Heroic Artillery Brigade

In late March 2026, at the barracks of Brigade 6 (Military Region 9), officers and soldiers shared the joy of receiving the First Class Order of National Defense. The heroic traditions of the unit are being preserved and promoted by the current generation of officers and soldiers.

Officers and soldiers of Brigade 6 participate in the 2025 Military Sports Competition. Photo: VAN DOAN

Nguyen Thanh Dat, a soldier in Company 2, Artillery Battalion 1, Brigade 6, has just been in the army for one month. During this first month, Dat received the most important political and ideological education lesson: the traditions of the heroic Brigade 6, where he will spend two memorable years of military service. “Wearing the soldier's uniform and standing in the ranks of the heroic Artillery Brigade is a great honor for me. The stories about the unit's traditions make me even more proud and determined to train better to be worthy of the generations before me,” Dat shared.

Every soldier like Dat must understand: Brigade 6 was established on November 23, 1963, at Can Gao Canal, Rach Gia province (now An Giang province). From its initial mobile artillery companies, the unit gradually developed into the main ground firepower force of the armed forces of Military Region 9. Over nearly 63 years, generations of officers and soldiers of the Brigade have achieved many victories on the battlefields of the Southwestern region, contributing alongside the army and people of the whole country to the victory in the resistance war against the US, as well as in the fight to protect the southwestern border of the Fatherland.

During the fierce years of war, the artillery of Regiment 6 (the predecessor of Brigade 6) participated in thousands of battles, large and small, providing timely and accurate fire support for the advancing infantry. Many enemy outposts, vehicles, and personnel were destroyed, making a significant contribution to the overall victory on the battlefield. These achievements have forged the glorious tradition of this heroic artillery unit with its familiar motto: "Unity, cooperation - Flexibility, creativity - Skillful fighting, accurate shooting."

After the war, entering a period of peace, national reconstruction and defense, the Brigade continued to uphold its traditions, focusing on training, combat readiness, and building a strong and comprehensive unit. Training content consistently adheres to the motto "basic, practical, and solid," emphasizing practical application and training closely aligned with missions, geographical areas, and combat plans. As a result, the unit's training quality has continuously improved. For many years, the Brigade has been awarded the title of "Excellent Training Unit." From 2016 to 2025, the unit continuously received the "Excellent Training Unit" and "Outstanding Unit in the Emulation Movement for Victory" flags from the Ministry of National Defense. This is not only the result of rigorous training but also the persistent efforts of each officer and soldier in mastering weapons and equipment and improving their combat coordination skills.

In addition to successfully fulfilling its military duties, Brigade 6 actively participates in civilian outreach activities in its garrison area. Activities such as assisting in rural development, participating in the elimination of temporary housing, supporting the poor, and coordinating patrols to maintain local security and order have contributed to strengthening the close relationship between the soldiers and the people. As a result, the image of the artillery soldier has become increasingly familiar and beloved in the hearts of the people of An Giang province.

According to Tran Thi Ngoc Diem, Secretary of the Party Committee of Binh Duc Ward, the Health Station Bridge will be inaugurated at the end of 2025, connecting Binh Khanh 7 and Binh Duc 2 hamlets. The total construction cost is nearly 700 million VND, funded through social contributions from philanthropists, businesses, and people both within and outside the ward. “The Party Committee and People's Committee of the ward are grateful for the outstanding contributions of many collectives, individuals, and businesses, including the 6th Brigade, in the construction of the bridge. They have contributed their labor and enthusiastically supported the area in all activities over the years, not just this project,” Ms. Tran Thi Ngoc Diem expressed.

Sharing his thoughts on receiving the prestigious award, Colonel Luong Van Ton, Commander of Brigade 6, affirmed: “The First Class Order of National Defense is a great honor and source of pride for all officers and soldiers of the unit. This is also a motivation for us to continue to uphold our heroic traditions, constantly improve the quality of training, be ready for combat, and resolutely fulfill all assigned tasks.”

With a solid foundation of tradition and renewed enthusiasm, Brigade 6 is continuing to write its glorious chapter, contributing to the firm defense of the Fatherland from the southwestern region of the country.

With its heroic and tenacious fighting achievements, Brigade 6 was awarded 7 Military Merit Orders; 147 First, Second, and Third Class Combat Merit Orders; and 61 individuals were awarded Combat Merit Orders of various classes. In 2010, Brigade 6 was honored by the State with the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces during the anti-American war for national salvation; 2 individuals were awarded and posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces.

GIA KHANH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/lu-doan-phao-binh-anh-hung-a481638.html