Wang Hai facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wang Hai
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王海
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Wang Hai in the Korean War
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| 5th Commander of the PLA Air Force | |
| In office July 1985 – November 1992 |
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| Deputy | Li Yongtai, Lin Hu, Liu Zhitian |
| Preceded by | Zhang Tingfa |
| Succeeded by | Cao Shuangming |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 January 1926 Yantai, Shandong, China |
| Died | 2 August 2020 (aged 94) Beijing, China |
| Political party | Chinese Communist Party |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  China |
| Branch/service |  People's Liberation Army Air Force |
| Years of service | 1944–1992 |
| Rank |  General |
| Battles/wars | Korean War |
Wang Hai (born January 19, 1926 – died August 2, 2020) was a brave Chinese fighter pilot and a top general. He was known as a flying ace during the Korean War, meaning he shot down many enemy planes. Later, he became the leader of China's air force, called the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), from 1985 to 1992. In 1988, he earned the high rank of general.
Wang Hai's Early Life and Training
Wang Hai was born on January 19, 1926, in a city called Yantai, located in Shandong Province, China. When he was a student at Weihai High School, he joined the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in September 1945.
After high school, he studied at Linyi People's Revolutionary University. In June 1946, he joined the Mudanjiang Aviator School. This was the very first school set up by the CCP to train pilots. He worked hard and graduated in May 1950, becoming a fighter pilot.
A Hero in the Korean War
The Korean War took place from 1950 to 1953. During this time, Wang Hai was a pilot in the 3rd Fighter Aviation Division. He was incredibly skilled in the air.
Wang Hai personally shot down or damaged nine American aircraft. His entire air group, which he was part of, managed to shoot down 29 enemy planes. The special MiG fighter jet he flew during the war is now on display. You can see it at the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution in Beijing.
Leading the Air Force
After the Korean War ended, Wang Hai continued to rise through the ranks. He was promoted to lead an air force division. Later, he became the commander of the Air Force in the Guangzhou Military Region.
In 1985, Wang Hai was chosen to be the commander of the entire People's Liberation Army Air Force. This was a very important job, leading all of China's air forces. In September 1988, when China's military brought back its official ranks, he was given the highest rank of general.
Wang Hai retired from his military service in 1992. Since he became commander, all future leaders of the PLAAF have also been pilots who spent their careers flying.
Wang Hai passed away on August 2, 2020, at the age of 94.
See also
- List of Korean War flying aces
