Memoirs of Major General Hoang Dan: Shining with the belief in victory.

On the evening of April 21st, the book "From the Ben Hai River to the Independence Palace" by Major General Hoang Dan was launched to readers at Hanoi Book Street, on the occasion of the Vietnamese Book and Reading Culture Day.

This is a special bilingual Vietnamese-English edition, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025), published by Vietnam News Agency Publishing House and Alpha Books Company.

The book opens with a moving introduction from former General Secretary Lê Khả Phiêu – a comrade who fought alongside Major General Hoàng Đan in the midst of war.

Major General Hoang Dan was the former Commander of the 304th Division, who directly commanded major campaigns such as Khe Sanh in 1968, Route 9 in Southern Laos in 1971, Quang Tri in 1972, Thuong Duc in 1974, and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975.

During the days of marching and commanding operations amidst bombs and bullets, with the line between life and death hanging in the balance, he took the opportunity to meticulously record memorable moments from each battle in his diary.

In his memoirs, he left behind not only a vivid account of the brutal events, but also the military spirit, strategic thinking, and compassion of a general.

While commanding the battle, he took advantage of the time to record his historical journey. Major General Hoang Dan wrote: "I hope my children and grandchildren will keep these pages of memoirs as a family heirloom. I sincerely thank anyone who reads these pages of my memoirs, because in doing so, my work has been useful."

Through each page of the diary, the reader can feel the pulse of the battlefield – where Major General Hoang Dan, in his role as Commander of the 304th Division, led his comrades through life-or-death decisions, from surprise attack tactics to mobilizing all resources to achieve victory. Each page of the diary is a historical story, a profound lesson in the art of leadership, in foresight, and in unwavering determination in the face of challenges.

Mr. Hoang Nam Tien - former Chairman of FPT Telecom and Vice Chairman of the FPT University Board of Directors - was a speaker at the book launch event. (Photo: Provided by the interviewee)

The final section consists of moving accounts from comrades and fellow soldiers about Major General Hoang Dan. The sincere stories from those who fought and worked alongside him help readers understand the image of a general who was not only outstanding in strategy but also a leader who deeply understood people's hearts.

The "legacy" left behind by Major General Hoang Dan has been skillfully applied by his youngest son, Hoang Nam Tien, former Chairman of FPT Telecom and Vice Chairman of the FPT University Board of Directors, in business management and economic development during peacetime.

Hoang Nam Tien shared: “My father said very simply: 'I have to go fight so that my children don't have to fight anymore.' What I admire most about him is not only his sharp military thinking, but also his optimistic spirit, believing that he would return, survive, and win.”

Accordingly, Major General Hoang Dan not only left behind a military legacy, but also served as an inspiration for future generations – from young soldiers to leaders and entrepreneurs seeking ways to overcome challenges and achieve success.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/hoi-ky-cua-thieu-tuong-hoang-dan-lap-lanh-niem-tin-chien-thang-post1034158.vnp