Hero Mai Ngoc Thoang and memories of Independence Day

Hero of the People's Armed Forces Mai Ngoc Thoang (center of photo) shared at the exchange program "Proud of tradition, continuing achievements" on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Traditional Day of the People's Armed Forces of Thanh Hoa province (August 24, 1945 - August 24, 2025).

In 1970, when he was only 17 years old, Mai Ngoc Thoang, a Muong ethnic son from Ngoc Long hometown, Ngoc Trao commune, former Thach Thanh district, volunteered to join the army. Now in his 70s, he still remembers clearly the days of participating in the war against the US to save the country, especially the 81-day and night campaign to protect Quang Tri Citadel of Regiment 48, Division 320B (now Division 390, Corps 12) in 1972. It was during this campaign that he was honored to be awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces by the Party and State.

Mr. Mai Ngoc Thoang recalled: In June 1972, the campaign to protect Quang Tri Citadel of Regiment 48 took place fiercely, with the oath "Quang Son remains, Quang Tri remains" engraved deeply in the hearts of each soldier. I still remember clearly on July 13, 1972, as the leader of the wired communication squad, I had just gone to repair the line of another line, when I returned to the unit, I heard that 3 comrades of the squad who went to repair the line across Thach Han River connecting the rear and the front had sacrificed. The grief for my comrades made me hate the enemy even more, I and comrade Nhac accepted the mission and rushed to the bank of Thach Han River, waited until the enemy was firing artillery, then swam out to the river to retrieve the two ends of the wire, but unfortunately the end of the wire broke in the middle of the river. There was no other way, I had to use my two jaws to reconnect the wire. When I woke up, I found myself in a bunker, next to the Command Center. The connection of the line across the Thach Han River ensured smooth communication for the commander, directly comrade General Vo Nguyen Giap, to transmit orders to mobilize Regiment 48 to hold firm and protect Quang Tri Citadel for 81 days and nights.

When recalling the Independence Day celebrations during the war, Mr. Mai Ngoc Thoang sadly shared: On September 2, 1972, there was heavy rain, the Thach Han River overflowed, the shelter was full of water. At that time, we did not think about Independence Day, we only thought about how to fight against the flood and avoid enemy bombs. During the war, on Independence Day September 2, we shared Hai Chau candy, cigarettes, and dry rations, which was also happiness. We only knew how to fight and look forward to Independence Day.

Every year, on the occasion of Independence Day, in Mr. Mai Ngoc Thoang's house, his children and grandchildren return home, gather together to have a family meal, to celebrate that their grandfather and father are still healthy today. During many meals, he always reminds his children and grandchildren that the value of peace and independence today had to be exchanged for the blood and bones of many generations of fathers and brothers. Therefore, the generation of children and grandchildren born and raised in peace must know how to appreciate and remember the great contributions of their ancestors to make the country prosperous and happy like today.

Article and photos: Bui Huan

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/anh-hung-mai-ngoc-thoang-nbsp-va-ky-uc-ve-tet-doc-lap-260151.htm