Zhang Lingfu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zhang Lingfu
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Lieutenant General Zhang Lingfu
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| Native name |
張靈甫
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| Nickname(s) | The lame legged general |
| Born | 20 August 1903 Xi'an, Shaanxi, Qing dynasty |
| Died | 16 May 1947 (aged 43) Mengyin County, Shandong, Republic of China |
| Allegiance |  Republic of China |
| Years of service | 1924–1947 |
| Rank | .jpg){kind=icon} Lieutenant General |
| Unit | 1st division, 1st corps |
| Commands held | 58th division, 74th corps |
| Battles/wars |
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| Awards | Order of Precious Tripod |
Zhang Lingfu (traditional Chinese: 張靈甫; simplified Chinese: 张灵甫; pinyin: Zhāng Língfǔ; August 20, 1903 – May 16, 1947) was a very important general in China's National Revolutionary Army. He was known for fighting bravely against both the Communists and the Imperial Japanese Army. In 1947, his army unit was surrounded by Chinese Communist forces. General Zhang could not break free because help from his fellow generals did not arrive in time. He was killed in battle during the Menglianggu Campaign on May 16, 1947.
Contents
Early Life and Military Training
Zhang was born in a well-off family near Xi'an, a big city in Shaanxi province. As a middle school student, he was a very talented writer and artist, especially in calligraphy. His teacher, Yu Youren, who was a famous calligrapher himself, praised Zhang's skills.
In 1924, Zhang started studying history at Peking University. But later that year, he decided to join the Whampoa Military Academy. This was a famous military school where many future Chinese generals trained. Some of his classmates included important figures like Lin Biao and Du Yuming. After graduating, he joined the National Revolutionary Army. This army was led by Chiang Kai-shek. Zhang took part in the Northern Expedition, a campaign to unite China. He later fought against Communist forces in the Encirclement Campaigns.
Fighting in the Second Sino-Japanese War
The Second Sino-Japanese War began in 1937. Zhang returned to the army and quickly became a regiment commander. He fought in tough city battles, like the Battle of Shanghai and the Battle of Nanjing. In 1938, he was promoted to lead a brigade.
During the Battle of Wanjialing, Zhang led a special group of soldiers. They cut off the Japanese army's escape route, which helped China win the battle. In 1939, he was hurt in his left leg during the Battle of Nanchang. Doctors told him to rest, but he went back to fight in the Battle of Changsha (1939) too soon. Because of this, his leg never fully healed, and his friends started calling him "The lame legged general."
Zhang continued to rise in rank. He became an assistant division commander and then a deputy commander. In 1943, he led a special force to help Chinese soldiers trapped in the fierce Battle of Changde. He pushed back the Japanese army, and Chiang Kai-shek called him a "model soldier."
After the war, Zhang went to study at the United States Army War College. He did very well there, graduating with top grades. In May 1945, he fought in the Battle of West Hunan. For his bravery, he received important awards like the Order of Precious Tripod. He was then promoted to lead the 74th Corps.
The Chinese Civil War
Soon after the war with Japan ended, the Chinese Civil War started again. Chiang Kai-shek organized his best divisions into five special units. Zhang's 74th Corps was one of these elite groups.
Zhang and his unit had early successes against the Communists. They won a big victory in the Battle of Huaiyin–Huai'an in August 1946. In early 1947, Chiang Kai-shek changed his plan. He ordered attacks on important Communist areas like Shandong province. Zhang's 74th division led the way into Shandong.
Communist commanders Chen Yi and Su Yu avoided direct battles at first. This was because the Nationalist forces were grouped tightly together. However, Zhang's 74th division was ordered to push further ahead. This made them get trapped by five groups of Communist soldiers.
On May 12, 1947, Chiang Kai-shek ordered other generals to rescue Zhang. But some generals were slow to help, and others were too far away. Even with tanks and air support, the rescue efforts failed. The mountainous area also made it hard for Zhang's heavy weapons to be used. On May 16, 1947, Zhang Lingfu was killed in his hideout.
What Happened Next
Chiang Kai-shek lost one of his best generals and his elite 74th division in the Menglianggu Campaign. Although the unit was rebuilt later, it never became as strong as before. It was destroyed again in another battle the next year.
Because of this big defeat, Chiang Kai-shek made changes in his army leadership. He removed some commanders from their positions. Chiang Kai-shek personally held a state funeral for Zhang. He also renamed a county in Shandong province and a navy ship in Zhang's honor.
See also
- Battle of Huaiyin–Huai'an
- Menglianggu Campaign
Images for kids
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Lieutenant General Zhang Lingfu
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Lieutenant General rank insignia
