Scott No: 3445
Serial number: 2005-20
Values in set: 10
Date of issue: September 27, 2005
Denomination: 800 fen
Designer: Ma Gang
Photographer of Original Photos:
Cheng Mo for item 1, 5, 6, 8;
Xu Wenhui for item 2;
Huang Xu for item 3;
Chen Zhijian for item 4;
Shi Bingli, Jiang Liuxiang for item 7, 9, 10
Engraver: Jiang Weijie
Size of stamps: 30*40 mm
Perforation: 13.5*13
Sheet composition: 10
Printing process: Engraving and offset
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

This commemorative stamp set, Generals of the People's Liberation Army, was issued on September 27, 2005. It consists of ten stamps with a total face value of 8.00 yuan, designed by Ma Gang, with Tong Liying serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using a combination of offset and intaglio (engraving) printing.

In 1955, the People's Republic of China conferred the rank of General of the People's Liberation Army on ten individuals: Su Yu, Xu Haidong, Huang Kecheng, Chen Geng, Tan Zheng, Xiao Jinguang, Zhang Yunyi, Luo Ruiqing, Wang Shusheng, and Xu Guangda. These ten generals dedicated their lives to the revolution, serving through the Agrarian Revolution, the War of Resistance, and the War of Liberation. They fought across the country, earning great distinction and making indelible contributions to national independence and the founding of New China. This stamp set commemorates these founding figures through portraits, honoring the revolutionary spirit and enduring legacy of the older generation of proletarian revolutionaries.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Su Yu

A half-length portrait in military uniform, with a resolute and composed expression. Su Yu was a brilliant military commander, known for his flexibility and innovative tactics. He commanded several decisive campaigns during the War of Liberation and was highly regarded for his strategic genius.

Xu Haidong

A half-length portrait in military uniform, with a firm and decisive demeanor. Xu Haidong fought on the front lines for many years, making significant contributions to base area development and the growth of the Red Army. He was known as a "tiger general" and was a distinguished battlefield commander.

Huang Kecheng

A portrait in military uniform, with a steady and wise expression. Huang Kecheng excelled in both military command and political work. He was known for his foresight and adherence to realism, playing a key role in military construction and national defense.

Chen Geng

A half-length portrait in military uniform, with a spirited and capable appearance. Chen Geng experienced many battles across different revolutionary periods. He also founded military engineering institutions, laying the foundation for cultivating national defense technology talent in New China.

Tan Zheng

A half-length portrait in military uniform, dignified and scholarly. Tan Zheng was a distinguished leader of political work in the People's Liberation Army, responsible for systematizing and strengthening the ideological foundations of the armed forces.

Xiao Jinguang

A half-length portrait in military uniform, with a steady and composed demeanor. Xiao Jinguang was one of the principal founders of the People's Navy, dedicating his life to the establishment and growth of the naval forces of New China.

Zhang Yunyi

A half-length portrait in military uniform, with a calm and composed expression. Zhang Yunyi was a veteran revolutionary with deep experience. He co-led the Baise Uprising and served through the long revolutionary struggle, contributing to the building of base areas in South China and the victory in the War of Liberation.

Luo Ruiqing

A portrait in military uniform, with a serious and resolute expression. Luo Ruiqing excelled in security and military administration. After the founding of New China, he was responsible for public security and national defense, contributing to national stability and the regularization of the armed forces.

Wang Shusheng

A half-length portrait in military uniform, with a stern and resolute bearing. Wang Shusheng came from the Hubei-Henan-Anhui Revolutionary Base Area and was skilled in armed struggle and guerrilla warfare. He made enduring contributions to the revolutionary cause in Central China.

Xu Guangda

A portrait in military uniform, steady and scholarly. Xu Guangda was the founder of the armored forces of New China, dedicating himself to the modernization of the armed forces and making pioneering contributions to the mechanization and armored development of the People's Army.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamps feature a uniform portrait format. The engraved lines precisely capture the expressions and demeanor of the figures, with the combined offset and intaglio technique giving the portraits a three-dimensional and substantial quality. The tones are solemn and dignified. The stamps incorporate multiple anti-counterfeiting features, including security paper, security ink, and fluorescent spray codes. The overall style is solemn and commanding, with a strong sense of historical commemoration.

This stamp set is a commemorative issue on the theme of founding military leaders, suitable for thematic collections on military history and revolutionary figures.