Preface:
Who would have thought that a former Kuomintang commander would become a heroic general of the New China Volunteer Army? Who would have thought that a general who had repeatedly performed miraculous feats on the battlefield would be politely denied a request to join the Communist Party? This is the legendary life of General Zeng Zesheng, a legendary story full of contradictions and glory.
From Yunnan to Northeast China: A Soldier's Journey to Growth
In 1902, Zeng Zesheng was born in a well-off family in Yongshan County, Yunnan. Thanks to his good family background, he had the opportunity to receive an education and enter the Yunnan Lecture Hall to study at the right age. This experience laid a solid foundation for his later military career.
After graduation, Zeng Zesheng did not stop learning. He entered the Whampoa Military Academy for further study, and joined the Kuomintang during this period. This experience not only enriched his military knowledge, but also paved the way for his future career.
Zeng Zesheng, who returned from his studies, soon showed his military talents. In the Yunnan army, he gradually rose to prominence and won the appreciation of many high-ranking generals. Especially during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Zeng Zesheng participated in the famous Battle of Taierzhuang, he led a regiment to hold Yuwang Mountain, facing several times the Japanese army, and held on for more than a month without flinching. This battle not only showed Zeng Zesheng's military talent, but also forged his perseverance and unyielding character.
From "60 Bears" to "50 Braves": the metamorphosis of a force
However, after the outbreak of the civil war, Zeng Zesheng's 60th Army fell into an embarrassing situation. As a unit that was regarded as a "miscellaneous army", the 60th Army was repeatedly defeated in the face of the Kuomintang Central Army, and was even nicknamed the "60 Bear". This experience was undoubtedly a heavy blow to Zeng Zesheng, but it also laid the groundwork for his future transformation.
In 1948, the gears of fate began to turn. In Changchun, northeast, Zeng Zesheng led the 60th Army to stage an uprising and joined the ranks of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The 60th Army was reorganized into the 50th Army, and Zeng Zesheng continued to serve as the commander. This change is not only a change in the number of troops, but also a thorough reform of the mental outlook of a unit.
Korean Battlefield: The rebirth of the 50th Army
In October 1950, the Korean War broke out. As the first batch of troops to fight in Korea, the 50th Army shouldered an important mission. However, the initial battles did not go well, and the 50th Army was used as a reserve at one time. This situation did not change until they eliminated one of the enemy's tank battalions in one fell swoop.
In the defensive battle on the south bank of the Han River, the 50th Army faced unprecedented challenges. 30,000 against 230,000 enemy troops, it was a seemingly impossible task. However, Zeng Zesheng led the 50th Army to defy hardships and dangers, held its position for more than a month, and finally completed the task of guarding, destroying more than 10,000 enemies.
Victory in this battle did not come easily. The 50th Army paid a heavy price, and in the end only more than 2,000 of the 30,000-strong troops remained. However, it was this battle that completely changed the image of the 50th Army, and they transformed from the former "60 bears" to the "50 brave" that terrified the enemy.
Two meetings with Chairman Mao: glory and regret coexist
In 1951, Zeng Zesheng, who had made great achievements in the Korean battlefield, returned to China to recuperate and was received by Chairman Mao Zedong. Zeng Zesheng was deeply shocked by this meeting. Chairman Mao's understanding of the battlefield situation is even deeper than that of Zeng Zesheng as a commander. This experience made Zeng Zesheng more determined to fight for New China.
In April 1955, the 50th Army was again ordered to return home. Zeng Zesheng was once again received by Chairman Mao. During this meeting, Zeng Zesheng plucked up his courage and asked Chairman Mao to join the Communist Party of China. However, unexpectedly, Chairman Mao politely declined his request.
Chairman Mao's explanation was both unexpected and far-sighted: "Now that you participate in the construction of New China as a person outside the party, it is more beneficial to our country, at least Taiwan will not gossip, and at the same time, you can persuade your friends in Taiwan to return to China as a person outside the party and promote the reunification of the motherland!" "
Although Zeng Zesheng felt a little regretful about this decision, he deeply understood the deep meaning. He understood that although he had not officially joined the Communist Party, he had already been recognized by the party and the state.
Later years: Exploits and regrets
In the years that followed, Zeng Zesheng continued to contribute to the construction of New China. In 1955, he was awarded the rank of lieutenant general, and successively served as a member of the National Defense Committee and a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
However, until his death in Beijing in 1973, Zeng Zesheng was never able to realize his desire to join the Communist Party. This may be a great regret in his life, but his life is undoubtedly glorious and great.
Epilogue:
General Zeng Zesheng's life, from the Kuomintang army commander to the general of the Volunteer Army, from "60 bears" to "50 braves", is a legend of ups and downs. His experience not only shows the growth of a soldier, but also reflects the changes of an era.
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