When thinking back to the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, many people may first think of the war filled with gunpowder and the heroic deeds of countless volunteer soldiers. But have you ever heard of Fan Tianen? The story of this hero, known as "Fan Laohu", may not be as well-known as some marshals, but his bravery and wisdom are equally admirable. In 1950, he led his troops on the Flying Tiger Mountain, facing the well-equipped United Nations Army, showing impressive military talent.
Fan Tianen, this name can be described as a well-known combat hero in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea. Born in Tai'an, Shandong, he joined the revolution in 1938, when he was just a young boy. In 1950, when the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea broke out, Fan Tianen was already the chief of the operations section of the 38th Army, and later he was transferred to the head of the 335th Regiment of the 112th Division, and really took the post of front-line commander.
At that time, the battlefield was a place where courage and wisdom were tested. Van Tien En's troops were poorly equipped and often ran out of ammunition and food, but they never flinched in the face of well-equipped United Nations forces. Especially in the battle of Flying Tiger Mountain, Van Thien En showed extraordinary military talent and unwavering leadership. The 335th Regiment led by him successfully blocked many attacks by the US army in the dangerous terrain of Feihu Mountain, which was an important turning point in the war at that time!
The Battle of Flying Tiger Mountain can be said to be the highlight of Fan Tianen's military career. It is said that in those days, he and his warriors worked almost continuously, day and night. American artillery fire almost leveled the position, but Van Tien En and his troops were like nails, firmly nailed there. With extremely limited resources, they have repelled more than seven attacks by the US military, and this kind of resilience and courage is simply admirable.
However, wars are always brutal and full of variables. Just when the 335th Regiment was almost exhausted, the division commander Yang Dayi sent an order to retreat. This is undoubtedly a huge blow to Fan Tianen. His troops had made great sacrifices, and just as they were about to retreat, I think he must have had mixed feelings in his heart. But the military order was like a mountain, and he finally carried out the order and retreated thirty miles.
You may ask, does such a retreat mean failure? In fact, Fan Tianen's retreat was precisely to lure the enemy deeper, and after the United Nations forces went deep into the encirclement, he led his troops to counterattack fiercely, which greatly weakened the enemy's combat effectiveness and laid the foundation for the subsequent counteroffensive. This tactical courage and wisdom demonstrated Pham Tien En's extraordinary military talent.
Van Tien En's story is not just about fighting. He was also known for his care for the fighters in the brutal environment of war. He is documented as a frequent personal check-in on soldiers' injuries to ensure they receive timely treatment. Even in the face of extreme shortages, he did his best to ensure that everyone had enough food and clothing. Such a leader can undoubtedly greatly boost the morale and combat effectiveness of soldiers.
In the post-war years, although Fan Tien En was not promoted to senior general, his name and deeds were thunderous in the hearts of soldiers. He was known as the "Iron Gauntlet", a nickname derived from his steadfastness and ruthlessness on the battlefield, which, like the Iron Gauntlet, both protected his own people and dealt heavy blows to his enemies.
For us today, the story of Fan Tianen is not only history, but also a spiritual inheritance. Isn't it true that each of us often faces various difficulties and challenges in our lives? Isn't Fan Tianen's persistence and courage a kind of inspiration to us, telling us that no matter what kind of difficulties we face, we should not give up easily?
Indeed, every era will have its Fan Tianen, who are in their posts and contribute their strength without regrets. Their names may not be known to the world, but their actions are the cornerstone of this society. Just like Fan Tianen, although he only has the rank of colonel, his influence and spirit far surpass that of many people.
In today's seemingly peaceful era, we may not need to go to the battlefield in person, but isn't each of our lives full of "battles" that we need to face? Pressures at work, responsibilities at home, challenges on the road to personal growth...... Aren't these exactly our "battlefields"?
In Tianen's life, the real heroes are often not those glamorous and high-flying characters, but those who can stand up at critical moments and contribute in obscurity in ordinary posts. Fan Tianen's story tells us that whether in the torrent of history or in real life, true strength comes from a person's bravery, wisdom and insistence on responsibility.