1955 is a year worth remembering, that year, the People's Republic of China awarded the first military rank to those generals who made outstanding contributions to the country and the people.
On the day of the award, the faces of the generals were filled with pride and glory. Among the many generals in brand-new uniforms and shining ranks, 25 stand out, coming from the once heroic Northeast Army.
Among these 25 generals, five of them have a very high reputation. Who are they?
Shangsho Shō
In 1922, Lu Zhengcao, who was in his youth, left the land where he grew up and took the first step to pursue his life ambition with infinite longing and pursuit for the future. Under the recommendation of distant relatives, he successfully joined Zhang Xueliang's Guards Brigade and began his military career.
This unit has a pivotal position in Zhang Xueliang's eyes, as a new type of army, it has gathered a group of aspiring young people, who have dreams, full of enthusiasm, and are looking forward to making great achievements in this vast world.
In the troops, Lu Zhengcao performed very well. He not only showed perseverance and bravery in training, but also showed outstanding cultural literacy in his daily life. Soon after, the army recruited documents, and Lu Zhengcao successfully passed the examination with a solid cultural foundation and excellent writing ability, and was transferred to the brigade headquarters adjutant office as a sergeant clerk.
This position gave him more opportunities to get in touch with Zhang Xueliang, he was a steady person, talked decently, and especially wrote beautiful calligraphy, which was impressive.
In the interaction with Zhang Xueliang, Lu Zhengcao's talent was fully brought into play. With his own efforts and talents, he won Zhang Xueliang's appreciation and trust. Under Zhang Xueliang's recommendation, Lu Zhengcao was fortunate to be admitted to the fifth phase of the Northeast Lecture and Martial Arts Hall, which allowed him to regain the learning opportunity he had dreamed of.
Lu Zhengcao, who entered the martial arts hall, was like a fish in water, he was smart and capable, and his learning progress was rapid. Here, he systematically studied military theory and accumulated a wealth of military experience. He not only listened carefully in class, but also actively participated in various practical activities to continuously improve his overall quality. In the days of the martial arts hall, Lu Zhengcao spent the most precious time of his life and laid a solid foundation for his future.
In the days of further study, Lu Zhengcao had more opportunities to accompany Zhang Xueliang. He seems to have become Zhang Xueliang's "shadow", following him inseparably and participating in various gatherings and activities. Whenever Zhang Xueliang appeared in public, Lu Zhengcao always followed him, standing quietly aside, observing the legend's every move.
During this time, Lu Zhengcao not only learned how to play tennis, but also worked hard to study English, hoping to communicate better with Zhang Xueliang. He gradually discovered that these activities not only enriched his life, but also exposed him to many fields and knowledge that he had never touched before.
Not only that, but Lu Zhengcao also began to come into contact with some progressive books. These books were full of communist ideas and ideas, which opened up a whole new world for him. He immersed himself in a sea of books and constantly absorbed these advanced ideas, and these experiences laid a solid foundation for him to embark on the revolutionary road in the future.
After graduating from Jiangwutang, Lu Zhengcao came to work by Zhang Xueliang's side as he wished. With his talent and hard work, he was soon appreciated by Zhang Xueliang and was promoted to major adjutant. But Lu Zhengcao is not satisfied with the status quo, he hopes to be able to lead the troops in the front-line troops, thinking that this can better train himself and is more in line with the duties of a soldier.
After Zhang Xueliang learned about Lu Zhengcao's idea, he agreed very much. He believes that Lu Zhengcao is an ambitious and capable young man who should be given more opportunities to display his talents. So, he sent Lu Zhengcao to the 16th Brigade as the chief of staff of the lieutenant colonel, hoping that he could get more training and growth there.
In the work of the 16 th Brigade, Lu Zhengcao displayed outstanding organizational ability and leadership skills. He led the troops to conduct many training and exercises, which significantly improved the combat effectiveness of the troops. At the same time, he also developed a deep bond with the soldiers, earning their trust and respect.
This experience was invaluable to Lu Zhengcao. He not only learned how to lead soldiers to fight, but also learned how to share weal and woe with soldiers and fight together. These experiences not only tempered his will and character, but also strengthened his beliefs and pursuits.
After the Xi'an Incident, Lu Zhengcao and Zhang Xueliang embarked on completely different life paths. Zhang Xueliang insisted on sending Chiang Kai-shek back to Nanjing, for which he paid the price of house arrest for most of his life. Lu Zhengcao chose to join the Communist Party of China, and since then he has shown outstanding military talent and heroic fighting spirit on the battlefield.
Lu Zhengcao, who has performed well on the battlefield many times, not only won the respect and love of the soldiers, but was also awarded the honor of general in 1955.
Lieutenant General Wan Yi
In the spring of 1925, Wan Yi, a young man full of enthusiasm and ambition, went through many hardships and finally entered the sergeant training team of the Northeast Army. He didn't expect that his captain turned out to be Zhang Xueliang, who was famous.
Zhang Xueliang was still the young marshal of the Northeast Army at that time, and later became the marshal, holding the military and political power. Wan Yi felt both excited and nervous, and he knew that this was an important turning point in his life.
Zhang Xueliang, a young and promising general, deeply attracted Wan Yi with his leadership style and personal charisma. Wan Yi often follows Zhang Xueliang's side. Zhang Xueliang's rigorous study and hard work are deeply imprinted in Wan Yi's heart. Under the influence of Zhang Xueliang, Wan Yi's progress is also changing with each passing day.
Only a year later, in 1926, Wan Yi was promoted to second lieutenant adjutant in Zhang Xueliang's adjutant's office. Although this level is not high, it is undoubtedly a huge affirmation for a young man who has just joined the army.
And Wan Yi was not satisfied with this, he continued to work hard, and was later appointed as an ordnance officer in the northern camp of Mukden. Although the level of these two positions is not high, anyone with a discerning eye can see that Wan Yi's future is full of infinite possibilities.
The time came to 1929, and Wan Yi once again ushered in another important moment in his life. He was successfully admitted to the ninth phase of the Northeast Lecture Hall and became the apprentice of General Lu Zhengcao. At that time, General Lu Zhengcao was already a famous general in the Northeast Army, and his rigorous academic attitude and outstanding military talent deeply influenced Wan Yi.
As a real soldier, Wan Yi attaches great importance to improving his military literacy and ability. Not only did he excel on the battlefield, but he also studied politics, economics, culture and other aspects in depth, which made him highly regarded in the army.
He was promoted very quickly, and he became the commander of the Northeast Army at the age of 29, which made Zhang Xueliang impressed with him, and even personally praised him as the youngest regiment commander in the Northeast Army.
However, Wan Yi was not carried away by these honors. On the contrary, he was deeply aware of his responsibilities and mission as a soldier. Under the influence of Liu Lanbo, a communist in the army, he gained a deeper understanding of the situation in the country.
He clearly saw the passive anti-Japanese policy of Chiang Kai-shek's reactionary forces, and also saw the Communists' desire to serve the country with their fists. In the end, he decided to embark on a revolutionary and glorious path and make greater contributions to the country and the people.
On the road to revolution, Wan Yi experienced many difficulties and obstacles. However, he has always been steadfast in his beliefs and courageous. Together with his comrades, he waged an anti-Japanese struggle, fought against the Japanese invaders, and defended his homeland and relatives. Their heroic deeds have been widely praised and have become heroes in the hearts of the Chinese people.
Major General Solution
In 1928, Xie Fang was admitted to the infantry section of the 20th session of the Japanese Army Non-commissioned Officer School with excellent results. After graduating successfully, he joined the Northeast Army, and because of his outstanding leadership and outstanding military talents, he was appointed as the chief of the Tianjin Security Corps.
However, behind the power and honor, Xie Fang saw the corruption and incompetence within the Kuomintang and the concession and compromise against the Japanese invaders. He witnessed first-hand the brutality of the Japanese invaders and their ambition to swallow China. All this made him feel confused and helpless.
In the confusion, the solution began to look for a way out. He thought deeply and tried to find a way out for the country and the hope of the people. In the end, he found the answer, that is, to join the Communist Party of China, join the people's camp, and fight for China's independence and the happiness of the people.
After Xie Fang joined the party, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the cause of the Chinese revolution. He was not afraid of sacrifice and difficulties, forged ahead bravely, and made great contributions to the victory of the Chinese revolution. His heroic deeds and outstanding contributions have won high praise from the party and the people.
Among the 1,360 founding major generals awarded in 1955, Xie Fang ranked first. This is the best recognition of his hard work and dedication over the years. He not only had outstanding military achievements, but also served as the first chief of staff of the Volunteer Army in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea. He is Peng Dehuai's right-hand man, and he is deeply trusted and respected by Peng Dehuai.
At the award ceremony, Mr. Peng praised the solution. He even took the initiative to win the rank of lieutenant general for Xie Fang, hoping to better recognize his contributions and talents. However, due to the lack of seniority, Xie Fang was ultimately unable to obtain the rank of lieutenant general.
Still, the solution was not discouraged. He is well aware that his mission and responsibility are far from complete. He will continue to fight for China's independence and the happiness of the people until the last moment.
Major General Zhang Xuesi
Zhang Xuesi is Zhang Xueliang's younger brother and Zhang Zuolin's son. In that era of change, the Zhang family is undoubtedly a family of storms, and Zhang Xuesi is a bright star in this family.
As early as 1933, Zhang Xuesi was only a seventeen-year-old boy. However, this year, he made a major decision - to join the Chinese Communist Party. For a family background like his, this is undoubtedly a huge shift. After all, his father Zhang Zuolin and elder brother Zhang Xueliang were both leaders of the Feng warlords, and the family was full of military atmosphere.
Zhang Xuesi has been influenced by military thinking since he was a child. Whenever his father and brothers talked about military strategy, he always listened intently. He also often went to watch military exercises and drills with his brothers, and he was deeply attracted by the neat and disciplined scenes. He dreams of one day being able to lead thousands of armies and horses like his father and make great achievements for the country.
However, the occurrence of the Huanggutun Incident completely changed the trajectory of Zhang Xuesi's life. This incident made him deeply aware of the great disasters brought to the country and the people by the warlord melee. He began to reflect on whether he should continue to follow the path of his father and brothers. After careful consideration, Zhang Xuesi decided to "find another way" and find a brighter path.
In this process, the tutor Wang Xizheng played a key role. Wang Xizheng was an intellectual with progressive ideas, and he taught Zhang Xuesi many advanced ideas and concepts. Under the influence of Wang Xizheng, Zhang Xuesi gradually came into contact with the idea of communism and began to take a strong interest in it.
He began to read a large number of revolutionary books and articles, and learned about the ideas and goals of communism. He realized that it was only through revolution that the destiny of the country and the people could be truly changed. So, he made up his mind to embark on the road of revolution. Since then, Zhang Xuesi has made no small contribution to the victory of the Chinese revolution.
In 1949, a new page was turned in China's history. The smoke of the Liberation War gradually dissipated, and the dawn of victory illuminated the land of China. The people's army, a torrent of steel composed of countless heroic soldiers, finally ushered in the moment of complete victory after going through an arduous struggle.
However, the joy of victory has not yet dissipated, and a new mission has been placed in front of the people's army. In order to defend the maritime territory of the new China, the people's army decided to form its own navy. This is a new challenge and a historic opportunity.
At this critical juncture, Premier Zhou Enlai put forward a far-sighted proposal: to build an army, we must first build a school. He believed that in order to cultivate a strong navy, it was necessary to establish a high-level naval school. This heavy responsibility finally fell on Zhang Xuesi's shoulders.
After Zhang Xuesi received this task, he felt both honored and responsible. He is well aware that the establishment of this naval school will have a direct bearing on the future of the new Chinese Navy. In order to accomplish this task, Zhang Xuesi has made great efforts.
He worked tirelessly, without sleep or food, personally selecting the site, planning, recruiting teachers, and even personally participating in the formulation of the teaching plan. Under his leadership, a high-level naval school gradually emerged.
After years of hard work, the new Chinese navy has made remarkable achievements in its construction. Zhang Xuesi's dedication was also highly praised by Chairman Mao. At the award ceremony in 1955, Zhang Xuesi was awarded the rank of rear admiral and became one of the important figures in the construction of the New China Navy.
Major General Jiang Chao
In 1934, China was in a turbulent period, but at the same time, it was also full of hope and opportunity. Against such a historical background, General Zhang Xueliang decided to go to Baoding, Hebei Province to recruit student soldiers. This news was undoubtedly a rare opportunity for young people who were eager to read at that time.
Jiang Chao, an aspiring young man from an ordinary family, was full of excitement when he heard the news. He understands that this is not only an opportunity to continue learning, but also an opportunity to serve the country and the nation. So, he did not hesitate to sign up for the selection, and after layers of selection, he finally stood out and became a member of the 57th Army of the Northeast Army.
After entering the army, Jiang Chao did not forget his original intention because of the change of identity. He continued to study hard and constantly improve his cultural literacy and military skills. His efforts were quickly recognized by his superiors, and just a year later he was sent to the non-commissioned officer school for further study.
During his study and life at the non-commissioned officer school, Jiang Chao not only learned more military knowledge, but also made many like-minded friends. Among them, Comrade Gu Mu had a profound impact on him. Under Gu Mu's guidance, Jiang Chao gradually understood the ideas and purposes of the Communist Party, and he began to realize that only the Communist Party could lead China to the light. So, with the help of Comrade Gu Mu, Jiang Chao joined the Communist Party of China and became a real revolutionary fighter.
Later, General Jiang Chao played an important role in the War of Resistance Against Japan. He led his troops to participate in many battles and made great achievements. In particular, in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, he became a division commander of the 38th Army and contributed his strength to defending the security and dignity of the motherland.
In the second battle, General Jiang Chao demonstrated his outstanding military talent and heroic and fearless spirit. He led the 113th Division of the 38th Army, under the cover of night, ran wildly for more than 100 miles, and finally arrived at Sansholi. There, they successfully blocked the retreat of the American army and made great contributions to the reversal of the entire tide of the war. This battle not only created a miracle in the history of warfare, but also won the glorious title of "Long Live Army" for the 38th Army.
Each of these five generals has their own unique experiences and contributions. They were not only brave and fearless on the battlefield, but also contributed to the construction and development of the country in peacetime. Their names, like the imprint of history, are deeply engraved in people's hearts.