Zuo Ruizhen (CNS/Yang Rui)

Zuo Ruizhen’s leg was broken by Japanese soldiers during the Anti-Japanese War.

Zuo's father had to sleep outside home in order to defend Japanese soldiers, and Zuo needed to deliver intelligence of Japanese military activities to members of the Eighth Route Army.

"Every time I heard someone kick the wall at night, I know the soldiers are coming to send the intelligence. I have to come out immediately," says Zuo.

Both of Zuo's brothers died in battles against the invaders.

One day, a group of Japanese soldiers burst into Zuo's home, smashed things around and asked Zuo where the Eighth Route Army were. Afraid as she was, Zuo did not say anything. Infuriated by Zuo's silence, Japanese soldiers beat her with sticks and broke her leg.

Zuo's house was ruined and the family had to move to another place.

"I continued to send intelligence to the army," says Zuo.