In November 1931, he traveled from the Honghu Soviet in Hubei in Ruijin in the Jiangxi Soviet for a conference to coordinate the various Soviets. During the purges carried out by Xia Xi, Duan was one of those who died. He was killed in Badong County, Hubei. After requesting the executioners not to use bullets, he was put to death by the sword.[citation needed]
Legacy
On 10 September 2009, Duan was voted to be one of the 100 heroes who made significant contribution to the establishment of the People's Republic of China. Xu Jishen, another Red Army commander who was killed in the purges carried out by Zhang Guotao and Xia Xi, was also honored as part of the group.[1]