In 1941, Dr. Rosenfeld asked to volunteer as a doctor in the Chinese Communist army (which was then fighting the Japanese occupation forces). They welcomed him with open arms. He served for many years and was the only foreigner to reach the rank of general. He often risked his life as he continued to operate on the wounded while bombs exploded nearby and bullets whistled overhead. Dr. Rosenfeld - "Long Nose" - became an admired and beloved figure. He was seen as "one of them," and he felt the same way. When he was once asked why he risked his life for China, he replied: "I'm no visitor here! I am a soldier in white coat!"