On October 22, 1963, implementing the Decree of President Ho Chi Minh, the Minister of National Defense signed Decision No. 50/QD to establish the Air Defense - Air Force Service, on the basis of merging the Air Defense Command and the Air Force Department. This event marked an important development step of the Vietnam People's Army, directly preparing both spirit and force for the Air Defense - Air Force troops to be ready to fight against the destructive war by the US air force and navy in the North.

Since 1965, when the US expanded its destructive war, the Vietnam Air Defense - Air Force has followed President Ho Chi Minh 's teaching: "Open a victorious air front". Right in the first battle on April 3 and 4, 1965, they shot down 4 US aircraft. After three years of fierce fighting, the Air Defense force has grown stronger, overcome many challenges, achieved many outstanding feats, and destroyed thousands of US aircraft. These achievements were not only recognized by the Party and the State but also always followed up with attention, promptly encouraged and motivated by President Ho Chi Minh. The simple but profound stories about Uncle Ho's affection for the Air Defense troops in general and the soldiers of Military Region 4 in particular have become legendary.

The "Vietnamese Silver" note with a face value of one dong, issued in 1958, is currently kept at the Military Region 4 Museum.

In the summer of 1967, the weather in Hanoi was hot and humid. Uncle Ho's health was weak and he was old. However, he did not use air conditioning because he was frugal. In that hot sun, he thought of the soldiers on duty on the roof of Ba Dinh Hall. He asked his secretary, Vu Ky, about the soldiers' living conditions and asked him to come up and check.

After comrade Vu Ky reported that the gun emplacement was rudimentary, the sun was hot and there was not even tea to drink, Uncle Ho immediately called General Van Tien Dung to remind him to provide drinking water for the troops and ensure their safety. After a moment of contemplation, Uncle Ho asked comrade Vu Ky to take out his savings book to see how much money was left. The savings was more than 25,000 VND, a very large sum at that time, the money was mainly Uncle Ho's royalties sent by newspapers. Uncle Ho instructed that all of that money must be transferred to the General Staff to buy fresh water for the Air Defense Forces, not only for the combat force at Ba Dinh but for all units on duty throughout the North. Uncle Ho also emphasized that if that amount was not enough, he would ask the locality where the unit was stationed to contribute to taking care of it.

Of that total amount, the Air Defense Force of Military Region 4 received 3,000 Dong from Uncle Ho to buy tea and make water. The one-dong coin currently kept at the Military Region 4 Museum is part of that meaningful gift. This is not only the heart of a leader but also a great source of encouragement to help soldiers be more steadfast during the fierce fighting days.

Students in the area visit the Military Region 4 Museum.

After receiving Uncle Ho's gift, on September 23, 1967, comrade Dang Tinh, Political Commissar of the Air Defense - Air Force, on behalf of the officers and soldiers, sent a letter of thanks to Uncle Ho. The letter expressed deep emotion at Uncle Ho's affection and concern, and reported that the entire Army had agreed to transfer that amount of money to units that were fighting harder to improve their health. From that occasion, a special emulation movement was launched throughout the entire force, with the goal of "fighting well, shooting down more American planes, destroying and capturing more enemy pilots", fulfilling Uncle Ho's teachings and wishes: Defeating the American invaders, protecting the North, liberating the South, and unifying the country.

Sports festival to launch training at Air Defense Brigade 283, Military Region 4. Photo: VAN NHAT

 

Air Defense Brigade 283 participates in the exercise and live-fire competition of Army Air Defense forces (2021). Photo: VAN NHAT

More than 60 years have passed, but whenever mentioning the tradition of the Air Defense - Air Force, especially the Air Defense Force of Military Region 4, generations of veterans still cannot help but be moved. The love and deep concern of President Ho Chi Minh is an extremely great source of spiritual strength, adding determination for the troops to overcome hardships and excellently complete the tasks assigned by the Party, State and people.

The 1958 “Vietnamese Silver Coin” souvenir, registration number 974/G.76, is now solemnly displayed at the Military Region 4 Museum, forever a sacred testament to Uncle Ho's affection for the brave soldiers on the front line protecting the Fatherland's sky.

KIM KHANH

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/dong-bac-viet-nam-va-cau-chuyen-bac-ho-voi-chien-si-phong-khong-828778