His name is Yang Jiachi, born in 1919, a legendary figure， exchanged 11 American prisoners of war

It’s been 15 years since you saw this old man leave us in the video. You may not know his name, like most people. His name is Yang Jiachi, born in 1919, a legendary figure who, in 1956, exchanged 11 American prisoners of war for 120 top Chinese scientists, creating a magnificent story of heroism. Growing up in a prosperous family in the private business world of Wujian, Jiangsu, he was influenced by the ancestral philosophy of using industry to save the country. At the age of 18, amidst the rumbling of Japanese artillery, he entered Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Witnessing the humiliation of compatriots by foreigners on their own land, he secretly vowed to restore dignity for the Chinese people, building airplanes and ships that belonged to the Chinese and reclaiming their homeland. At the age of 30, he obtained a Ph.D. from Harvard University, leading a enviable life in the United States. Living with his wife and children in a garden house in the suburbs of New York, successful in his career, and enjoying a happy life. However, all of this couldn’t resist the deep longing for his homeland. In 1956, as the obstacles to the return of scientists through the exchange of prisoners of war gradually disappeared, Liang Jiachi excitedly said to his wife, “It’s time for us to go back.“ He resolutely refused lucrative retention offers, sold everything in the United States, and converted all the proceeds into the most needed gifts for his homeland. Subsequently, returning with his whole family to the motherland, Yang Jiachi devoted decades of effort and dedication, witnessing every significant breakthrough in China’s aerospace. From Dong Fang Hong 1 to the returnable satellite of One Arrow Three Stars, synchronous satellites, each achievement deeply rooted in his hard work. One particularly legendary story occurred in late November 1975 when China launched its first returnable satellite. The satellite encountered a major problem just after liftoff, and the decision of whether to return prematurely or continue flying became the decisive factor for the entire project. Faced with the denial of most experts about the feasibility of continuing the flight, the project’s overall commander, Qian Xuesen, turned his gaze to Yang Jiachi, who had been silently calculating. With a steady tone, Yang Jiachi said, “Based on my calculations, there shouldn’t be a big issue. We can continue the flight as planned.“ This simple yet crucial decision became the key step for the advancement of China’s space industry, showcasing Yang Jiachi’s unwavering scientific faith and outstanding decision-making abilities. Behind him were numerous researchers toiling day and night in the laboratory, collectively writing the brilliant chapter of China’s aerospace. Yang Jiachi’s decision became a star in the night sky, and his dedication to research and profound love for his country created a legend in the history of Chinese science and technology. The bold Qian Xuesen, as the overall project commander, made the daring decision to trust Yang Jiachi. In Yang Jiachi’s determined words, he chose to believe, chose not to waver. This decision marked a turning point for the entire project. On a bitterly cold winter night, Yang Jiachi, illuminated by moonlight, ran alone to the mountaintop, waiting for the appearance of that star. His gaze pierced through the sky, staring into the distance. Throughout the night, he merged with nature. The cold wind howled, moonlight spilled over his lonely figure, and he silently waited, anticipating the flicker of that star. In his heart, the dream of the motherland shone in the starry sky, waiting to be realized. When the star rose as expected, precisely traversing the sky, the stone in Yang Jiachi’s heart was finally put down, and his decision received the response of the stars.