On September 27, 1955, a special award ceremony was held in Huairentang in Zhongnanhai, marking the first time that our army implemented the military rank system. However, the process has not been easy. Many generals were dissatisfied with their ranks, and the arrangement of the ranks of more than 3,000 veteran Red Army soldiers was even more difficult.
The Red Army, as the predecessor of the People's Liberation Army, made great contributions during the period of the Agrarian Revolutionary War. They have a lot of experience and outstanding contributions, but they can be tricky for the awarding of titles. Faced with this dilemma, the awarders turned to *** for a moment of contemplation and solved this thorny problem in just five words. So what did *** say in the end? How was this resolved? The following small words will take you to understand.
In the early days of New China, our army was faced with more than just internal management and organizational adjustmentsThere is also coordination and confrontation with international forces. At that time, the size of our army had grown from a few hundred to millionsParticipation is no longer just in small-scale local conflicts, but in large-scale operations involving the fate of nations. This shift urgently requires a tighter and more effective management system within the military. The introduction of the military rank system is precisely to cope with this change, improve command efficiency, and ensure the smooth implementation of strategic deployment.
As the size of the military increases, coordination and cooperation among the forces become particularly crucial. Due to the lack of a clear division of ranks among different units, there is often confusion in the daily work arrangements and operational command. In addition, the armed forces have conducted exchanges and cooperation with foreign countries, such as the cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party, the Chongqing negotiations, and the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid KoreaIt also reveals the inconvenience and embarrassment caused by unclear official ranks. These problems underscore the urgency and necessity of implementing a military rank system.
The establishment of the military rank system is not only a major readjustment of the army's management structureIt is also a continuation and development of our army's tradition and culture. Since ancient times, the squadron has had a tradition of generals and soldiers fighting side by side. Under the leadership of our party, this tradition has been further promoted. The generals have always maintained close ties with the masses of the people, forming a united front. This fine style of coexistence on an equal footing is a major characteristic of our party and is also a key factor in our army's ability to win victories in various battles.
The implementation of the military rank system is aimed at further standardizing the organizational structure of the armed forces and enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of operational command. Through a clear division of ranks, we will not only make the internal management of the armed forces more orderly, but also make our armed forces more convincing and authoritative in foreign cooperation and negotiations. At the same time, the introduction of the military rank system also reflects the recognition of the personal honor and contribution of soldiersIt will help to boost the morale of the army and encourage officers and men to make greater contributions to the country and the people.
From the very beginning of the formation of the Red Army, they began a journey of great hardship. In the beginning, the Red Army was a small force, but in the flames of the revolution, it gradually grew into a formidable force with more than 300,000 soldiers. However, the relentless war continues to wear down this teamFrom fierce battles to difficult Long Marches, the Red Army has endured too many sacrifices and trials. In the end, only a few thousand Red Army soldiers were left who survived. It was these people, with their flesh and blood, who laid a solid foundation for the victory of the Chinese revolutionary cause.
From the beginning of the arduous Long March to the birth of New ChinaThere were only about 3,000 of these old Red Army left. A group of veteran Red Army soldiers went through countless hardships and obstacles to witness the birth of New China. Their careers are a microcosm of the history of the Chinese revolution, full of indomitable spirit.
First of all, when these old Red Army members joined, they had to have a firm revolutionary consciousness and courage. It was an era of white terror, and the Kuomintang reactionaries severely suppressed all revolutionary forcesJoining the Red Army meant putting one's life at great risk. They chose revolution in such an environment, which in itself was a courageous decision.
In the Red Army, they were constantly tested in continuous battles in the face of the repeated "encirclement and suppression" of the Kuomintang. Five "encirclement and suppression" and countless small-scale attacks have kept them in constant adversity, not only fighting the enemy, but also dealing with the harsh living environment. Many Red Army soldiers died heroically in the processThe old Red Army that survived was undoubtedly the most resilient and brave part.
The difficult course of the Long March was for these old Red ArmymenIt is also a serious challenge. They trekked through mountains and rivers, crossed countless difficulties, and traveled all the way west from Jiangxi to northern Shaanxi. In this almost impossible journey, they endured hardships, but they always maintained their loyalty and faith in the revolution. And those Red Army soldiers who did not participate in the Long March, but stuck to the guerrilla war in the south,The same confronts the enemy in extremely difficult conditions,Their persistence left a precious spark for the revolution.
Even after all these hardships, these old Red Army soldiers still had to continue to fight in the all-out war of resistance and the war of liberation. At this stage, they faced more intense battles, often with a few against many, showing extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Many veteran Red Army soldiers died unfortunately in the process, and only a handful of them survived to the founding of New China.
These old Red Army soldiers are highly regarded, and he believes that they should be remembered by historyis commendable. ** He said with deep feeling: "We are the masters of the country, they are the servants of the state, and they are all faithful messengers who fight for the cause of communism. We should inherit their beliefs, and although they do not compete for fame and fortune, we must give them the credit they deserve. Their contributions cannot be ignored and must be recognized.
In 1955, the Chinese People's Liberation Army made a historic move to implement the rank system. The implementation of this system is not only a commendation for the soldiers who fought bravely in the past, but also marks the establishment of a modern management system for our army. In this award event, more than one million soldiers were involvedThe ranks are divided into six ranks, for a total of nineteen ranksCovering all levels from the highest marshal to ordinary soldiers.
Generalissimo and Marshal of the People's Republic of China constitute the highest ranks of the military ranks, while the ranks of generals, colonels, lieutenants, deputy platoon cadres (warrant officers) and non-commissioned officers are also clearly divided. In this large-scale award, ** humbly declined the rank of generalissimo,Hundreds of senior generals, including ten founding marshals and ten generals, have been recognized for their corresponding military ranks.
In the process, a thorny issue emerged: the issue of the ranks of more than 3000 old Red Army soldiers. These valiant veterans, due to their limited level of education,According to the evaluation standards of the time, it seems that it was not possible to obtain the corresponding military rank.
**and*** faced a dilemma when dealing with this issue: on the one hand, the old Red Army was a symbol of the spiritual wealth and strength of our army, and their contribution to the revolution should not be ignored; On the other hand, if the principles and standards for the awarding of military ranks are violated, it may lead to confusion in the system. Faced with this dilemma, ** and *** had to be reported to ***Seek his guidance.
After receiving the report, I also felt the importance of this decision, so I convened senior leaders such as *** to discuss together. After careful consideration, the decision was finally made: "The Red Army will not be a colonel". This decision both reflected the recognition of the contribution of the old Red ArmyThe solemnity and dignity of the rank system were also maintained.
At that time, military ranks were assessed according to a strict set of criteriaThe main consideration is the individual's qualifications, position, and military exploits. It was a great honor for some soldiers who had participated in important battles and performed valiantly to be able to receive senior military ranks at this award ceremony. According to the standards of the time, the rank of general required at least the rank of regular corps, while lieutenant general, major general and colonel corresponded to different ranks.
As soon as this policy decision was announced, it immediately aroused enthusiastic repercussions throughout the army and society. This is not only a recognition of the sacrifices and contributions made by these veteran Red Army veterans for the country over the years, but also reflects our party's deep respect and gratitude for these veterans. When the old Red Army heard the news, they excitedly shouted: "Hurrah!" Long live the Communist Party! "They feel that their dedication and sacrifice over the years have been affirmed by the country and the partyThe heart is full of satisfaction and pride.
This decision was not only a commendation for the old Red Army, but also an affirmation of their long-standing and unswerving revolutionary faith. These old Red Armymen, from the very beginning of the revolution, joined the struggleAfter going through countless hardships and obstacles, their perseverance and sacrifice were important factors in the successful establishment of New China. The decision reflects the deep concern for these brave soldiers, and also demonstrates the respect and respect of New China for the historical contributors.
There is a particularly eye-catching figure, he is Jiang Weiping. Jiang Weiping is not only remarkable for his advanced age, but his experience is legendary. Jiang Weiping, who was born in the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, has experienced many twists and turns in modern Chinese history. He served as a regiment commander during the warlord period and intersected with the troops of historical figures such as Li Hongzhang, Yuan Shikai, and Duan Qirui. However, he gave up his position as regiment commander and chose to return to his hometown to open a pharmacy.
When the Anti-Japanese War broke out, Jiang Weiping was already in his sixtieth year. However, his patriotism has not diminished with age. In 1938, the Eighth Route Army passed through his hometownThe 60-year-old Jiang Weiping decided to join the ranks of the anti-Japanese resistance. He is not a fighter who wields **, but a doctor of the wounded. At the branch of the Bethune International Peace Hospital, he served as director and devoted himself to treating wounded soldiers. He has been honored several times for his work and dedicationIncluding Model Company, Model Worker, and Combat Hero.
In 1955, when the award ceremony was held, Jiang Weiping was 77 years old, but he was still awarded the rank of major, which was an affirmation of his long-term contributions. Five years later, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. Interestingly, Jiang Weiping has attracted attention because of his distinctive beard. When I learned that I needed to cut off my beard to participate in the investiture ceremonyHe was very embarrassed. After learning about this, not only smiled,He was also specifically allowed to keep his beard. As a result, Jiang Weiping became the only person with a beard at that ceremony.
It was not until July 12, 1964 that the legendary veteran died at the age of 86. Although he is no longer alive, his deeds are forever remembered in Chinese history. As the oldest lieutenant colonel in the history of New China, Jiang Weiping's life was full of dedication and perseverance, and his story has become a model for future generations to learn and inherit. His life and work show the responsibility and loyalty of a soldier, and also reflect the changes of an era and the precipitation of history. Jiang Weiping's name and his story will always be remembered by future generations.