Comment Forwarding the General Political Department’s Summary Report on
the National Conference of Combat Hero Representatives

(October 12, 1950)

Party committees of the greater military regions, and through you to their subordinate party committees of military regions, armies, corps, and divisions; and copied to party committees of central bureaus, sub-bureaus, and provinces, cities, and districts:

I am hereby sending you a summary report from the General Political Department on this National Conference of Combat Hero Representatives. I ask you to study and implement the points raised therein.

Mao Zedong
October 12

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[I] The October 10, 1950 summary report of the General Political Department of the People’s Revolutionary Military Commission on the National Conference of Combat Hero Representatives pointed out that two important issues urgently await resolution in the ideological development of the armed forces going forward. These two issues are:

1. A sentiment of peacetime complacency has become fairly widespread among the troops. It is therefore stipulated that each unit, at the army or division level, should first communicate the spirit of this conference among cadres, instilling the idea of the army as a fighting force, the idea of new patriotism, and mobilizing them to oppose the aggressive schemes of U.S. imperialism. Among the soldiers, the focus of education this autumn and winter should be reviewing and rectifying combat will. In the current rectification study within the army, summing up the cadres’ combat will should be a main element.

2. The movement for hero and model recognition and meritorious service has not been carried out thoroughly or universally enough in the army, and especially has not drawn due attention among cadres. This conference requires that all units vigorously promote this movement going forward. Units at every level should constantly sum up experience concerning the movement for hero and model recognition and meritorious service, and should make hero and model conferences an established institution. Before undertaking various important tasks, they should first be communicated and discussed within the Party and among heroes, models, and those with meritorious records, first mobilizing these key activists. For individual heroes and models, help them improve constantly; do not just use them without educating them. Always publicize the deeds of heroes and models, but do not negate the strength and contributions of the masses. Middle- and high-ranking cadres who perform meritorious deeds should also receive appropriate commendations.