Lei Feng (December 18, 1940 – August 15, 1962) was a soldierof the People's LiberationArmy in the People's Republic of China. Lei was characterised as a selflessand modestperson who was devoted tothe Communist Party and the people of China. In the campaignof "Learn from ComradeLei Feng", initiated by Mao in 1963, Lei became a cultural iconsymbolizingselflessness, modesty, and dedicationthe youth of the country were encouraged to follow his example.