The late General Sun Li Jen (1900-1990) was one of the most beloved figures
in recent Chinese history. All Chinese worldwide unlimited by political
lines dearly love and respect him because he made them proud and felt
lives worth living. At a time Chinese were humiliated and massacred by
invading Japanese forces within China, the New 38th Division and later
his New First Army led by him defeated the malicious Japanese troops.
Chinese everywhere called him the Ever Victorious General.
Love and respect for him are not limited to Chinese. Many Americans and Englishmen that had contact with or knew of him or his troops admired him. Many top military leaders are his friends, and they highly regard him. He is indeed an International General.
The men and women led by General Sun also won an unprecedented international reputation when they professionally executed their duties in Burma and India, fighting along side with the allies including the Flying Tigers from the United States of America and Ground troops of the United Kingdom.
During 1949 to 1955 as the Commander in Chief of the Army, he and his trained Army on Taiwan stabilized the Island giving it the potential for social, economical, educational, and industrial growth. Unfortunately, his success was seen as a potential threat to political power, and the incompetent leaders trump up cases to isolate him from any contact with any people in the world except very immediate family members. Many of his innocent subordinates were wrongfully jailed. Mentioning his name and their success were prohibited by the Chiang's regime. What a loss for the Chinese people! Great talents were restrained from serving and leading the public. His success has been very well known and documented, but his falling victim is controversial. Events leading to his isolation have been subjects of debate for decades.
I avoid calling him a hero, because I felt that politicians often (mis)use hero to model desirable behavior of their people. However, he is a fascinating man, and there is a lot to learn from him.
Many people consider knowing him a privilege, and what a special privilege for me to be his adopted son! I was an insignificant kid-soldier in a Chinese army with no relatives of any sort before I knew him. His love and support has brought some meaning into my life. I have spent time with him during his difficult days, but I am unaware of his success and his legacy when he was young. I have searched and am still searching for bits and pieces of his life during the period I have no knowledge of him.
I will share his stories with you as I find them. It's not possible to portray him as he actually was, but I am trying to be as truthful as I can in my sharing.
The contents show the subjects that I will write about, but so far, I have written little. Please click the links to read about him and visit here again in the future as more to be added in my spare time.