Racing across East China: A Chronicle of the 31st Army of the People's Liberation Army at War

Author: Chen Guangxiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: The predecessor of the People's Liberation Army of China's Third Army, the East China Field Army's Thirteenth Corps, was established in August 1947. The Corps participated in the Jiaodong Defense War shortly after its formation, employing mobile defense to repel the Guomindang's advance toward the Jiaodong Liberated Area, defeating over 20,000 enemy soldiers. Subsequently, it took part in the Weifang Campaign and the Central Section of the Jinpu Railway Campaign. In July 1948, it joined forces with allied units to seize Yanzhou; in September, it participated in the Jinan Campaign, fighting for eight days and nights. The 09th Regiment was the first to break through the southwest city walls, earning the honorary title of "Jinan Second Regiment" from the Central Military Commission. In November, it joined the Huaihai Campaign, participating in the capture of Cao Ba Ji, encircling and destroying Huang Baitao's Corps, pursuing Li Yannian and Liu Ruming's Corps, and attacking Huang Wei's Corps. In April 1949, it took part in the Yangtze River Crossing Campaign, later controlling Jiangyin, capturing Yixing, and cutting off the Guomindang's eastern retreat route from Nanjing and Zhenjiang. It encircled and destroyed retreating enemy forces in Langxi and Guangde. In July 1949, it participated in the Shenzhou and Zhangxia Campaigns, liberating Fujian. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, it took part in the liberation and defense of Dongshan Island, safeguarding the maritime frontier. In 1958, it participated in the gunbattle against Jinmen. "Capable of first-class combat power," "frequently completing combat tasks," and "more vibrant." These were the evaluations of the People's Liberation Army's Third Army given by Comrade Chen Yi when reporting to Chairman Mao Zedong. This book, with rich materials, comprehensively depicts the battle journey of the Third Army, reflecting the heroic achievements of the vast number of commanders and soldiers in the cause of the People's Liberation Army of China and the battle to defend the new China, as well as their glorious tradition of fearlessness and bravery in battle.