The campaign was commanded by anti-Japanese generals such as Li Zongren, Bai Chongxi, Sun Lianzhong, Tang Enbo, Zhang Zizhong, Tian Zhennan, Guan Linzheng, Chi Fengcheng, and Wang Mingzhang.

Li Zongren (August 13, 1891 - January 30, 1969), courtesy name Delin, was born in Lingui, Guangxi. A first-level general of the National Revolutionary Army, leader of the "Guangxi Clique" of the Chinese Kuomintang, and the first vice president and acting president of the Republic of China. He was an important figure in the Northern Expedition. Before the Northern Expedition, he worked hard to unify Guangdong and Guangxi, laid the foundation for the Northern Expedition, and promoted the Northern Expedition.

After the "September 18th" incident, the Anti-Japanese War broke out, and Li Zongren was appointed commander-in-chief of the fifth theater. In 1948, the Kuomintang implemented the constitution and was elected vice president. After Chiang Kai-shek resigned from power, he served as acting president for a time. He tried to save the National Government through peace talks but failed. He later fled to the United States, but eventually returned to Beijing with his wife Guo Dejie through Switzerland and the Middle East in July 1965. They were welcomed by Mao Zedong and other Chinese Communist leaders. He died in Beijing on January 30, 1969.

Zhang Zizhong (August 11, 1891 - May 16, 1940), whose courtesy name was Xinchen, later changed to Xinchen, was a Han nationality, a native of Linqing, Shandong, and a member of the Right Wing Army of the Fifth Theater and the 33rd Commander-in-Chief of the Group Army, General of the Chinese Kuomintang, Lieutenant General of the Army, posthumously awarded the rank of Second-level General, famous anti-Japanese general and national hero. From 1937 to 1940, he successively participated in the Linyi Defense Battle, Xuzhou Battle, Wuhan Battle, Suizao Battle and Zaoyi Battle. Unfortunately, he died in a battle with the Japanese army in Xiangyang in 1940.