Wang Yuchang Awarded the “July 1 Medal,” Telling the Story of a Veteran Who Kept His Merits Hidden for 46 Years

On July 1, 2026, 90yearold retired veteran Wang Yuchang was awarded the "July 1 Medal." This hero, who twice took part in shooting down U2 reconnaissance aircraft, lived a lowprofile life for many years, keeping his military meritorious service and firstclass merit certificate treasured away for 46 years, until he gradually became known to the public later on. Wang Yuchang was born in 1936 in Xiaoxian, Anhui. He enlisted in the army in 1954, later joined the groundtoair missile force to study and served as a missile fuel refueling technician. He studied diligently in training and combat, took part in two critical combat missions, and was awarded a collective firstclass merit and an individual firstclass merit for his outstanding performance. After being demobilized, Wang Yuchang returned to work in the local area, starting as an ordinary salesperson and later serving for a long time at the Xiaoxian Department Store. He is simple in style, adheres to principles, and has never used his military achievements to make demands on the organization. In recent years, he has also actively participated in redthemed outreach activities, telling young people about that period of history and his own experience of military service.