Soldier who died a hero's death in huge fire

Jiang Daolin (1933-61)

Born into a poor family in Wujing Village, Maogang Town, Jiang Daolin is respected as a hero who died a glorious death to put out a massive fire.

Before Jiang joined the army in 1951, he followed his father as a trumpeter, making a living performing at village weddings and funerals.

At the age of 18, he enlisted in the Chinese People's Volunteers and fought hard on the front line in North Korea. Two years later he returned to China. In 1960, he entered the artillery officers' school in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, and was soon promoted to company commander.

One day in February, 1961, fire broke out at Zhengzhou Cotton Factory. Hearing the fire alert, Jiang rushed to the scene to remove the cotton products. He and others fought the fire for two hours.

Just when they were about to leave, a wall in the warehouse looked like it might be falling down. Jiang pushed others out of the way but was himself pinned down under the wall. Jiang died a hero’s death.