In the vast history, there are some heroes, although their deeds are not well known to the public, but they have stepped forward at critical moments and written immortal chapters. Do you know who was the highest-ranking general in the Chinese army who died in the 1979 self-defense counterattack against Vietnam?
The Northeast in 1930 was a turbulent time with wind and snow. In a poor family in Zhuanghe County, Liaoning Province, Zhao Lianyu was born. His childhood was full of poverty and misery, and his family's hardship forced him to shoulder the burden of life early. At the age of 11, he began to herd cattle for the landlord's family, exchanging labor for meager food, and this hardship of life was undoubtedly a heavy blow to a child.
Fate never seemed to give Zhao Lianyu a chance to breathe. During World War II, he was captured by the Japanese army and forced to work and experienced hell on earth. But it was this experience that made him deeply appreciate the helplessness of the weak and the desire for freedom. In 1945, Japan surrendered, and Zhao Lianyu was reborn. He saw the hope and changes brought by the Communist Party to the people, the flame in his heart was ignited, and he decided to join the revolution and become a soldier of the People's Liberation Army.
From the initial recruit to the later deputy division commander, Zhao Lianyu's military career can be described as a growth in the war. He participated in countless battles, from the liberation of Andong to the blockade of Tashan, and each battle demonstrated his extraordinary courage and commanding skills. His fighting skills and bravery earned him the respect of his comrades and the fear of his enemies.
The 1979 self-defense counterattack against Vietnam became the last battle of Zhao Lianyu's military career. In this war, the Chinese army won a complete victory, and Zhao Lianyu's performance was also heroic. But in the joy of victory, there are hidden seeds of tragedy. On his way back to China after the war, Zhao Lianyu was assassinated by a Vietnamese peasant by a merciless blow of fate. This is the end of the life of this deputy division commander.
This history may be just a few cold lines in many official records, but Zhao Lianyu's life is the epitome of fighting suffering and pursuing freedom and justice. He has grown from an ordinary peasant boy to a national hero, and every change has condensed the joys and sorrows of thousands of families. Even after his heroic death, Zhao Lianyu's spirit still inspired people after him, and he was passed on by word of mouth and turned into a kind of strength, inspiring people to persevere in the face of difficulties.
Zhao Lianyu's life is the epitome of Chinese soldiers in that era. They have been forged into steel through hardship and war, and have defended the dignity and territorial integrity of the country with their lives. Today, when we look back at history, we are not only remembering the heroes, but also drawing strength and wisdom from them.
Although Zhao Lianyu is not as well-known as those well-known heroes and legends, his sacrifice and dedication are an indispensable part of that history. Seeing greatness in the ordinary, seeing hope in suffering, Zhao Lianyu used his life to interpret what a true hero is.
He reminds us that history is not only written by people who have achieved great things, but also by ordinary people like Zhao Lianyu, who are unknown and dedicated their lives to their faith and country. Every soul who is not afraid of difficulties and moves forward bravely is the foundation of the strength and beauty of this country.
Zhao Lianyu's life is a magnificent epic and a hymn to high agitation. His deeds may not be as widely known as other heroes, but his courage and sacrifice are real and worth remembering in each and every one of us. In today's era of peace, let us not forget the pain of history and cherish the hard-won happy life. As Zhao Lianyu's life has shown, real heroes often inadvertently, with actions and sacrifices, write their own legends. Let us remember this deputy division commander, remember his unapologetic dedication and heroic sacrifice, and let the light of history pass through him and illuminate the road ahead.