On a cold winter day in 1970, on the training ground of the 127th Division of the 43rd Army of the Army, a group of southern soldiers were undergoing harsh winter training. Suddenly, several fighters fell to the ground, and it turned out that they were frostbitten due to not adapting to the severe cold. General Zhang Wannian, who was standing on the sidelines, frowned, and a trace of guilt and self-blame flashed in his eyes. The commander of the prestigious "Iron Army" is like a child who has made a mistake at this moment, silently wiping away the tears from the corners of his eyes.
Lao Zhang's heart disease
If you want to talk about General Zhang Wannian, he is a legend. He joined the army at the age of 16 and fought all the way to the founding ceremony, which can be called an evergreen tree in the army. But who would have thought that this iron-blooded general also had a soft side?
Speaking of which, Lao Zhang has always had a hurdle in his heart. That is, he came from a poor background, and when he was a child, he didn't have enough food and clothing, and he had to take his younger brother around begging for food. It was this experience that made him particularly interested in the fighters.
Once, Zhang Wannian inspected his subordinate company and heard that a soldier's mother came to visit her relatives but had nowhere to live. Without saying a word, he called the instructor for a lecture: "The parents of our soldiers are their own relatives, how can they let their relatives sleep in the warehouse?" After saying that, he personally arranged and settled the old man in the instructor's room.
In the evening, Zhang Wannian invited the soldier to have a meal with his mother. When the old man was about to leave, he personally sent it to the station and watched the train leave before leaving. If this matter had been left to other generals, it is estimated that the secretary would have done it a long time ago. But Lao Zhang is different, he likes to do it himself.
The lucky ones on the battlefield
Speaking of Zhang Wannian's military career, it can be twists and turns. From the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to the War of Liberation, to the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, and the counterattack in southern Xinjiang, Lao Zhang fought almost all the battles he could.
The most dangerous time was when Anshan was liberated. At that time, the battle was fierce, and Zhang Wannian and a few brothers from the cooking class fought alone, and they almost confessed there. Later, Lao Zhang often said that he was "the lucky one on the battlefield", and every time he thought of his sacrificed comrades-in-arms, his heart felt sour.
Interestingly, although Zhang Wannian fought bravely, he was not a reckless man. He likes to ponder the doorway to lead troops to war, deduce tactics all day long, and even think about it when he sleeps. In 1978, he was almost 50 years old, and he went to the military academy for further study. This enthusiasm for learning makes many young people feel ashamed.
The iron-blooded and tender heart of a general
Although Zhang Wannian is a great general, he can be described as a "loving father" in the treatment of soldiers. He often said: "The upper level is worthy of the party, and the lower level is worthy of the army." These eight words are easy to say, but not easy to do.
During a winter training session, several southern soldiers suffered frostbite because they were not used to the severe cold. Zhang Wannian was very distressed when he found out, and while arranging treatment, he publicly reviewed his own inconsiderability. This kind of "father's love is like a mountain" style makes the soldiers feel that it is worth fighting with such a commander!
But don't think that Zhang Wannian is a "good old man". He was notoriously strict when it came to leading troops into battle. Sweat rained down on the training ground, and he took the lead bravely in battle, never engaging in speciality. It is this spirit of leading by example that has created the well-known "Iron Army".
A nightmare for the Viet Nam
Speaking of Zhang Wannian's great military exploits, the most talked-about thing is the self-defense counterattack against Vietnam. At that time, Zhang Wannian was studying at the military academy and went to the front without saying a word after receiving an order. This frightened the Viet Nam, and when they heard that Zhang Wanlai had come, their morale suddenly dropped a lot.
Zhang Wannian led his troops to fight a war, crossing the important military towns of Viet Nam as if entering a no-man's land. The Vietnamese army was beaten and fled. This can make the Viet Nam top brass anxious, and they must seize Zhang Wannian at all costs. In order to demoralize our army, they also released rumors that Zhang Wannian had been arrested.
Zhang Wannian was not only safe and sound, but also led the "Iron Army" to defeat the Vietnamese army. This battle can be said to be the pinnacle of Zhang Wannian's military career. However, Lao Zhang is never arrogant, and often says that he is just a lucky person. This humility is even more admirable.
The saga of the "Living Map".
In addition to being great at war, Zhang Wannian also has a unique job - unforgettable. When he was a staff officer under Peng Dehuai, he was known as "a brain melon like a living map". This is not an exaggeration, Zhang Wannian knows the terrain and landforms well, and even knows the enemy's every move clearly.
Once, the superiors came to inspect and test Zhang Wannian's mastery of the enemy's situation. Zhang Wannian was not in a hurry, from the deployment of the enemy's troops, to the characteristics of the terrain, to the possible offensive route, he was the first to say. The superiors were dumbfounded when they heard this, and shouted, "This is a living map, it's a military encyclopedia!"
But Zhang Wannian is not a nerd. What he is best at is combining theoretical knowledge from books with practical experience. In his view, fighting a war is not a rigid copy of dogma, but a flexible adaptation. It is this way of thinking that has made Zhang Wannian repeatedly perform miraculous feats on the battlefield.
The general also has tenderness
Speaking of Zhang Wannian's marriage, it is interesting. Back then, he fell in love with a girl named Zhong Peizhao, and the two quickly decided for life. It stands to reason that when a dignified general gets married, he has to do a lot of work. But Zhang Wannian is not, the wedding is very simple, and even the place where he lives is very close to ordinary soldiers.
As a result, the fighters were overjoyed. On the day of the wedding, you write couplets and I post happy words, which is very lively. Zhang Wannian didn't put on a show, talked and laughed with everyone, and personally poured tea for those who came to congratulate him. This scene makes people's hearts warm when they see it.
Zhang Wannian also loves his wife very much. No matter how busy I am at work, I don't forget to add something to my home. When I came back from a business trip, I brought a scarf to my wife. His wife felt sorry for him and said that you, a general, still worry about this. Zhang Wannian said with a smile: "Being a general is work, and it is my duty to love my wife!" If this word spreads, I don't know how many people will be envious to death.
Speaking of Zhang Wannian, he can be said to be a legendary figure in the army. From a poor boy begging for food to a powerful general, Zhang Wannian's life trajectory can be called an inspirational model.
But what is even more admirable is that Zhang Wannian has always maintained a pure heart. Loyalty to the party, care for the soldiers, and ruthlessness to the enemy, this is Zhang Wannian's way of life.
In today's era of peace, many people may have forgotten the cruelty of war. But seniors in the army like Zhang Wannian used their lives to interpret what it means to "serve the country and the people". They deserve to be remembered forever.