Yang Gensi was born in Taixing, Jiangsu Province. He joined the New Fourth Army in 1944 and joined the Communist Party of China a year later in 1945. As a member of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army he took part in the Korean War, serving as the company commander of the 3rd company in 172nd corps in the 58th division of the 20th army corps.

On November 29, 1950 during the second campaign, Yang, holding a 5-kg detonator and explosive, bravely rushed into the USA enemies, perishing together with 40 enemies. His brave action helped the Volunteer Army keep the position and cut off the American route to retreat.

After the war, Yang was posthumously awarded a Special-Class Merit citation and the title of Special-Class Fighter. The 3rd company was known as the "Yang Gensi Company" ever since. The standing committee of the Supreme People's Congress of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) awarded Yang Gensi the title of hero of the DPRK. The DPRK Government built the Monument to Yang Gensi in the place where he sacrificed his life.