Recollecting the story, Lan Zhaofa had a vivid and expressive look on his face. Taken by correspondent Fang Dehua, China Youth.cn
　　By trainee reporter Tian Zaiming and correspondent Fang Dehua, China Youth.cn, Linyi, August 25
　　Joining the party is the greatest wish of Lan Zhaofa, an 88 years old veteran. He joined the army to fight the Japanese devils when he was only 16. He submitted his application for party membership 2 month ago. Dating back to 1945, Lan Zhaofa risked his own life to induce more than 300 Japanese puppet armies to capitulate without firing a shot, which won him high military reputation. In his later years, he devotes himself to patriotism education for youth.
　　Lan Zhaofa was born in a needy family in Matou Town, Tancheng County, Linyi, Shandong Province in 1927. On the New Year’s Day of 1943, 16-year-old Lan Zhaofa walked more than 50 miles to look for the troop stationed in Jiangsu Province. Later he became a soldier of the Hui People Detachment of Eight Route Army in Shandong province.
　　In the summer of 1945, the Eight Route Army decided to attack Matou Town which was captured by Japan at that time. The commander sent him to induce the puppet army of this place to surrender because this is his hometown.
　　Lan Zhaofa said:” These puppet armies were actually my fellow villager arrested by Japanese. They knew me...”
　　“At that night, I went to the city gate tower with the political instructor to shout at them:’ Fellows, I am Lan Dayang (his nickname). The Eight Route Army are here to liberate the Matou Town. Lay down your weapons and surrender! We are good to captives!’ When heard my voice, the puppet armies didn’t believe that I was in the Eight Route Army at the very beginning. After they turned the light on and saw me and the instructor were in uniform, they all laid down weapons and surrendered...”
　　The successful capitulation without firing a shot created favorable conditions to blast the blockhouse and siege the city. The Eight Route Army launched a comprehensive attack to the Japanese army in Matou before dawn. 24 Japanese devils were destroyed, more than 2,000 puppet armies were captured and the Matou Town was liberated.
　　The Veteran is proud of this experience. He often talks about it.