Mr. Pham Van Do (left) and Mr. Luu Xuan Nghi reminisce about the difficult years on the Truong Son trail. Photo: THU OANH
From the North to the front lines
Mr. Luu Xuan Nghi (born in 1950), residing in Rach Gia ward, originally from Thai Thuy district, Thai Binh province, enlisted in December 1969. From the Thai Thuy District Military Command, he was transferred to the Thai Binh Provincial Military Command, and then at the end of 1972, he was assigned to a main force unit, marching into the Quang Tri battlefield, under the command of the 1st Army Corps. His journey south was a arduous trek along the Truong Son mountain range. From Nghe An and Ha Tinh to Quang Binh, his unit crossed the Route 20 Quyet Thang (Victory Route 20), traversing treacherous roads. "We walked, carried heavy loads, ate rice rations, and slept in hammocks in the forest, but everyone was determined to complete the mission," Mr. Nghi recounted.
In the Quang Tri battlefield, Mr. Nghi and his comrades fought in fierce areas such as Trieu Phong, Gio Linh, and Cua Viet – areas that were once crucial defensive lines and strategic springboards for both sides. Here, both sides continuously struggled to maintain their positions. Our troops simultaneously held territory and consolidated their forces, preparing for major campaigns.
In the spring of 1975, as part of the 1st Army Corps, Mr. Nghi advanced towards Saigon to participate in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign. In the final days of April, the momentum of the offensive was high, with rapid troop movements closing in on the city center. His unit marched continuously, fighting and advancing simultaneously, overcoming numerous enemy resistance strongholds. “We slept by the roadside at night, and in the morning we got back on the vehicles and advanced. Everyone understood that the decisive moment had arrived,” Mr. Nghi recounted.
At noon on April 30, 1975, Mr. Nghi was present at the Independence Palace. When tanks rammed through the gates, soldiers poured in. The liberation flag fluttered, people embraced each other, some bursting into tears of overwhelming joy. “In that moment of national independence and reunification, I was overjoyed but also fell silent for a few seconds, remembering my comrades who had once longed for this day of liberation…,” Mr. Nghi said.
After the war, in 1977, Mr. Nghi transferred to work in the former Kien Giang province. Currently, he is the Chairman of the Truong Son - Ho Chi Minh Trail Tradition Association of An Giang province.
The Trường Sơn mountain range, the "lifeblood" of the Vietnamese economy.
While Mr. Nghi was directly involved in combat, Dr. Pham Van Do (born in 1952), residing in Rach Gia ward, originally from Hung Yen province, contributed to ensuring the Trường Sơn supply line never broke down. In January 1971, while still in 10th grade, Dr. Do enlisted in the army following the general mobilization order. In May 1971, he began his journey on foot along the Trường Sơn mountain range, taking six months to travel from Quang Binh to Binh Phuoc. From 1971 to 1973, he served on the Eastern Trường Sơn liaison line, under Unit 559, in the Dak Nong and Dak Lak areas. His work involved transporting troops, delivering food and weapons, protecting warehouses, and bringing wounded soldiers, cadres, and children from the South to the North for education and medical treatment.
Life in the deep jungle was always fraught with danger. “The principle was ‘three no’s’: cooking without smoke, speaking without sound, and leaving no trace. Any carelessness could cost you your life,” Mr. Đo recounted. In late 1972, during a mission, he was hit by a B52 bomb; the blast pressure rendered him unconscious, and blood flowed from his ears and nose. Thanks to the timely rescue of his comrades, he survived, but suffered a 3/4 disability.
In 1973, Mr. Đo was assigned to the 8th Division, 9th Military Region, directly fighting in the Southwestern region, contributing to the liberation of Can Tho, and then advancing towards the Southwest of Saigon. In the last days of April 1975, during a fierce battle at Binh Dien Bridge, he was seriously wounded and was taken by guerrillas to a field medical station.
At noon on April 30th, just as he regained consciousness in a makeshift camp, still dazed from his wounds, Mr. Đo suddenly heard shouts: "Liberation! Liberation!" Unable to contain their emotions, everyone embraced each other, weeping and laughing at the same time. "I was so overwhelmed with joy…," Mr. Đo recalled.
After the war, Mr. Đo passed the medical school entrance exam, became a doctor, and worked at Kien Giang General Hospital. Even after retirement, he continued to contribute to the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he volunteered to collect samples and vaccinate people, despite his advanced age and the risk of infection. "As a soldier, I'm always ready," Mr. Nghị said.
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/gap-lai-linh-truong-son-a484140.html
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