Chinese Military Leaders of the Korean War

Background and History

Born February 27 1903 in Hunan province, he participated in the Long March as a shy, boyish man of 31, red-cheeked and snub-nosed. He had been a cadet at Whampoa Military Academy under Chiang Kai-chek and became one of the Red Army's most capable commanders. He had served with Chiang Kai-chek in early battles of Dr. Dun Yat-sen's forces against the Canton warlords and saved Chiang from taking his own life in a moment of despair after his division had been routed. Later when Chen Geng had been captured by the KMT, Chiang tried to induce him to return to the Nationalist fold. Chen refused in contempt, but Chiang allowed him to escape, apparently in hope that soft treatment would encourage other Communist commanders to come to his side.

Activities in the Long March

When the Red Army began the Long March they placed Chen Geng in charge of the cadres regiment of the Military Commission with Hong Renqun as his deputy. Later Zhou Enlai had become weak after crossing the Snowies. Soon Zhou fell into a critical illness and nearly died. General Yang Shangkun recalled Zhou had been ill for about two months -- part of July, August, and early September. Zhou had to be carried on a stretcher. They placed the litter detail in charge of Chen Geng, a top Political Commissar. "You saved Chiang's life," Zhou Enlai joked to Chen. "Now you will save mine." Gradually Zhou's health returned.

Activities in Korean War

General Chen Geng arrived in China in late September 1951. General Chen Geng served as the Commander and political commissar of the 3rd Army Group. After Peng Dehuai went back to China, Chen worked at the CPVF Chinese General Headquarters as the acting Commander. Soon after Chen went back to Beijing, China for health recovery. Chen Geng was conferred the rank of army general in 1955 (Equivalent to 4 Stars). He died March 16 1961 in Shanghai.