Memories of Victory Day

Returning to normal life, People's Armed Forces Hero Tran Hung Vach is always a shining example for his children and grandchildren to follow. Photo: Tra Huong

In the midst of the historic April days, veteran Trinh Khac Ba in Dao Duc town (Binh Xuyen) recalls the memories of the great Spring victory of the nation when he was one of the soldiers of Regiment 66, Division 304 participating in capturing the Duong Van Minh cabinet at the historic moment at 11:30 a.m. on April 30, 1975.

Born in 1954, enlisted in the army in 1971 when he was only 17 years old, young Trinh Khac Ba was filled with enthusiasm to go to the South to participate in the resistance war against the US to save the country. During the fiercest years of the Southern battlefield, with the mission of reconnaissance, assigned to Company 20, Regiment 66, Division 304, Mr. Ba and his comrades went through life and death, making an important contribution to many historic victories of decisive significance in Quang Tri and Da Nang ; he was honored to be admitted to the Party when he was only 20 years old.

In 1974, his Regiment received orders to march rapidly towards Saigon, along Highway 1, liberating wherever it went. On the morning of April 30, 1975, Mr. Ba participated in the deep thrust of Regiment 66, commanded by Deputy Regiment Commander Pham Xuan The, who were the first to arrive at the Independence Palace and arrest the entire Duong Van Minh cabinet, witnessing the complete collapse of the Saigon puppet government.

Until now, when recalling that historic moment, Mr. Ba still cannot fully express his emotions, the happiness of a winner, of freedom and unity.

After the victory on April 30, 1975, Mr. Ba and his unit fought in the Southwest battlefield to liberate Cambodia. In February 1979, he went to the North to participate in the Northern Border War and then worked at the Political Department, General Staff of the 2nd Army Corps.

In 1988, Mr. Ba was discharged from the army under the sick leave regime and returned to live in Dao Duc town, continuing to promote the tradition of Uncle Ho's soldiers, being exemplary in local movements and activities.

For People's Armed Forces Hero Tran Hung Vach, born in 1949, from Nguyet Duc commune (Yen Lac), currently living in Kim Long town (Tam Duong), the memory of the victory on April 30, 1975 is not only a joy and pride but also a pain and loss.

Enlisting in the army in 1967, Mr. Vach's military career quickly marked many battles in the Central Highlands and Southern battlefields. In 1975, participating in the battle to liberate Tuy Hoa town, Phu Yen province, on April 1, after 2 hours of fierce fighting, Mr. Vach was seriously injured but still fought steadfastly with his comrades to complete the mission, determined to completely liberate the South.

On the night of April 29 and early morning of April 30, 1975, Mr. Vach was assigned to directly command a tank platoon to attack the enemy's Quang Trung Training Center, deep into the city to advance towards the goal of liberating Saigon.

During this campaign, despite being wounded three more times, Mr. Vach still endured the pain, continued to command the platoon to attack and destroy enemy targets, and together with the infantry, captured the puppet army's General Staff in Saigon, contributing to the overall victory of the whole country in completely liberating the South and reunifying the country.

Recalling the memories of the victory day, Mr. Vach emotionally shared: “For me, being alive to return to my family and homeland is a lucky thing. The war was so fierce, going to war no one knew whether they lived or died, so many of my comrades fell without witnessing the day of total victory, some of whom have not yet been found… I hope that the next generation will always cherish the value of peace and independence like today.”

For his achievements in combat, Mr. Tran Hung Vach was awarded 2 Second Class Military Exploit Medals, 1 Third Class Military Exploit Medal and many other noble awards. On January 15, 1976, he was awarded the noble title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces by the State.

It has been 50 years since the country was liberated. The soldiers of the past have all reached a rare age, but their spirit and enthusiasm are still as fervent and passionate as the young men of the Ho Chi Minh era rushing into battle.

Many children of Vinh Phuc homeland had the honor of contributing to the struggle for national independence, culminating in the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, which ended the resistance war against the US to save the country, and reunited the country.

Today, the number of soldiers who directly fought in the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign and were lucky enough to return alive after the victory can be counted on the fingers of one hand.

Therefore, the heroic memories of those historical witnesses are not only a source of pride but also an epic, a priceless "asset" to strongly spread patriotism to the young generation, appreciating the values ​​of peace, independence and freedom.

Binh Duyen

Source: http://baovinhphuc.com.vn/Multimedia/Images/Id/126685/Ky-uc-ngay-chien-thang