chinese leadership decided to support the DPRK against the offensive of the American army. Chairman Mao, as the country's supreme leader, ordered the 19th Corps of the Chinese People's Liberation Army to immediately prepare to go to Korea to fight in Korea through a highly confidential telegram.
This order came directly to Yang Dezhi, who was then the commander of the 19th Corps and the youngest field commander in the entire PLA. After receiving the order, Yang Dezhi immediately took action, and he commanded the 19th Corps to quickly transfer positions and assemble in Shandong in order to receive further combat orders more quickly.
In this process, Yang Dezhi strictly carried out the order to ensure that the troops were assembled quickly and in an orderly manner in a highly confidential state. The soldiers of the 19th Corps also showed great discipline and execution, completing the task of rapid mobilization in a short period of time and maintaining good combat condition.
Soon after, Yang received a notice to go to Zhongnanhai, and he was summoned to Beijing for a very important meeting. Thinking that he would meet Chairman Mao or Premier Zhou Enlai directly, Yang Dezhi came to Zhongnanhai with a serious and nervous mood. However, when he arrived in Zhongnanhai, it was Zhu De who greeted him.
Zhu De's presence was an important figure in China's military and politics, and Yang realized that the importance of the meeting might have exceeded his expectations.
Special meetings of the central leadership
In the conference room in Zhongnanhai, Zhu De, dressed in his trademark Mao suit, walked up to him. Yang Dezhi quickly gave a military salute, and Zhu De nodded and motioned for him to sit down. After the two sat down, Zhu De cut straight to the topic. Zhu De's voice was low but firm, "He trusts you and your troops very much, and Chairman Mao and Premier Zhou also see it that way."
Your 19th Corps was selected because of your strength and Mr. Peng's recommendation. After Yang Dezhi listened, he bowed slightly, expressing understanding. He knew the importance of the mission and the great responsibility it was a great responsibility. Zhu De continued: "The central government hopes that you can complete the deployment as soon as possible, and if there is anything that needs support, just ask. ”
"Thanks to the trust of the old chief, we will do our best. Yang Dezhi replied, his voice full of determination, "Regarding support, we do have some specific needs. Jude nodded and motioned for him to continue.
Afterwards, Yang Dezhi hesitated for a moment, and then said his special request: "Old chief, I hope you can come to our station in Shandong in person and see for yourself how we are prepared. I am sure that your presence will be a great morale boost. ”
Zhu De was slightly surprised by this request, but quickly smiled: "Okay! I'll go and see your preparations." There is an old saying in the army, when the general is outside, the king's order is not subject to it. But you are well prepared, and I am confident that this operation will be successful. ”
"Thank you, old chief, your visit will definitely boost the morale of the soldiers. Yang Dezhi said gratefully. After the meeting, Zhu De immediately arranged a trip to Shandong. His decision spread quickly through the army, and the soldiers were eager to meet Zhu De, the legendary veteran general.
Soon, Zhu De really came to the military camp in Shandong. The cold wind was biting, but this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the soldiers. Yang Dezhi personally greeted Zhu De, and they inspected the corps together, and Zhu De had a detailed understanding of the soldiers' training status and equipment.
Yang Dezhi's unique requirements
Zhu De's arrival did greatly boost morale, as Yang Dezhi expected. In the cold wind, the soldiers lined up neatly on the training ground, and Zhu De and Yang Dezhi came out at the same time and came to the front row. Yang Dezhi introduced Zhu De to the soldiers, and the sound was transmitted throughout the training ground through a loudspeaker.
"Today, we are honored to welcome Marshal Zhu De to our station, and the marshal will personally inspect our preparations. Yang Dezhi's voice was loud and clear. The soldiers immediately burst into applause and cheers. Zhu De nodded slightly, motioned for them to be quiet, and then began his inspection.
He walked up to each company and observed the soldiers' equipment and posture in detail. He also asked several soldiers about the use of equipment, and from time to time asked Yang Dezhi some specific logistical support questions. Subsequently, Zhu De visited the Corps' material reserve warehouse. Inside the warehouse, he examined in detail the stored ammunition and food supplies.
Yang Dezhi accompanied him and reported to Zhu De on the current state of material preparation and the difficulties he might face. "We have stockpiled as much as we can with the necessary supplies, but there are still some shortages. Yang Dezhi pointed to some of the listed material lists and told Zhu De. "I understand that when I go back, I will report to the central government and strive for more support. Zhu De replied seriously.
Next, Zhu De came to the training ground and watched a small-scale exercise in person. After the exercise, he walked among the soldiers on the front line and exchanged with them his feelings and suggestions for the exercise. The soldiers excitedly surrounded Zhu De, and they all appeared very straightforward in answering questions, hoping to express their respect and gratitude in this way.
At lunchtime, Zhu De did not choose to eat in the officers' canteen, but insisted on eating in the ordinary canteen with the soldiers. In the cafeteria, the simple tables and chairs and the usual meals did not affect the warm atmosphere of the scene. Zhu De sat with the soldiers, sharing a simple lunch.
From time to time, he talked to the soldiers, asked about their families, and listened to their stories about life and training in the army. "Are you used to eating here?" Zhu De asked a young soldier who was eating nearby. "Get used to it, marshal, our cook's cooking is still quite delicious. The soldiers replied with a smile, and the atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful.
After the meal, Zhu De visited several dormitories in the camp at random to check the living conditions of the soldiers. Although the dormitory is simple, it is neat and orderly. He told the soldier in charge of the dormitory: "Maintaining good hygiene is very important to maintain the health of the soldiers. ”
As the day's journey came to an end, Zhu De held a brief summary meeting in the center of the camp. He praised the efforts and preparations of the soldiers, while emphasizing the seriousness and importance of the upcoming task. His words inspired everyone present, and the soldiers said that they would do their best to live up to expectations.
After the meeting, Zhu De did not leave immediately, but chose to stay, he stepped down from the podium, mingled among the soldiers, shook hands with them cordially, and talked with them. Without the constraints of the script, Zhu De's words were more natural and closer to the hearts of the soldiers. Every step he takes, every greeting, makes the morale even higher.
The smiles of the soldiers, their enthusiasm, and their respect for Zhu De were all displayed in that moment. They surround Zhu De as if they were around a dear elder.
The mobilization rally was reunited with the post-war period
In the late autumn of 1950, at the mobilization meeting of the 19th Corps of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Marshal Zhu De came to the front and faced the iron-blooded soldiers. Despite the cold weather, the square was full of enthusiasm and anticipation. Zhu De did not bring any script, and his speech was improvised, full of sincerity and strength.
"Comrades, you are about to embark on a journey to defend peace and resist aggression. Zhu De's voice was clearly transmitted through the loudspeaker throughout the square, and every word was as heavy as a thousand pounds. "The road ahead is difficult, but I have full confidence in you. Our motherland and people need you, and the eyes of the people of the whole country are focused on you. ”
He stepped down from the podium and went deep into the soldiers, shook hands with them one by one, asked them about their readiness, and encouraged them to have a strong will and a brave heart. This kind gesture made the soldiers feel cared for and supported by the top leadership, and their morale was greatly boosted.
"Remember, wherever you go, you represent the new China and the thousands of people who hope and trust you. Zhu De's words revealed firm conviction, and the soldiers nodded one after another, their expressions resolute.
Afterwards, Zhu De returned to the podium and concluded his speech: "Go on the march, for peace, for our dear motherland!" The whole square resounded with thunderous applause and cheers. In 1953, after the victory of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, the Chinese People's Volunteers triumphed.
On the tower of Tiananmen Square, Yang Dezhi and Zhu De met again. This reunion was particularly touching in the joy of victory. The two veteran generals looked at each other and smiled.
At this moment full of emotion, Mao Zedong walked up to Yang Dezhi, held his hand tightly, and paid tribute to him: "Comrade Yang Dezhi, you and your troops have performed well and made great contributions to the country. The eyes of the audience were focused on this moment, and the applause rang out again.
Zhu De had a relieved smile on his face, and his eyes revealed recognition of Yang Dezhi and the heroic performance of his troops. He patted Yang Dezhi on the shoulder and expressed his approval: "You have done a good job and are the heroes of the people." Tens of thousands of people gathered downstairs in Tiananmen Square, waving bouquets and flags and cheering to celebrate the arrival of this great victory.