Lei Feng (December 18, 1940 - August 15, 1962), once named Lei Zhengxing, or Geng, was born in a poor farming family in Wangyue Township (now called Lei Feng Township), Changsha, Hunan Province. From 1943 to 1947, his grandfather, father, brothers and mother died distressingly one by one. His father had been killed by the Japanese, and his mother had committed suicide as a result of the harassment she received from her landlord's son. He became an orphan at no more than seven years old and struggled for existence on the verge of death. Adopted by elderly relatives, he changed his name and continued to live in the area.

A sword attack launching upon Lei as a small boy by the wife of a landlord as he cut wood on nearby mountains only added to a growing hatred of the landlord class. Then in 1960, at 20 years of age, he joined the People's Liberation Army (PLA), rising through its ranks to become squad leader and Party member.

Diligent study of the works of Chairman Mao taught him to live a life of extreme frugality, away from selfishness, and to devote himself to the revolutionary cause. He wrote in his diary that his desire was to be "a screw that never rusts".

According to his official biography, Lei died in 1962 at the age of 22, when a telephone pole, struck by an army truck, hit him while he was directing the truck in backing up.

After his death, Lei was regarded as a selfless and modest person who was devoted to the Communist Party, Chairman Mao Zedong, and the people of China. In the posthumous "Learn from Comrade Lei Feng" campaign, initiated by Mao in 1963, Lei became a national icon; the youth of the country were encouraged to follow his example.

From then on, Lei Feng has remained a cultural icon symbolizing selflessness, modesty, and dedication; his name creeps into people's hearts, daily conversation, music, even movies; his imagery can be found on cups, T-shirts, and bags. There is Lei Feng Model Bus, Lei Feng Model Student, Lei Feng Class, Lei Feng Nursery, Lei Feng Village, just to name a few.

Now, every year’s March 5 has become the official "Learn from Lei Feng Day", which is marked by many voluntary services throughout China. Work units work for free to help others. Some fix TV and radios while others give free medical help or legal advice. Students fix bicycles, cut children’s hair, scrub floors for elderly people and so on.

Media Coverage

Lei Feng Spirit Lives on (Source: chinadaily.com.cn)

Learn from Lei Feng: China Strength (Source: english.cntv.cn)

The Spirit of Lei Feng Lives on (Source:english.people.com.cn)

Lei Feng Posters (Source: chineseposters.net)

A Guide to Reviving the Lei Feng Spirit (Source: china.org.cn)