In February 1951, the winter in Beijing had not yet passed, and the chill still lingered in every corner of the city. In the conference hall of the General Staff, an enlarged meeting of the Central Military Commission on the situation on the Korean battlefield is underway. Suddenly, a roar broke the calm of the meeting, and everyone's eyes focused on the figure that stood up, it was Peng Dehuai, the commander of the Volunteer Army, who had just returned from the front line.
When New China was first established, it suddenly encountered war when it was in ruins
In 1950, the Korean War broke out. United States led the United Nations forces to cross the 38th parallel and approach the Sino-Korean border. How should China respond to the dire situation? Is it to retreat to the defense, or to take the initiative? This question posed a dilemma for the nascent republic.
On the one hand, there is the people's desire for peace, and on the other hand, there is an urgent need to defend the country. The domestic economy is in difficulty, the army is outdated in equipment, but the danger is imminent. At this critical moment, a person stood up, and he was Peng Dehuai.
Peng Dehuai was ordered to lead 250,000 troops into the court
Mao Zedong appointed Peng Dehuai as the commander of the Volunteer Army. Peng didn't say a word and took over the burden. He knew how difficult this battle was, but he knew even more that he couldn't fight it.
In October 1950, Peng Dehuai led 250,000 volunteers to secretly enter the DPRK. They were poorly equipped, but with amazing courage and wisdom, they won three battles and three victories, driving the arrogant American troops back to the south of the 38th parallel. This battle played out the national prestige of New China.
The logistics and supplies couldn't keep up, and Peng Dehuai was anxious
The Volunteer Army was victorious one after another, but with it came serious logistical problems. The U.S. military's air blockade has put supply lines in jeopardy. The front-line soldiers did not have enough to eat, did not have warm clothing, and there was a shortage of ammunition.
Peng Dehuai saw it in his eyes and was anxious in his heart. He knew that if he continued like this, the fruits of victory could come to naught at any time. For this reason, he decided to return to China to report on his work and solve this problem himself.
A roar at the meeting of the Military Commission
Beijing, February 24, 1951. At the enlarged meeting of the Central Military Commission, Peng Dehuai reported on the situation at the front line, focusing on the issue of logistics and supply. But what he didn't expect was that some cadres put forward difficulties, saying that domestic construction is also very important, and it is difficult to give full support for the time being.
Peng Dehuai couldn't listen anymore. He stood up suddenly, slammed his fist on the table, and roared angrily: "You say that this is also difficult, and that is also difficult, I think you are the only one who is patriotic!" Aren't the fighters on the front line human? They are fighting desperately with the US military in the ice and snow, don't they know patriotism?"
There was silence in the room. Peng Dehuai continued: "You should really go to the front line. What did the fighters eat and wear? The level of hardship now is far from comparable to that of the Long March. With so many dead and wounded, for whom did they shed their blood? For whom?"
Speaking of emotion, this iron-clad man had red eyes: "They are all young dolls, can't the country overcome some difficulties?"
Peng Dehuai's words are like a hammer, knocking on everyone's heart. He was not angry with himself, but for the fighters who fought bloody battles on the front lines.
Peng Dehuai's anger pierced the sky. After his words spread, there was a nationwide rush to support the front. From the city to the countryside, people have taken action to process fried noodles and sew cotton clothes for the volunteers. The problem of logistical supply has also been gradually solved.
In July 1953, the Volunteers finally forced the United States to sign the armistice. This was the first time that United States had signed an armistice without winning. In his own way, Peng Dehuai won dignity for the country and peace for Asia.
History will remember Peng Dehuai's exploits, and will also remember his roar on that cold winter day. It was not the roar of one man, but the indomitable cry of a nation.