The Battle at Lake Changjin

A young recruit in the 7th Company who faces harsh initiation and bullying as he presses to prove himself. Wanli embodies the personal costs of joining a war and the pull between family expectations and frontline duty. His growth arcs as he endures the march to Korea and the demanding conditions of combat.

Commander of the 7th Company, he is disciplined and duty-driven, guiding his men through peril with a stern sense of responsibility. He initially withholds a rifle from Wanli to maintain order, demonstrating strict command style. Under his leadership, the unit presses onward toward difficult frontline engagements.

Disguised under the pseudonym Liu, Anying helps distribute clothing and supplies to the troops before frontline deployment. His presence links the war to the broader political leadership of China. He is killed in a bombing raid, underscoring the indiscriminate danger of war.

The last surviving member of his unit at Hill 1071, Yang Gensi performs a heroic, suicidal attack on American tanks with a satchel charge. His act embodies a fierce commitment to collective defense over personal safety. His sacrifice is remembered as a defining moment of resolve under fire.

An active participant in the battle, Lei Suisheng seizes a smoke marker from a jeep to mark positions and aid the retreat of the opposing side’s forces. He is killed in action, exemplifying the perils faced by those who operate behind the scenes to coordinate frontline efforts.

U.S. Marine commander who leads his troops under heavy pressure and acknowledges the stubborn resistance of Chinese forces. He salutes fallen soldiers and acknowledges the resilience of the adversary, highlighting the human cost of strategic objectives.