Heroic memories of artillery soldiers in the Great Spring Victory of 1975

(Chinhphu.vn) - In the emotional atmosphere of the historic April days, the whole country joined in the pride of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025), Colonel Do Chien Nui - former Deputy Chief of Staff of the Ninh Binh Provincial Military Command, shared vivid and sacred memories of the journey to liberate Saigon and unify the country.

Colonel Do Chien Nui, former Platoon Leader of Artillery Platoon 105 of Company 5, Battalion 12, Brigade 52, Military Region 5, former Deputy Chief of Staff of Ninh Binh Provincial Military Command - Photo: VGP/Minh Thi

Unforgettable years

Colonel Do Chien Nui joined the army in 1970, becoming a soldier of the 351st Artillery Division, Ministry of National Defense . In his early years of service, he directly participated in the battles in Kon Tum and Gia Lai - the most important and fiercest areas at that time. After that, he and his comrades continued to participate in major battles in Sa Huynh, Quang Ngai.

After liberating Quang Ngai , the artillery unit he commanded was ordered to train in Quy Nhon to prepare for the largest campaign - the Spring Campaign of 1975. At this time, he was the Platoon Leader of the 105th Artillery Platoon of Company 5, Battalion 12, Brigade 52, Military Region 5. After completing the mission in Quang Ngai, his unit received orders to coordinate with the 3rd Corps to attack Saigon.

"We marched with tanks and infantry. Our mission was to clear the way and destroy any obstacles to protect the tanks' advance," Colonel Do Chien Nui recounted.

On the night of April 29, 1975, from Xuan Loc, his unit marched to Trang Bom and then entered Long Khanh. By the morning of April 30, the army advanced to Saigon Bridge - the eastern gateway of the City. The 105th Artillery Platoon received orders to coordinate with tanks and infantry, raided straight into the center of Saigon, advancing to the Independence Palace - the place identified as the key target to end the war.

"At 11:30, our platoon and tanks advanced straight into the Independence Palace. When the victory flag flew on the roof of the Palace, we were overwhelmed with emotion. It was an unforgettable sacred moment in our lives," he recalled.

Along the march, the atmosphere of victory was overwhelming. The convoy of tanks, artillery, and infantry seemed endless. People from Dong Nai and Long Khanh provinces poured out on both sides of the road, bringing flowers, fruits, and drinking water to support the troops. "I still remember very clearly the loud cheers, the handshakes, and the tearful eyes of the people. That was the invaluable spiritual strength that helped us move forward without stopping," he emotionally recounted.

Although retired, Colonel Do Chien Nui and his wife (also an Army officer) still actively participate in the Veterans Association in Ninh Binh province - Photo: VGP/Minh Thi

The silent but great sacrifices

The victory of April 30 was the pinnacle of courage and indomitable spirit, but it was also the result of countless sacrifices. During the rapid march, many of his comrades fell. "There were comrades who had eaten with him yesterday and pulled artillery together, but today they have been left behind on the side of the road forever," he said with a choked voice. Despite the loss and pain, everyone still steadfastly moved forward with the oath: "Even if we have to sacrifice, we must fight until our last breath."

One of the memories he will never forget is the time he was pulling artillery over Deo Ca Pass. Due to a brake failure, the entire artillery trailer plunged down the slope at a terrifying speed, seemingly impossible to hold. In that life-or-death moment, he immediately ordered the artillery to be blocked, causing the vehicle to crash into the mountain to stop. "If I had not been decisive, I would not be sitting here telling this story. But at that time, the most important thing was to preserve our forces and equipment in time for the campaign," he shared.

From victory to new missions

After the liberation day, Colonel Do Chien Nui and his unit continued to be mobilized to Tuy Hoa, Quy Nhon to perform training and defense tasks. Not long after, he participated in campaigns to protect the southwestern border and performed international duties in Cambodia.

"From 1979 to 1986, I commanded a regiment of the 307th Division to fight to liberate Cambodia. Those were extremely difficult but also proud years," he said. The footsteps of Vietnamese soldiers did not stop at protecting the Fatherland but also contributed to building friendship with international friends.

Standing in the middle of today's modern, vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, Colonel Do Chien Nui cannot help but be moved by the tremendous changes in the city where he and his comrades fought to liberate - Photo: VGP/Minh Thi

Confidence in the future

Half a century has passed since the country was reunited. Standing in the middle of today's modern, vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, Colonel Do Chien Nui could not help but be moved by the tremendous changes in the city where he and his comrades fought to regain. "Ho Chi Minh City is now developing continuously, with modern infrastructure and increasingly improved people's lives. What we sacrificed and contributed in the past, I find worthy and proud when witnessing the results today," he said with emotion.

He shared that today's development is the clearest proof of the value of independence and peace. And that is also the motivation for the younger generation to continue to preserve and promote traditions, building the country to become increasingly rich and powerful.

Invited to attend the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, Colonel Do Chien Nui expressed his immense honor and pride. "I am even more deeply aware of the value of peace and independence. The sacrifices of comrades and the entire nation must never be forgotten. Today's and future generations must have the responsibility to preserve those achievements with all their hearts and actions," he affirmed.

The crystallization of a heroic era

The story of Colonel Do Chien Nui is a vivid slice in the panorama of the resistance war against the US to save the country. He represents millions of soldiers who overcame bombs, hunger, disease, and loss to write heroic pages of history. His memories, experiences, and emotions are not only valuable assets to history, but also an endless source of inspiration for today's and future generations.

This April, in the heroic music, in the flags fluttering all over the country's roads, we bow our heads in remembrance and gratitude to those who contributed to the great victory of Spring 1975. Ordinary, steadfast people like Colonel Do Chien Nui are living symbols of the indomitable, resilient Vietnamese spirit, the source of eternal national pride.

Thanh Thuy

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/ky-uc-hao-hung-cua-nguoi-linh-phao-binh-trong-dai-thang-mua-xuan-1975-102250430070558308.htm