Min Jingde, a veteran of the Chinese Civil War and World War II, passed away in Nanjing on 11 January, just days before his 110th birthday. His passing was first reported by the Beijing Daily (北京日报).
Min Jingde (Chinese: 闵敬德) was reportedly born on the first day of the first lunar month in 1915, during the Spring Festival. In the Gregorian calendar, this corresponds to 14 February 1915. He was born in a farmer’s family in Shiniu Village (石牛村), now Nianyushan Township in Shangcheng County, Henan Province. He was born into a poor family, and even on the day of his birth, the entire family could not afford a full meal. At the age of seven or eight, he began working for a landlord, doing tasks like plowing, weeding, and herding cattle. Despite his hard work, all he would receive at the end of the day was a bowl of leftovers. The landlord was reportedly abusive and, on one occasion, struck him with a wooden stick, causing injuries that left him unconscious for an entire day and night.
A Red Army Veteran
(Source: baike.baidu.com)
In 1930, he joined the Chinese Red Army. During the Second National Revolutionary War (1927–1937), he served in various capacities, including as a soldier in the Fourth Front Army and the 25th Army. He also held roles such as squad leader of the traffic team, platoon leader of the traffic team in the 15th Corps, and communications staff officer for the army.
He took part in the anti-“encirclement and suppression” campaigns at the Hubei-Henan-Anhui Revolutionary Base, the efforts to establish the Hubei-Henan-Shaanxi Revolutionary Base, and the Long March of the 25th Army. In 1935, he became a member of the Communist Party of China. During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), he held various positions, including platoon leader of the police communications platoon in the 344th Brigade of the 115th Division of the Eighth Route Army, company commander in the communications department, and several other roles.
After the founding of the People’s Republic of China on 1 October 1949, he held several key positions, including Chief of Staff of the 131st Division of the 44th Army of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Chief of Staff of the 3rd Division of the Naval Aviation Force, and Vice President of the Second Naval Aviation School.
Personal life
(Source: 5g.dahe.cn)
In 1944, Min Jingde was appointed deputy chief of staff of the Fudong Independent Regiment (阜东独立团) of the New Fourth Army. During a battle in Fudong County (now Fucheng County), he was injured while leading his troops. After receiving treatment at a rear hospital, he recovered. While recuperating, he met Dr. Sun Yubing (孙玉冰), and the following year, the two were married. The couple had a daughter, Min Jiang (闵江).
The featured image is sourced from: laohongjun.com
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Min Jingde during this difficult time.
