Lin Biao vs Pavel Batov

Lin Biao commanded the 115th Division of the Eighth Route Army to victory at the Battle of Pingxingguan. This was the first major Chinese victory over the Japanese in the Second Sino-Japanese War, boosting Communist prestige.

Lin Biao commanded the Fourth Field Army, which played a decisive role in the Chinese Civil War. His forces captured Manchuria, then swept south to take Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, securing Communist victory.

Lin Biao was officially designated as Mao Zedong's successor in the Communist Party constitution. He was named Vice Chairman and held immense power during the Cultural Revolution.

Lin Biao died when his plane crashed in Mongolia after an alleged failed coup attempt against Mao Zedong. His death ended the Lin Biao incident, a major political crisis that led to a purge of his supporters.

Batov commanded the 65th Army during the Battle of Stalingrad. His forces fought in the city and later participated in Operation Uranus, the encirclement of the German 6th Army.

Batov's 65th Army fought in the Battle of Kursk, defending the northern face of the salient. His forces repelled German attacks and later participated in the counteroffensive that liberated Orel.

Batov's 65th Army crossed the Danube River during the Belgrade Offensive. The crossing was conducted under fire and enabled the Soviet advance into Hungary and the encirclement of Budapest.

Batov was appointed Commander of the Carpathian Military District. He held this position until 1958, overseeing Soviet forces in western Ukraine and the border with NATO countries.