People's Liberation Army battalion commander leads brethren by example

Faced with the urgent situation, Zhang decided he needed to deliver the oxygen himself. He took a 14-kilogram oxygen tank and ran 2.5 kilometers through a river valley at an altitude of 5,300 meters to reach the stricken soldier within 20 minutes. Zhang's actions saved the soldier's life.

Wang Meng, 27, a soldier in Zhang's unit, said he treats his men like family. "He cares for his soldiers like an elder brother, shielding them from hardship like an umbrella," he said.

One of Zhang's defining traits is his hands-on approach. During a training demonstration last year, when a soldier sustained a deep chin wound, he sprinted to summon an ambulance himself rather than leaving the task to others.

Zhang said his understanding of soldiers' struggles comes from having walked the same path.

"Though we live like brothers, I take training very seriously," he said.

As a young recruit more than 20 years ago, he trained even during downtime, spurred on by a leader who saw his potential. At the time, the constant demands made little sense to him, but later he realized that overcoming hardship prepared him for success. He now shares those experiences with young soldiers when they feel exhausted.

The transition from soldier to commander has only deepened his sense of responsibility. "As more people stand behind me, I have to work harder and set an example," he said.

He Zhengcong, a 31-year-old soldier in Zhang's unit, said working under extreme exertion can take its toll. "His leadership style is absorbing pressure from superiors instead of passing it down, which has won respect among soldiers," said He. "When higher-ups criticize the whole unit, he shields us and offers constructive suggestions, even demonstrating the moves himself."