In a recent recruitment event in Huangshan, Anhui Province, a special guest drew a crowd of eager students: the legendary “soldier king,” Wang Zhongxin. His appearance at the university’s military mobilization meeting ignited palpable excitement among young attendees.
Wang, a celebrated figure known for his contributions to military technology, showcased his prized “August 1st Medal,” the highest honor in the Chinese military. The gleaming medal captivated the students, prompting enthusiastic chatter. “Be careful! It’s pure gold—don’t scratch it!” one student cautioned another as they gathered around.
Curious students peppered Wang with questions. “How can I earn the August 1st Medal?” one student asked, eager to learn about the path to such acclaim.
Wang Zhongxin’s journey began in 1986 when he enlisted with only a junior high school education. He quickly recognized the importance of technical knowledge in the military, dedicating every free moment to studying missile control systems. “From day one, I was determined to master the technical skills required of a soldier,” Wang recalled.
To prepare himself for the challenges ahead, he diligently studied over 20 professional textbooks, dissecting complex circuit diagrams until he could memorize them. “I practiced even the simplest tasks over a thousand times,” he shared.
In 2004, while Wang’s unit was overseeing the refurbishment of a strategic missile, they faced a daunting issue—costing over a hundred million yuan. After three days of troubleshooting, a fault still eluded the expert teams. Drawing from his extensive experience, Wang proposed a solution. “Having worked with missiles for a long time, I had a good grasp of the instruments and cables. I suggested that the connector might be the issue,” Wang explained.
His hunch proved correct. Experts reviewed his suggestion, leading them to inspect thousands of cables, ultimately pinpointing the malfunction. Thanks to Wang’s insights, the manufacturer improved the connectors for similar missile types.
Throughout his distinguished 32-year career, Wang demonstrated expertise in 19 missile control positions, participated in over 1,500 live missile operations without a single error, and trained more than 200 technical personnel, with over 40 excelling in their respective fields within the Rocket Force.
In July 2017, Wang was awarded the prestigious August 1st Medal, a testament to his remarkable dedication and skills.
Now retired, Wang Zhongxin resides in his hometown of Xiu County, Anhui Province, where he continues to embody military values. “No matter where I am, I will always strive to do the right thing and uphold the honor of my uniform,” he stated.
After retirement, he joined a volunteer service team for veterans and established the “Soldier King Workshop,” dedicated to assisting fellow veterans and local residents. Since 2021, he has organized visits and volunteer activities reaching over 2,000 individuals and has conducted numerous educational programs on national defense and recruitment.
“I believe the spirit of the military is about selfless dedication. As a soldier, it’s my duty to share this legacy and inspire others to participate,” Wang expressed passionately. “Once a soldier, always a soldier—we must never forget our mission!”
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