Touching China 2005 Annual Person

Author: Zhu Bo / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: During the Spring Festival that year, the army was executing a major mission. On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, he disregarded persuasion and participated in the executive meeting despite his illness, listened to work reports, and presided over the formulation of combat plans. From the second floor to the fourth floor, there were only more than 40 steps, but he struggled to climb them, panting heavily and sweating profusely. His comrades nearby wanted to carry him home to rest, but he flew into a rage: "My mission hasn’t been completed yet. Do you want me to die without peace?" "A soldier must fall on the battlefield." Yang Yegong’s tone was resolute. Yang Yegong did not fall. He was always concerned about the development of the missile forces. Just 13 days before his death, Chen Huahua, the commander of a division in the base, received a phone call. He never expected it to be from Commander Yang calling from the hospital! Yang Yegong asked him about the construction of the position and repeatedly him over the phone to ensure the upcoming standard assessment was well-organized. Yang Yegong did not fall. In his final moments, he leaned against the bedside, receiving an intravenous drip while writing his performance report on a laptop, leaving his work experience and lessons behind for the "base leadership" and his lingering thoughts for his comrades: "Illness may break my body, but it cannot break my unyielding will. Once I recover, I will continue to fight alongside my comrades on the front line of military readiness."
Base Political Commissar Chi Zhijiang rushed to the hospital, seeing his comrade battling the illness with sweat on his face, and his eyes filled with tears. When Yang Yegong regained his strength, he simply smiled and asked, "Comrade Chi, when can I return to the unit?"
On June 9, 2004, leaders from the Second Artillery visited to see him. With all his strength, Yang Yegong spoke only about how to strengthen the missile forces. If he had any last words, they would have been: "I willingly offer this body to the missile cause—I have no regrets."
Yang Yegong passed away. In his final moments, he shouted the weak but resolute command "March forth" and completed his glorious life. The soldiers and officers surrounding him were moved to tears. Without hesitation, they raised their right hands and paid a solemn military salute to bid farewell to the general of the Republic. P14