Veteran radio expert's dedication echoes across time

At the First Retired Cadres Sanatorium of Zhengzhou, Henan Provincial Military Command, the face of He Sheng, a 102-year-old veteran, has lights up with a heartfelt smile when he speaks about his birthday — July 1 — which is also the birthday of the Communist Party of China and the anniversary of his joining the CPC 86 years ago.

His eyes gleam as he recounts his career, which was dedicated to intercepting and deciphering enemy radio communications.

"Aside from sleeping, we were constantly at work," he said. He and his comrades were stationed in a village about 25 kilometers from Yan'an, the center of the CPC-led revolution during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945). The unit's existence was unknown to many staff working in the city.

"It was highly confidential," He said. "As long as the enemy used radio communications, we could detect their signals and pinpoint their locations."

Born in 1924 in Shaanxi province, He joined the CPC in 1939 and later became a renowned expert in signal interception. His honors include an award citation from Commander-in-Chief Zhu De in 1943, which is in the collection of the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution.

"One time, we had captured all the enemy's radio stations. However, after seizing them, our intelligence was cut off. This created serious difficulties," he recalled.

Former premier Zhou Enlai would encourage the team of interceptors, saying, in effect: "These are the difficulties that indicate a victory. The enemy is facing even greater difficulties. With persistent effort, we will overcome all the obstacles."

Not long afterward, they succeeded in deciphering the new codes.

As the oldest person at a retirement home for veterans in Zhengzhou, He maintains a disciplined daily routine. His expression is one of calm contentment. He enjoys playing chess and table tennis, and often spends time reading.

"My original revolution intention was cultivated by the Party. I am always ready to answer the Party's call without hesitation," he added.