Riding Across East China---A Chronicle of the Battles of the 31st Army of the People's Liberation Army

Author: Chen Guangxiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-30
Features: The predecessor of the 31st Army of the People's Liberation Army of China, the 13th Corps of the East China Field Army, was established in August 1947. The corps participated in the Jiaodong Defense Campaign shortly after its formation, employing mobile defense to repel the Guomindang's offensive toward the Jiaodong Liberated Area, killing 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 decisively defeat the Guomindang in Yanzhou; in September, it participated in the Jinan Campaign, engaging in fierce battles for eight days. 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 eliminating 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, encircling and eliminating fleeing enemy forces in Langxi and Guangde. In July, 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, establishing a strong presence in the sea. In 1958, it participated in the. "Capable of first-class combat power," "frequently completing combat tasks," and "full of vitality." These were the evaluations of the 31st Army of the People's Liberation Army of China given by Comrade Chen Yi to Chairman Mao Zedong. This book, with rich materials, comprehensively describes the battle journey of the 31st Army, reflecting the heroic achievements of the officers and soldiers in the cause of the People's Liberation Army of China and the battle to defend the newly established People's Republic of China, as well as their glorious tradition of fearlessness and bravery in battle.