China's State Council and the Central Military Commission on Tuesday conferred an honorary title to People's Armed Police Colonel Ding Xiaobing who lost an arm in the line of duty.

Ding, 41, joined the army in 1983 and lost his right arm when a grenade exploded on a "military mission" in an unspecified Chinese border area in 1984. His citation said that for more than 20 years, Ding devoted himself to national defense and the administration of the armed police.

He always showed concern and care for personnel and had donated more than 50,000 yuan (6,250 U.S. dollars) to help needy personnel.

Premier Wen Jiabao and Chairman of the Central Military Commission Hu Jintao jointly signed an order conferring the title "heroic loyal guard" on Ding.

The ceremony was held in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province.

Source: Xinhua