In our conversation, Mr. Chieu recounted that in April 1963, he volunteered to enlist in the 240th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, 363rd Division, Air Defense-Air Force Command. In June 1963, he was sent to study ordnance repair at the Air Defense-Air Force Command's training school. Upon graduation, he was assigned to work at the 217th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion.

Veteran Nguyen Dinh Chieu is receiving treatment at the Vietnam-Czech Friendship Hospital ( Hai Phong ).

In 1964, as the American forces escalated their bombing campaign against North Vietnam, including Quang Ninh province, Mr. Chieu and his comrades braved enemy bombs and bullets to reach artillery positions on high hills to repair and replace cannon barrels. Notably, he climbed to the summit of Bai Tho Mountain (approximately 200 meters above sea level) to repair the audiovisual equipment of the air defense reconnaissance station, contributing to the victory in the first battle. During nearly eight years of resistance against the American bombing campaign, the 217th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, as the core unit, shot down 74 American aircraft, including two that were shot down in the first battle on August 5, 1964...

In 1972, due to poor health, Mr. Chieu was discharged from the army and returned to his hometown, where he married Ms. Nguyen Thi Hieu. In 2009, Ms. Hieu passed away from leukemia. Four years later, Mr. Chieu remarried Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc. They had no children together and relied on each other in their old age. In early 2024, Mr. Chieu was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which had metastasized to his bones and lungs, causing a serious decline in his health. The family had to sell all their accumulated assets and borrow money to pay for his treatment.

Comrade Ngo Xuan Huy, Head of the Liaison Committee of the 5-8 Veterans Association of the 217th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, said: “Despite his poor health and difficult family circumstances, veteran Nguyen Dinh Chieu has always been exemplary in life, loved and respected by his comrades and neighbors. We sincerely hope that kind-hearted people will help Mr. Chieu's family overcome this difficult period.”

All donations should be sent to: Mr. Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Group 50, Hoa Nghia area, Duong Kinh ward, Hai Phong city; phone number: 0378.480.889; or sent to account number: 0912279388, VietinBank , account holder Ngo Thi Xuan Quyen (please specify "donation for veteran Nguyen Dinh Chieu" in the transaction details).

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/phong-su/cuu-chien-binh-mac-benh-hiem-ngheo-mong-duoc-giup-do-1035995