He is the highest-ranking general among all the guards, he is a rare senior general in China, and he is Yang Dezhong, the loyal guard of the ** guard regiment. During Yang Dezhong's career, the early Eighth Route Army and the People's Liberation Army fought the enemy under extremely difficult conditions, and after the founding of the People's Republic of China, the army gradually transformed into a modern army. As a participant and witness, General Yang Dezhong's promotion and change of position also reflect this process.
Born in 1923 in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, to a family of intellectuals, Yang Dezhong showed a thirst for knowledge and a quest for justice from an early age. In the second year after the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War, the young man resolutely joined the revolutionary ranks and went to Yan'an to study at the Anti-Japanese Military and Political University, a decision that changed his life.
In Yan'an, Yang Dezhong not only received a systematic education in military and politics, but more importantly, his ideals and beliefs were strengthened here. He profoundly understood that only by following the party can we truly strive for the liberation of the country and the happiness of the people. This belief supported him to participate in the arduous anti-Japanese battles again and again, and showed extraordinary courage and wisdom in the war.
After the end of the war, the People's Republic of China was founded, and Yang Dezhong's life and work ushered in a new stage. He continued to play an important role in the new state apparatus, becoming the first commissar of the ** Guard Regiment. In this position, he not only wanted to ensure the safety of the country's leaders, but also contributed his wisdom and strength to the construction and development of the troops. In 1955, at the age of 32, Yang Dezhong was awarded the rank of colonel for his outstanding performance and contributions in the army, which was the first time he was awarded the title, marking a new level in his military career.
Over time, Yang has demonstrated his leadership skills and strategic vision in a number of key positions. In 1978, he returned to the Guard Bureau as the head of the Guard Division and the commander of the ** Guard Division, a position that was essential for the security of the country's leaders. In this position, he, with his deep military qualities and unwavering sense of responsibility, ensured the security of the country's leadership and the stability of the country.
In 1988, at the age of 65, Yang was promoted to lieutenant general, a promotion that was not only an affirmation of his many years of military career, but also a recognition of his loyalty and dedication. But he was not satisfied and continued to faithfully carry out his duties. In 1994, at the age of 71, he was again promoted to general and was awarded the Order of Independence, the Order of Liberation of the Second Degree, and the Red Star Meritorious Medal of the Second Class of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. This honor is the highest recognition of his long service and great contributions.
It can be said that the reason why Yang Dezhong, an elderly general, was promoted at the age of 65 and 71 is because he has been silently dedicating himself to the security and stability of the country in different positions. Yang Dezhong represents the persistence and loyalty of his military career, he went from colonel to lieutenant general to general, this span reflects his personal ability and contribution, and reflects the importance of experience and loyalty in the Chinese affairs system. He is not only a famous general, but also a loyal soldier who defends the motherland, and he has pushed his career to a new peak.
After being promoted to general, Yang Dezhong chose to retire and began his peaceful and happy old age. Despite his retirement, he still enjoys the benefits of the CP Military Region, which is a respect and reward for his life's work. In 2020, General Yang Dezhong died of illness at the age of 97.