Perhaps for many Vietnamese people, the verses: “Brother Cau went to battle, the enemy shot and crippled his hand, he chopped it off immediately, his mine exploded and hit the enemy, sealing the loophole, the enemy fell sprawling…” have become very familiar, simple yet full of heroic spirit. These are verses about Colonel, Hero of the People's Armed Forces La Van Cau.
During the Battle of Dong Khe in 1950, while tasked with using explosives to destroy a large enemy bunker, clearing a path for his comrades to advance, he was hit by two bullets. In an interview in July 2024, he recounted: “I was ordered to use explosives to destroy a large enemy bunker, clearing a path for my comrades to advance, and I was hit by two bullets. My right arm was injured and dangling, so I asked Squad Leader Nong Van Theu to help me cut off my injured arm before continuing my mission...”
Born in 1932 in Cao Bang province, La Van Cau, a member of the Tay ethnic group, volunteered to join the army at the age of 16. He achieved many outstanding feats, had the honor of meeting President Ho Chi Minh , and was one of the first seven soldiers to be awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces.
In the same interview, he also shared: "As descendants of Uncle Ho, when fighting, we don't demand this or that. We fight to the last drop of blood; as long as our hearts are still beating, we will continue to fight."
The heroic example of La Van Cau inspired the emulation movement of killing the enemy and achieving meritorious deeds throughout the army. His name has been given to several roads and schools across the country. After retirement, he continued to participate in social work, always serving as a shining example in educating the younger generation about patriotic traditions.
The poem about that hero is still memorized by many generations:
Anh Cau goes to battle.
The enemy shot and crippled his hand.
He chopped it off immediately.
The mine exploded and hit him.
Block the loopholes.
The enemy fell sprawling.
Mr. Cau is so talented!
Praised by President Ho Chi Minh
He was named.
Military hero.
The hero's heart stopped beating on June 24th. He dedicated his entire life to serving the country and its people, as he himself once said: "As long as my heart beats, I will fight."
Colonel, Hero of the People's Armed Forces La Van Cau (1932 - 2026).
Source: https://vtv.vn/anh-hung-la-van-cau-mot-doi-vi-dat-nuoc-100260625203429974.htm
