Song Qingsheng (宋庆生, 1910 – 1977)

Song Qingsheng (Chinese: 宋庆生; 1910 – July 28, 1977) was a distinguished Chinese military figure and Major General, known for his vital contributions to the logistics and technological advancements within the Chinese armored forces. Throughout his extensive career, he held various leadership roles, significantly aiding in China's military modernization and overcoming substantial challenges during the post-revolution era.

Early Life and Education edit

Song Qingsheng was born into a peasant family in Tianmen, Hubei, China, in 1910. He lost his father at the age of three and spent four years studying at a Chinese private school (sishu, 私塾).[1].

Military Career edit

In 1926, Song joined the Young Pioneers of China and later, in 1931, became a member of the Chinese Communist Youth League, taking on the role of Soviet Chairman (苏维埃主席) of the village[2]. The following year, he joined the Chinese Red Army, serving in various positions from a communications officer to a clerk in the Supply Department of the Red 3rd Army.

During the Long March in 1935, Song transitioned from the Youth League to the Chinese Communist Party. In the Anti-Japanese War, he served as the Supply Director of the 3rd Independent Brigade of the Jizhong Military Region and later as the Supply Department Head of the 358th Brigade[3], 120th Division. Throughout the Chinese Civil War, Song held multiple supply-related roles in various military divisions and eventually became the Minister and Political Commissar of Logistics of the 3rd Army of the First Field Army after the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

Armored Forces Expertise edit

From 1952, Song Qingsheng served as the Minister of the Technical Department of the Armored Forces. Later, he became an expert in armored warfare, leading technical personnel in overcoming significant challenges in tank component production.[1]

Post-Revolution Contributions edit

Post-1949, Song served as the Minister of Logistics for the Armored Forces. In 1951, he pursued further studies in a preparatory course at Renmin University of China and in 1952, became the Minister of the Technical Department of the Armored Forces. He studied at the First Tank School in 1953 and, upon graduation in 1955, was awarded the rank of Major General. He received several honors, including the Third-Class Order of August 1 Medal, Second-Class Order of Independence and Freedom, and First-Class Order of Liberation.[2]

Continuing his education, Song attended the Military Academy's Armored Forces Department, graduating in 1958, and maintained his position as the Minister of the Technical Department of the Armored Forces. After the Sino-Soviet split in 1960 and the consequent suspension of tank part supplies, Song led Chinese experts and technicians to overcome numerous challenges in tank part production.[1]

Later Years and Death edit

In 1964, Song was reappointed as the Minister of Logistics for the Armored Forces and in 1969, he was promoted to Deputy Commander and Minister of Logistics. Song Qingsheng passed away on July 28, 1977, in Beijing, at the age of 67[2]

Legacy edit

Throughout his career, Song Qingsheng exemplified dedication to military logistics and technological advancement in the Chinese armored forces, making significant contributions to China's military modernization efforts. His work during the critical post-revolution period helped solidify China's defense capabilities, leaving a lasting impact on the military establishment.

References edit

  1. ^ a b c "宋庆生_天门人物介绍". ren.dswenhua.com. Retrieved 2023-12-15.
  2. ^ a b c "宋庆生_山西省晋绥文化教育发展基金会". www.jinsui.org. Retrieved 2023-12-15.
  3. ^ "Page 171 - 《红色荆楚》". www.hbdsw.org.cn. Retrieved 2023-11-14.