Ceremony honors legacy of decorated war veteran

Wang Zhanshan, a distinguished veteran and recipient of the July 1 Medal, the Communist Party of China's highest honor, passed away on Feb 26 at the age of 97.

A farewell ceremony was held on Monday in Anyang city, Henan province, to honor his legacy.

Wang's military career spanned more than 40 key conflicts, including the Liaoshen and Pingjin Campaigns during the War of Liberation, the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53), and the Sino-Vietnamese War.

Over the course of his service, he sustained 38 injuries, including a piece of shrapnel that remained lodged in his head.

Born in 1929 to a farming family in Tangshan, Hebei province, Wang joined the People's Liberation Army in 1947 and became a CPC member in 1948 at the age of 19.

His commitment to the CPC was fueled by gratitude — in 1946, he was captured by Kuomintang forces and faced execution, but his life was saved by the Eighth Route Army.

"If it weren't for the Party's rescue, I would have been dead long ago,"Wang recounted in a previous interview with Xinhua News Agency.

"The Communist Party empowers the people to be their own masters. I am determined to follow the Party and use my gun to liberate more impoverished people," he said, expressing his dedication to the Party.

In October 1952, Wang fought with the Chinese People's Volunteer Army during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea. During the Battle of Kumsong in the final stages of the conflict in July 1953, he led 76 soldiers in defending two strategic locations against enemy forces, who had the advantage of aircraft, artillery and tanks.

Despite harsh conditions and limited supplies, Wang's platoon held their ground for four days and nights, inflicting over 400 enemy casualties. By the time reinforcements arrived, fewer than 10 of his soldiers remained, with Wang himself severely wounded. He survived thanks to the efforts of medical workers after being hospitalized.

Following the war, Wang received numerous accolades, including a first-class merit from the Chinese People's Volunteer Army headquarters and the First-Class National Flag Medal from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

In 1979, he was appointed deputy commander of a military district in Anyang, Henan. After retiring, Wang dedicated himself to educating others about revolutionary history, delivering over 400 talks to military personnel, students and organizations. He also supported more than 20 students through financial donations.

In 2021, Wang was awarded the July 1 Medal by the CPC Central Committee.

"I deeply miss our fallen comrades. If they were still alive, they would be enjoying this with us. Now, I should reassure them," Wang told China Central Television.