Zhang He was a bold and skillful warrior. In the closing years of the Eastern Han Dynasty, as a volunteer, Zhang He joined Han Fu's army to suppress the Yellow Scarves Rebellion. Then he took the post of a Commander under Han Fu. When Han Fu surrendered his region Jizhou to Yuan Shao, Zhang He offered his service to Yuan Shao. Under Yuan Shao, he became one of his top generals. He was very active in the campaign against Gongsun Zan. Yuan Shao won many battles thanks to his outstanding performance against Gongsun Zan, and he took the post of Imperial Corps Commander.
     In the Battle at Guandu, Zhang He was active as one of Yuan Shao's commander. At the first battle, he dueled Zhang Liao with no advantage to either side. Then after they failed to raid Cao Cao's camp, Zhang He together with Gao Lan, were forced to turn over to Cao Cao by Guo Tu, who feared that they would return and testify about his mistake. Under Cao Cao, Zhang He led the way and made the first attack on Yuan Shao's camp and was victorious. He accompanied Cao Cao in the further pacification of the North. He participated in almost every major battles, was victorious in many battles and also he was active in the Battle at Chibi. He helped Cao Cao escaped by protecting the rear after the lost at Chibi.
     Zhang He helped Cao Cao at the campaign against Ma Chao and Zhang Lu. After Ma Chao and Zhang Lu were destroyed, Zhang He was sent to defend Hanzhong. After Cao Pi succeeded to the throne, Zhang He was again promoted to the rank of General of the Left and Lord of the Fief. He was skillful in meeting emergencies. Though a warrior, Zhang He respected and cherished scholars. By and by, he learned to be a good strategist. Although he lost eventually, he fought very hard while protecting Han Zhong from Shu's invasion. He was regarded by Zhuge Liang as a fine strategist and a worthy opponent.
     Zhang He was very active later as one of Wei's top generals. History has it that Zhang He successfully defended Wei against Zhuge Liang's northern campaigns. At 231 when Zhuge Liang retreated to Qishan, Zhang He was shot by arrows and died in the battle against the army of Shu. Cao Rui wept at the death of his brave leader and had his body searched and honorably buried.