The Mysterious Soldier of the Anti-Japanese War

Chapter 214 Post-War Glory

As reinforcements arrived to take over the position, the surviving National Security Army soldiers collapsed on the ground in exhaustion, their faces covered in dust and blood, their clothes soaked with sweat. Some soldiers bowed their heads silently in mourning for their fallen comrades; others hugged each other, tears of joy in their eyes, grateful to have survived this brutal battle.

After Huang Weiguo and the injured and unconscious Li Zhigang were carefully carried to the rear for treatment by their comrades, the commander of the theater command heard about their heroic performance on the battlefield and immediately sent someone to visit them in the hospital, bringing commendations and relief supplies.

In the hospital, Huang Weiguo, despite his serious injuries, remained in good spirits. Lying on his hospital bed, he recounted in detail the fierce battle on the battlefield to those sent by his superiors, particularly the tragic sacrifices of his comrades. His eyes revealed a resolute and sorrowful expression. Meanwhile, Li Zhigang remained in a coma, while doctors and nurses worked feverishly to treat this hero.

Soon after, the theater command decided to hold a military-wide commendation ceremony, honoring Huang Weiguo and Li Zhigang as exemplary heroes. Their deeds were compiled into a detailed booklet and distributed to all units for study and circulation. At the ceremony, Huang Weiguo, despite his injuries, dressed in a neat uniform, walked up to the podium with the support of his comrades. Though slightly fatigued, he stood tall and proud, to thunderous applause and cheers from the audience. The commander personally presented him with the Anti-Japanese War Warrior Medal and over 10,000 French francs. He highly praised him, Li Zhigang, and all the soldiers of the National Security Army for their fearless courage and tenacity in battle, and encouraged everyone to follow their example and continue to fight bravely to defend the country and its people.

Huang Weiguo accepted the Anti-Japanese War Warrior Medal and a thick stack of French currency with both hands, his eyes filled with determination and solemnity. He saluted his superiors with a standard military salute. Although his injuries slowed his movements slightly, the salute was still powerful. The soldiers in the audience looked at him with fervent eyes and applauded for a long time, expressing their respect and admiration for the hero.

The commander then asked Huang Weiguo to give a speech. He straightened his back, took a deep breath, and spoke in a steady and resolute voice: "Brothers, I, Huang Weiguo, am standing here today not because of my own achievements, but because of the blood and lives of every comrade who bravely fought on the battlefield. Brother Li Zhigang remains unconscious in the hospital, and those who sacrificed their lives are gone forever. I feel unworthy of receiving this medal and bonus, but I will remember this honor. Carrying the will of my fallen comrades, after I recover from my injuries, I will return to the front lines and fight the Japanese to the bitter end!" His words resonated loudly throughout the venue, and the soldiers clenched their fists and shouted, vowing to, like Huang Weiguo and Li Zhigang, sacrifice everything for their country and nation.

After the commendation ceremony, Huang Weiguo didn't rest on his laurels. Instead, he donated most of his prize money to the army to purchase medicine and weapons, hoping to provide additional protection for his brothers on the front lines. He also actively cooperated with his treatment every day, enduring the excruciating pain of his wounds and undergoing rehabilitation training, all in the hope of a speedy recovery and a return to the battlefield.

In the hospital, the unconscious Li Zhigang became the focus of everyone's attention. Military doctors guarded him day and night, doing their utmost to treat him. Comrades took turns visiting him, recounting their experiences in the army at his bedside, hoping to wake him up. Finally, one morning, as the sun bathed the ward, Li Zhigang's fingers moved slightly...