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The Art of the Party: The Immortal Hero Yang Gensi
Special Series/CGTN
02:02

In 1951, the Chinese painter Zong Qixiang created the oil painting "The Immortal Hero Yang Gensi" based on Yang Gensi's heroic deeds.

Yang was a Chinese soldier hero and remembered for his efforts and sacrifices in the Korean War in 1950.

On June 25, 1950, the Korean War broke out between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Four months later, as requested by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) forces crossed the Yalu River to aid the DPRK's fight there until a truce was signed in 1953.

In November 7, 1950, Yang Gensi officially followed the army and joined the war as a company commander of the CPV.

About two weeks later, the U.S. and ROK forces launched an offensive military operation aimed at ending war as soon as possible.

The offensive encountered heavy resistance by Chinese soldiers. Facing the encirclement by the Chinese forces, the U.S. and their allies were forced to retreat south down the Korean peninsula.

And the only place where the U.S. military could escape to the south was at a location where Yang Gensi's troops were in charge.

The U.S. military launched several attacks there, and Yang Gensi's troops were left alone with him.

In the end, Yang ran out of bullets. He picked up about 10 kilograms of explosives and killed nearly 40 U.S. soldiers while sacrificing his own life. At that time, he was only 28- years- old.

Subsequently, Yang was posthumously awarded the honorary title of "Superhero". Yang Gensi Memorial Park was built in 1955.

He was the first special-class hero and special-class combat hero of the CPV.

China has never forgotten its heroes. After Yang's heroic sacrifice, his spirit affected the entire volunteer army.

 

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