Hau Pei-tsun, a native of Yencheng County, Kiangsu Province, was born on August 24, 1919, and completed his elementary and high school education in Yencheng. His early interest was in diplomacy, but after witnessing the September 18th Incident of 1931, in which Japanese forces encroached on Chinese territory and brought turmoil to the nation, he decided to enroll in the military academy to serve his country. Hau graduated from Whampoa Military Academy in 1938, and pursued advanced studies at the Chinese Army University from 1945 to 1946. He married Ms. Kuo Wan-hua in 1950. In 1953, he was recommended to continue his studies at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He returned to Taiwan in 1954.
In 1958, Hau was placed in command of the Ninth Infantry Division in Little Kinmen, and on August 23 of that same year, the Chinese Communists launched an intense bombardment of to Bland. During the 44-day shelling, Hau personally inspected all the battle fronts. He was decorated with the Order of the Resplendent Banner of the fourth rank for his courageous performance and his counteroffensive ability after the victory at the Battle of Taiwan Straits.
In 1960, Hau was promoted to corps commander and transferred back to Taiwan. He became chief military aide to the president in 1965, and in 1970 was appointed first field army commander. In 1975 he was named deputy C-in-C of the ROC Army, and was promoted to C-in-C in 1978. He served as chief of the general staff from 1981 to 1989. In 1984 he was selected to be a member of the Kuomintang's Central Standing Committee, and was appointed minister of national defense in 1989.
Hau systematically promoted the modernization of the national military during his tenure as chief of the general staff. In addition to raising the quality of the armed forces, he established the system of project budgets, promoted modernized scientific management, and contributed to the establishment of an independent defense system. Serving concurrently as president of the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology from 1982 to 1988, Hau implemented various projects for the research and development of weaponry, in particular the Ching-kuo indigenous defense fighter, the M48H tank, and various types of missiles, thus raising the ROC's level in weapons production.
Hau believes in strict adherence to the nation's Constitution, and views himself as a protector of constitutional government. During his military career, Hau cultivated a broad understanding of international politics, foreign affairs, science and technology, and social and mainland affairs, but observed a strict separation between the military and politics. He was able to quickly readjust his role after being transferred to the civilian post of minister of national defense. Hau received favorable comments from both the people and those in the government for his performance when interpellated in the Legislative Yuan in his capacity as defense minister; he was not overly humble nor overly proud, and the projected a straightforward attitude befitting a government official.
Hau has been sent abroad on several occasions. He visited Paraguay as a special emissary in April 1984, and traveled to Panama in 1987. He visited the United States four times between 1982 and 1989. In May 1989, he traveled to continental Europe, contributing to friendly relations between the ROC and these countries.
Hau has always maintained a life philosophy of honesty and loyalty. He leads a disciplined life and exercises, jogs, or takes a swim every morning before beginning his work day. He has broad interests, and a particular fondness for Chinese opera. His wife, Kuo Wan-hua, is a supportive wife and devoted mother as well as a talented artist of traditional Chinese painting.
[Picture Caption]
After a three-year love affair, Hau Pei-tsun and Kuo Wan-hua finally tie the long-awaited knot.
After the Kinmen Bombardment young Division Commander Hau Pei-tsun and the 9th Division are awarded the highest honors.
Hau Pei-tsun as a promising young officer.
Chiang Ching-kuo trusted Hau Pei-tsun implicitly; the two men discussed everything and knew each other extremely well.
While serving as presidential aide-de-camp.
After the Kinmen Bombardment young Division Commander Hau Pei-tsun and the 9th Division are awarded the highest honors.
Hau Pei-tsun as a promising young officer.
Chiang Ching-kuo trusted Hau Pei-tsun implicitly; the two men discussed everything and knew each other extremely well.
While serving as presidential aide-de-camp.
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