Li Zhen

Li Zhen (; 1908–1990) was the first female general of the 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. 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 Chinese Communist Party (CCP), acting as a scout. Later that year, a clash between the CCP and the Kuomintang (KMT) 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. It is popularly believed that this child was Li's with Zhang Qilong, who had been stationed at Liuyang since October 1927.

People's Republic of China During the Korean War, Li was the secretary of the political department of the People's Volunteer Army.

On 27 September 1955, Li was made Major General of the People's Liberation Army. The ceremony was held at Zhongnanhai. Mao Zedong presented Li with an 1st Class Order of Liberation and Zhou Enlai granted her the rank of Major General.