Reporters from the People's Army Newspaper recorded the feelings and memories of several veterans about General Le Van Dung.

First Lieutenant VU MINH SON, former Company Commander of Company 3, Battalion 25, Division 9, Corps 4 (now Corps 34):

I will always remember the young, lively, and energetic captain.

Around 1971, I was a liaison soldier in the Political Department of Construction Site 9 (the code name for the 9th Division). At that time, I met an officer with fair skin, a handsome face, and a very lively and energetic demeanor. Upon inquiry, I learned that he was Anh Bay Dung (the affectionate nickname for Comrade Le Van Dung), who had just finished his studies at H14 (the Central Military Political School of the Southern Region) and had come to the Political Department to finalize some documents.

Everyone in the office praised Bay Dung highly. Although young, he already held the rank of Captain and was assigned the position of Deputy Head of Political Affairs of Regiment 1 (Division 9). I overheard the head of the Political Department saying that Comrade Le Van Dung had many qualities for further advancement. Indeed, in the following years, Bay Dung was appointed Deputy Political Commissar and Head of Political Affairs, then Political Commissar of Regiment 1, and participated in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign.

General Le Van Dung visits and works at the 9th Division (April 2010).

There's a memory I'll never forget, around 1982, in the Cambodian battlefield. Brother Bay Dung was the Deputy Commander of the 9th Division, and I was a company officer. When the unit decided to allow officers to go on leave to celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year) with their families, I volunteered to go to the North. After reviewing the list, Brother Bay Dung sent someone to call me in for questioning.

General Le Van Dung conversed with and listened to the thoughts and aspirations of the officers and soldiers of the 9th Division.

I was really worried at the time. I didn't know what was going on when a company officer went to see the Deputy Division Commander. When I arrived, he offered me tea and immediately asked, "Comrade, you're from Tien Giang , so why did you register for leave all the way in the North?" I froze for a moment, overcome with emotion. I didn't think my superior would remember my hometown, and the Personnel Department, the body responsible for compiling the list, hadn't noticed anything unusual either.

I confessed that I knew a girl from my time studying in Hanoi, and I wanted to visit her and perhaps even get married. Mr. Bay Dung laughed heartily, immediately signed my leave request and letter of introduction, and jokingly said, "Watch out, she might already be married off when you get there!"

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Colonel NGUYEN VAN PHUC, former Deputy Commander of the 7th Division, 4th Corps (now part of Military Region 7):

A down-to-earth, friendly boss.

I was a subordinate officer of Commander Le Van Dung for 10 years fighting in Cambodia (1979-1989). It can be said that Commander Dung was very caring towards the next generation of officers, the younger officers who followed him. During that period, I was a platoon and company officer, while Commander Dung was the commander of the 9th Division.

In his leadership and command of the unit, Commander Dung demonstrated a very high sense of responsibility and unwavering political acumen; he was always supportive, encouraging, and genuinely caring towards his subordinates. His communication style was down-to-earth and friendly, creating no distance between superiors and subordinates.

General Le Van Dung poses for a photo with officers and soldiers of the 9th Division.

After my unit completed its mission and withdrew, I intended to request demobilization. My superior encouraged and advised me to complete my qualifications and continue my studies so that I could have a long-term commitment to the military.

I remember Commander Dung saying that in peacetime, the army desperately needs people who have experienced combat, who have witnessed all the hardships and sacrifices, who possess courage and unwavering determination. Because, even though the country is now silent, the danger remains. I followed my commander's advice and strived step by step, day by day. Now retired, I always look to Commander Dung as a shining example to follow and to educate my children and grandchildren.

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Colonel HUYNH BUU HIEP, former Head of Department 5 (Department 12, General Department II) :

We have lost a respected brother.

Around 1984-1985, I was a company commander in the 9th Division. At that time, the Cambodian battlefield was very fierce, many soldiers were killed, and the morale of the soldiers was sometimes unstable. As the Division commander, Comrade Le Van Dung frequently visited each platoon and company to understand and encourage the morale of the officers and soldiers. The commander would ask very simple and friendly questions such as where I was from, whether I had a wife and children, what my parents did for a living, and if I had any problems.

We felt deeply touched, as if our commander was a very close older brother in the family. It can be affirmed that our commander is a man of both intellect and skill, excelling in many positions from politics to the military. His words and actions always go hand in hand; he is always frank, upright, and decisive in his work.

We have always regarded our commander as an "idol," learning from and emulating the open-minded and compassionate qualities of the people of Southern Vietnam in managing and commanding troops.

Recently, upon learning that General Le Van Dung was awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces by the Party and the State, not only I, but all of my comrades who fought and worked in the same unit as him, were deeply impressed and wholeheartedly accepted it.

Now that our commander has passed away, we feel as if we have lost a kind and respected elder brother. No matter what, General Le Van Dung will always remain in our memories!

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/tuong-linh-viet-nam/dai-tuong-le-van-dung-con-mai-trong-ky-uc-dong-chi-dong-doi-1021232