In October 1936, after the three main Red Army forces joined forces, over 20,000 troops crossing the Yellow River were reorganized into the Red Army West Route Army, tasked with opening an international route in the Hexi Corridor. Fighting against harsh environment and far superior enemy forces, they captured key strongholds in January 1937 but fell into heavy siege after Gaotai was lost. Most officers and soldiers sacrificed heroically, and the remaining finally returned to the revolutionary base after untold hardships. Their sacrifice and contribution are forever remembered.
