In 2005, artist Bai Zhanwang created the oil painting "Red Army Commander Chen Shuxiang."

The painting depicts Chen Shuxiang's heroic sacrifice... the moment he decided he would rather die than surrender to the enemy.

It was 1934. Kuomintang forces had surrounded the Central Red Army in Jiangxi, southeastern China.

Chen Shuxiang's outnumbered troops decided to cross the Xiangjiang River to break through the Kuomintang line of attack.

Their mission was to block the assault from behind and buy more time for the main Communist forces to cross the river. Stalling the pursuing enemy was key to the Red Army's safe retreat.

Though his troops were outnumbered, Commander Chen Shuxiang knew he had to persevere. The 34th Division fought off waves of relentless attacks.

Most of the Red Army had made it across the river safely, but the passage of the 34th Division had been blocked by the Kuomintang army.

Despite fierce fighting, they suffered many casualties.

During his final battle, 29-year-old Chen was wounded, captured and interrogated.

Commander Chen Shuxiang refused to divulge the whereabouts of the Red Army’s main forces and committed suicide to keep the information secret.

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