He Long

He Long was a prominent Chinese communist military leader and a founding marshal of the People's Liberation Army. A charismatic and formidable guerrilla commander, he played a crucial role in the Chinese Communist Revolution, leading forces during the Long March and the Second Sino-Japanese War. His military career spanned from the Warlord Era through the Chinese Civil War, after which he held significant political offices before being persecuted during the Cultural Revolution.

Early life and military beginnings

Born into a poor rural family in Sangzhi County, Hunan, He Long received little formal education. He became involved in anti-Qing activities as a youth and later joined local militias. His early military experience was shaped during the chaotic Warlord Era, where he gained a reputation as a skilled and daring fighter. He initially served with forces aligned with the Kuomintang during the National Protection War and the Constitutional Protection Movement, eventually rising to command a division. His growing disillusionment with the Nationalist government and exposure to communist ideas led to a pivotal shift in his allegiance.

Role in the Chinese Communist Revolution

In 1927, He Long decisively joined the Chinese Communist Party, commanding troops during the pivotal Nanchang Uprising, which is considered the founding moment of the People's Liberation Army. Following the uprising's failure, he returned to his home region to establish revolutionary bases, utilizing his deep local connections in Hunan and Hubei. He successfully organized and led the Second Army Group, creating a significant soviet area that became a key destination during the Long March. His forces later merged with other units to form the Second Front Army, which he commanded during the arduous journey to Yan'an, the communist headquarters.

Military career in the People's Liberation Army

During the Second Sino-Japanese War, He Long was appointed commander of the 120th Division of the Eighth Route Army, operating behind enemy lines in Shanxi and Suiyuan Province. He employed effective guerrilla tactics against the Imperial Japanese Army, expanding communist influence in North China. In the resumed Chinese Civil War, he commanded forces in the Northwestern Military Region, contributing to the campaigns that secured control of Shaanxi and Gansu. For his distinguished service, he was conferred the rank of Marshal of the People's Republic of China in 1955, standing among the Ten Marshals of the People's Liberation Army.

Political roles and later life

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, He Long transitioned to high-level political and administrative positions. He served as Vice Premier of the State Council and held the role of Chairman of the Commission for Physical Culture and Sports, where he oversaw the development of national athletics. He also served as a member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party and the Central Military Commission. During the Cultural Revolution, he was falsely accused of plotting a "February Countercurrent" and was targeted by the Gang of Four. He was purged, subjected to severe persecution, and died in 1969 from inadequate medical care.

Legacy and commemoration

He Long was posthumously rehabilitated by the Chinese Communist Party in 1974, and his reputation was fully restored. He is remembered as a legendary and tenacious military commander whose early defection to the communist cause provided vital martial expertise. Numerous institutions and locations bear his name, including the He Long Sports Center in Changsha and the He Long Memorial Hall in his hometown. His life has been depicted in films, television series, and literature, cementing his status as a revered revolutionary hero in the official history of the People's Republic of China.

Category:1896 births Category:1969 deaths Category:Marshals of the People's Republic of China Category:People from Hunan