He was born in Nan County, Yiyang, Hunan Province.

In August 1927, after the beginning of the Chinese Civil War between the CCP and the Kuomintang, Duan participated in the Nanchang Uprising.

After requesting the executioners not to use bullets, he was put to death by the sword.

[citation needed] 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.