Ma Jiyuan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ma Jiyuan 馬繼援 مَا‌ ڭِ‌یُوًا
Ma Jiyuan
Born	(1921-01-18)January 18, 1921 Linxia County, Gansu, Republic of China
Died	February 27, 2012(2012-02-27) (aged 91) Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Allegiance	Republic of China
Years of service	1939–1949
Rank	Major General
Commands held	General Officer Commanding 82nd Army
Battles/wars	Second Sino-Japanese War Chinese Civil War Heshui Campaign Meridian Ridge Campaign Lanzhou Campaign

Ma Jiyuan (مَا‌ ڭِ‌یُوًا, born January 18, 1921 – died February 27, 2012) was an important military leader in China. He was part of the Ma clique, a group of powerful families who controlled parts of northwestern China. Ma Jiyuan was the only son of General Ma Bufang, another well-known military figure. He played a key role in the Republic of China era, especially in the province of Qinghai.

He led nationalist forces against the Communists during the Chinese Civil War. Some of his major battles included the Heshui Campaign, Meridian Ridge Campaign, and the Lanzhou Campaign. Ma Jiyuan was known for his bravery and leadership on the battlefield.

Early Life and Military Beginnings

Ma Jiyuan started his military career at a very young age. He became a colonel when he was just 16 years old. By the time he was 20, he had already been promoted to major general. This shows how quickly he rose through the ranks. He also attended the famous Whampoa Military Academy, a top military school in China.

His upbringing was quite strict. His headquarters often had Chinese proverbs posted around, guiding his actions and decisions. Ma Jiyuan also enjoyed watching American movies in his free time.

Key Battles and Campaigns

Ma Jiyuan was a central figure in several important battles. In 1948, when he was 28 years old, he led his forces to victory in the Heshui Campaign. His troops defeated a large number of Communist soldiers. He commanded the 82nd Cavalry Division, which included many Muslim soldiers. They were known for their fierce charges with swords.

In May 1949, Ma Jiyuan worked with General Hu Zongnan to set a trap for the Communist forces. General Hu pretended to retreat, drawing the Communist General Peng Dehuai and his 120,000 men forward. Ma Jiyuan then personally led 20,000 of his cavalry soldiers. They attacked the Communist forces, causing them to flee. He continued to fight the Communists around Xi'an throughout July.

Defending Lanzhou

In August 1949, the city of Lanzhou became a major battleground. Ma Jiyuan's father, Ma Bufang, flew to the government in Guangzhou to ask for more supplies. While his father was away, Ma Jiyuan took command of the forces defending Lanzhou. He promised to protect the city from the Communists, saying, "Lanzhou will never fall to the Communists."

However, the government did not send the requested supplies. Ma Bufang returned to Lanzhou but then decided to leave the city. He and his troops retreated to Xining. Despite this, Ma Jiyuan continued to defend the Gansu region during the Lanzhou Campaign.

Later Life

After the conflicts in China, Ma Jiyuan moved with his father. They first went to Egypt and then to Saudi Arabia. His father was appointed as the ambassador for the Republic of China to Saudi Arabia. During this time, Ma Jiyuan also traveled to Taiwan. There, he advised the Ministry of National Defense (Republic of China) and the Kuomintang political party.

Ma Jiyuan passed away in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on February 27, 2012. His death was noted with sadness by the People's Republic of China consulate.

Images for kids

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  Ma Jiyuan's wedding with a Kuomintang flag in the background.