Nearly half a century has passed, but the glorious feat of the 37mm anti-aircraft artillery company of Ben Hon Gai Enterprise and the heroic sacrifice of Captain Dang Ba Hat in the fierce battle with the US Air Force (July 12, 1972) are still the pride of the army and people of Quang Ninh . It is a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism, an epic of patriotism and indomitable fighting spirit, adding more color to the golden history of the nation.
In 1968, amidst the flames of war, the 37mm anti-aircraft artillery company was established, consisting of 4 artillery batteries with 44 brave soldiers, led by comrade Dang Ba Hat as the company commander. The artillery site at that time was considered to have an important role in defensive operations, building a local people's air defense posture. Because right below the artillery site was Ha Long Bay, Bai Chay ferry, adjacent to the ferry was a coal port with a screening, transportation, loading and unloading system... bustling day and night, followed by tens of thousands of people of Hon Gai town. Determining their responsibilities, the entire company always upheld a courageous fighting spirit, not being passive and surprised in any situation.
The soldiers of the 37mm anti-aircraft artillery company are now old soldiers in their seventies, but their hearts still live with the memories of the heroic years fighting side by side to protect the sky of Hon Gai Town nearly 60 years ago.
Recalling those days, Mr. Vu Trong Hieu, Head of the Liaison Committee of the 37mm anti-aircraft artillery company, said: I will always remember the most fierce battle of the company with the US Air Force attacking Bai Chay ferry on the afternoon of July 12, 1972. At that time, Company Commander Dang Ba Hat and the entire battery were highly focused on observing the target and fiercely returning fire. The US Air Force used a diversion, using 2 low-flying planes to sneak attack and drop bombs on the battlefield. Dang Ba Hat was pierced in the abdomen by a bomb fragment; the wound was so severe that Dang Ba Hat heroically sacrificed himself next to the gun turret. Only half of the company remained, but the fight continued. Without hesitation, Deputy Company Commander Mai Van Ngon immediately took the temporary command position. When all 4 37mm guns were damaged, we gunners knelt down and continued to aim and shoot like infantrymen...
Under the command of Captain Dang Ba Hat, in just two years from May 1972 to October 1972, the unit shot down one F4 and one F8 aircraft, fought 37 battles, defused 104 bombs, and destroyed more than 2,500 bombs.
In early 1973, the 37mm anti-aircraft artillery company was honored to receive a flower basketfrom President Ton Duc Thang to celebrate its victory. The Ben Hon Gai Enterprise was awarded the title of Hero of the Armed Forces by the Party and the State. In 1997, the 37mm anti-aircraft artillery site was ranked as a national historical relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. In 2006, the company's name was changed to Dang Ba Hat Company, under the Hon Gai Coal Selection Company.
In the heart of every member of Dang Ba Hat’s family, pride and deep gratitude for the hero Dang Ba Hat always burn brightly. The noble sacrifice of comrade Dang Ba Hat is not only a source of endless sorrow, but also a strong source of motivation, urging generations of descendants to follow his shining example. Stories about his bravery and spirit of self-sacrifice for the country are passed down through each generation, becoming valuable lessons about patriotism, responsibility and strong will.
In the house of gratitude of the family of martyr Dang Ba Hat at No. 126, Cao Thang Street, Cao Thang Ward, Ha Long City, Mrs. Dang Thi Hue, the youngest daughter of martyr Dang Ba Hat confided: Although I do not have many memories of my father, the stories about his bravery, patriotism and noble spirit of sacrifice are always a great source of motivation in the lives of family members. I, like my siblings and children in the family, are always proud of him and my father. My father devoted his whole life to the Fatherland, to the independence and freedom of the nation. Following our father's example, we always try to live well, study and work hard, and contribute our efforts to society.
Today, the 37mm anti-aircraft artillery company named Dang Ba Hat, belonging to the Hon Gai Coal Selection Company, is the only self-defense unit in the coal industry that is always ready to fight 24/7 to protect the sacred airspace and sea of the Fatherland. Continuing the heroic tradition, the company constantly strives, contributes, and firmly protects the sacred airspace and sea of the Fatherland.
Captain of the 37mm anti-aircraft artillery company Dang Ba Hat Nguyen Van Tung shared: The 37mm anti-aircraft artillery site plays a key role in the defense and protection of national security. We always clearly define our responsibilities, guarding day and night, ready to fight 24/7. To successfully complete the mission, the company focuses on improving the quality of training and training combat skills for each officer and soldier. Each gunner must be proficient in movements, coordinate smoothly, and build a proactive and creative spirit. Each person is good at his own job, knows his teammates' job, and supports each other is the motto of the entire unit.
The heroic sacrifice of martyr Dang Ba Hat further motivates each officer and soldier of the company to constantly strive and advance. "We promise before the spirit of martyr Dang Ba Hat: We are determined to firmly protect the battlefield, not to let the Fatherland be surprised in any situation!", Company Commander Nguyen Van Tung confided.
Truc Linh
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