Li Zhengtong

Li Zhengtong was the uncle of Li Zhanshu, former Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and former member of the CCP Politburo Standing Committee. He was from Pingshan County, Hebei Province.

Li Zhengtong came from a family that valued education and patriotism. His father, Li Congzhou, served as headmaster of the village primary school in Dujiazhuang, while his brothers included Li Zhengxiu (father of Li Zhanshu), Li Zhengqing, and Li Zhengmin. The family had a tradition of contributing to both education and the revolutionary cause.

During China’s revolutionary wars, Li Zhengtong joined the People’s Liberation Army and rose to become a battalion commander in the Second Army of the PLA First Field Army. He demonstrated strong leadership and dedication to the revolutionary struggle.

In 1949, Li Zhengtong was killed in action during the Fufeng Campaign at the young age of 26, becoming a revolutionary martyr. His death had a profound impact on the family. His elder brother, Li Zhengxiu, endured more than 30 days of arduous travel to bring Li Zhengtong’s coffin back from Shaanxi to their hometown in Hebei, an act reflecting both familial devotion and perseverance.

The following year, Li Zhengxiu named his newborn son “Zhanshu,” meaning ‘a letter from the battlefield,’ in memory of his fallen brother. That son would later become Li Zhanshu, one of China’s senior leaders.

Although Li Zhengtong’s life was cut short, his sacrifice became a lasting part of his family’s legacy and an enduring symbol of duty and devotion within the Li family.