2-501-892 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Lei Feng, Chinese soldier of the People's Liberation Army, c1962. In the posthumous Learn from Comrade Lei Feng campaign, initiated by Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong in 1963, Lei (1940-1962) became the symbol of nationwide propaganda. He was portrayed as a selfless, modest man devoted to the Communist Party, Chairman Mao and the Chinese people and was held up as an example for the youth of China to aspire to follow. Lei was killed in an accident while on duty.