East China Iron Stream: A Chronicle of the Battles of the People's Liberation Army's 23rd Army

Author: Zhang Hongshun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: The 23rd Army of the People's Liberation Army is a heroic force with a glorious revolutionary history and fine traditions. During the early days of the Red Army, the armed forces of the Yiheng peasant uprising led by Fang Zhimin, the armed forces of the Western Fujian peasant uprising led by Zhang Dingcheng and Deng Zihui, and the Minnan Red Army guerrilla units led by Wang Zhanchun were the predecessors of the 23rd Army. Subsequently, after the failure of the fifth anti-encirclement campaign, Fang Zhimin and others were captured or martyred; they launched Western Fujian guerrilla warfare; crossed the river and moved north; faced Han Deqing's 30,000-strong army and achieved victory in the Huangqiao battle; participated in the Cheqiao battle, sounding the horn for the Huaiyang Campaign's counteroffensive against Japan; won seven consecutive victories in Suizhong; participated in the Menglangguo battle, joining sister units to annihilate the Nationalist Party's elite 74th Division; captured the famous general Du Yuming; and participated in the Korean War, creating miracles in the Dingzishan battle and delivering a blow to the newly appointed U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The battle history of the 23rd Army is an important part of the Chinese people's pursuit of national independence and self-reliance, a story of songs and tears.