How a unit that was once seen as weak has transformed into an elite division that terrifies the enemy in the vicissitudes of history. It's not a plot in a movie, it's a real thing. The savior of the 200,000 volunteers turned out to be the 60th Army of the Dian Army, which was once regarded as weak by the Kuomintang. How did they break out of the desperate situation and become butterflies, and who silently supported them behind the scenes, allowing them to regain their strength on the battlefield to resist US aggression and aid Korea?
The story has to start in 1946, when the 60th Army of the Dian Army led by Zeng Zesheng was actually not favored by the Kuomintang army. Originally, the 60th Army was only a marginal force of the Kuomintang, and the soldiers were in a state of lack of materials and poor equipment all year round. However, it was such a "weak chicken" unit, but later it became a rare elite unit in China's modern history.
Zeng Zesheng, a general from the Yunnan Army, has been working hard to change the status quo of the army. Their life in the northeast is not easy, they are often squeezed out by other troops, and even do not get the support they deserve at critical moments. Especially during the siege of Changchun, the 60th Army suffered great challenges, lacking food and ammunition, and its morale was low. But it was in this adversity that Zeng Zesheng and his troops did not choose to give up, but chose an unusual path to revolt.
In 1949, on the eve of the failure of the breakout in Changchun, the 60th Army made an astonishing choice, that is, to revolt and join the Communist Party as a whole. This decision not only changed the fate of the 60th Army, but also laid the groundwork for their later performance in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea.
The Northeast Field Army received the Sixty Army and gave it great respect and trust. Their number was changed to the 50th Army, and the original officer composition remained basically unchanged, which was extremely rare at the time. This trust and respect greatly inspires the fighting spirit and sense of belonging of the soldiers.
In 1950, the Korean War broke out, and the 50th Army was quickly sent to the front. Despite his mediocre performance in the first few battles, Zeng Zesheng was not discouraged. He knows that every new beginning is not easy, especially when it comes to confronting the U.S. military, one of the most powerful armies in the world. But he and his troops did not retreat, but gradually found their rhythm in the flames and smoke of war.
The Fiftieth Army began to demonstrate amazing combat effectiveness in the ensuing campaign. They have made a name for themselves in many battles, and even outperformed some of the veteran PLA main forces in some battles. All these changes originated from Zeng Zesheng and his troops' spirit of constantly seeking change and innovation in the face of adversity. They start small, refine tactics and tactics, and train rigorously to ensure that every soldier can get the most out of them on the battlefield.
The transition has not been easy. Zeng Zesheng endured tremendous psychological pressure in the process of reforming the troops. He once laughed at himself and said that if he really couldn't fight well, he might as well be a man of the 38th Army. Behind this self-deprecation is a deep understanding of the brutality of war and a value for the lives of soldiers. But even under extreme pressure, Zeng Zesheng did not give up, and his persistence and determination gradually won the respect and trust of the soldiers.
In the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, the performance of the 50th Army began to gradually rewrite their fate. From the Han River to the mountains of northern Korea, the soldiers of the 50th Army, under the command of Peng Dehuai, demonstrated their courage and wisdom. They have honed their unrivaled combat effectiveness in successive battles, and in some battles, have even become a key force on the battlefield.
The change of the 50th Army is not only an improvement of tactics or combat effectiveness, but also a spiritual and cultural reshaping. They went from being a despised unit to an elite group full of self-confidence and combat effectiveness. This kind of transformation is an inspiration for the entire volunteer army.
During the war, the name of the 50th Army gradually became more and more well-known. They are rumored to be a good story, from a marginal unit to a leader in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea. Zeng Zesheng's leadership and the heroic performance of the troops have become important topics for future generations to discuss and study.
The war will eventually pass, but the imprint left by the 50th Army in this period of history will never disappear. They have proven that even in the most undesirable situations, with strong faith and relentless efforts, it is possible to create impressive achievements.
The 50th Army is not only a military transformation, but also a legend of faith, courage and perseverance. Under the leadership of Zeng Zesheng, this unit has grown from an underrated character to a hero on the battlefield. They tell us that no matter what kind of predicament we are in, as long as we have the spirit of perseverance, we can one day turn the tide against the wind. This is not only a victory in a military war, but also a spiritual and cultural victory. Let's remember this history, not only because of its battles, but also because of the human brilliance behind it.