For the Nation’s Cause: A Spirit Soaring Through the Heavens—In Memory of Wang Yujiu from Huangyan

Wang Yujiu (1902–1939), a native of Huangyan County, Zhejiang Province, was a celebrated Chinese general in the War of Resistance Against Japan. Serving as Deputy Chief of Staff of the 79th Army of the National Revolutionary Army, with the rank of Major General, he excelled in both civil and martial arts, combining wisdom with bravery, repeatedly performing extraordinary feats in the War of Resistance against Japan.

Born in Wuyan, Xixiang Township, Huangyan County, in 1902, Wang completed his primary education at Nanqu Higher Primary School in Ningxi Township in 1918. Due to family poverty, he taught at Fangjia'ao Private School for a year. In 1920, he enrolled in a military school, and after graduation, served as a platoon leader in the 30th Army. By 1926, his unit was incorporated into the 63rd Regiment of the 21st Division of the Northern Expeditionary Army.

In 1932, Wang furthered his military training at the Central Military Academy. After graduation, he was appointed Deputy Regimental Commander (Lieutenant Colonel) of the 584th Regiment, 98th Division. When the War of Resistance broke out, he was called to active duty, leading his troops to the front lines in Jiading, Shanghai. During the Battle of Shanghai, his unit fought valiantly as part of the 98th Division, with Wang personally leading charges and securing numerous victories.

In March 1939, Japanese forces launched an offensive on Nanchang, with the 79th Army positioned on the central front. In the early hours of March 27, as the 79th Army organized a breakout, Wang led the Special Duties Company in a desperate raid on Japanese positions. Despite sustaining fatal wounds, he fought on until his death that afternoon, at age 37.

After his death, the Nationalist Government posthumously promoted him to Lieutenant General. In 1984, the Shanghai Municipal People's Government recognized him as a revolutionary martyr, a title later confirmed by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.. In September 2014, Wang was included in the Ministry of Civil Affairs’ first list of 300 notable heroes and groups of the War of Resistance Against Japan.