Li Zhen

Li Zhen (; 1908–1990) was the first female general of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Early life Li was born the sixth daughter to a peasant family in rural Liuyang. Her family farmed fields measuring 2 and a half mu and had caught fish to supplement their diet. Until the age of 18, Li was referred to as Danmeizi. At age six, she was sent to live with the family of her intended husband, Gu Tianshun, whose father was a doctor. Li formally married Gu at age 16. Revolution In 1926, Danmeizi signed up to Yonghe district women's organisation using the name Li Zhen. In 1927, Li joined the Communist Party of China, acting as a scout for the local communists. During this time, Li led a group to collect grain and recruit soldiers. She was based in Yonghe, but remained legally married to Gu. Later that year, a clash between the Communists and the Kuomintang resulted in the deaths of several revolutionaries and Li's name being put on a wanted list. As a result, Gu's family severed their ties with Li, sending her mother notification of divorce.