Japanese troops invaded the Chinese region of Manchuria. By 1932, the entire northeast region was occupied.

The Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army, an extension of the CPC, launched an offensive to suppress the Japanese invaders.

In 1938, Japanese forces surrounded the Northeast United Army along the Songhua River near the border of China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The Japanese attacked and the Northeast United Army suffered heavy losses. The soldiers retreated to the banks of the Wusihun River which they would cross over at dawn.

However, the Northeast United Army was discovered by the Japanese troops.

Eight brave Chinese female soldiers, ranging in age from 13 to 28,  helped protect the Chinese forces by distracting the Japanese.

They crossed the river and attracted enemy fire. The courageous women fought until their last bullets were fired.

Rather than face capture and surrender, they tried to swim away. All eight of them drowned. Their actions enabled the main Chinese forces to escape.

In 1957, artist Wang Shenglie painted a portrait of the female fighters in their final moments.

Called "Eight Heroines," it pays homage to these young women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their cause.

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