A milestone that strengthens the defense of the nation's maritime and island sovereignty.

August 2nd and 5th, 1964, became significant and proud milestones for the people and army of North Vietnam and in the history of our people's resistance war against the US. This was the first victory of the Vietnam People's Navy, and also the first victory of the people and army of North Vietnam in resisting the war of destruction and defending socialist North Vietnam. Sixty years have passed, but the historical value, the lessons learned, and the courageous fighting examples of the heroic martyrs will always live on, a source of pride for present and future generations.

The combined forces, including the navy, anti-aircraft artillery, militia, Hon Gai Port self-defense force, and Quang Ninh People's Armed Police, fought a heroic battle on August 5, 1964, on the Cua Luc River. (Archival photo)

Relive those glorious memories.

On August 1st, 2024, the sky over Bai Chay (Ha Long City) appeared bluer and calmer after many days of heavy rain. Amidst the sound of waves and strong winds of the Cua Luc sea area, nearly 500 delegates could not hide their emotions as they were present on ship number 511 (Squadron 4, Brigade 169, Region 1 of the Navy) to attend the ceremony commemorating the heroic martyrs and people who sacrificed their lives in the first victory on August 2nd and 5th, 1964.

Delegates lay flowers in remembrance of the heroic martyrs and people who sacrificed their lives in the first victory. Photo: Vu Tien Dung (CTV)

In a solemn and emotional atmosphere, many delegates could not hold back their tears as they lit incense sticks to commemorate the heroic martyrs. Mr. Le Dang Nhu (born in 1940, from Thieu Giao commune, Thieu Hoa district, Thanh Hoa province), former commander of Brigade 127, one of those present in the Bai Chay sea area - Quang Ninh at the time of the enemy air attack, emotionally said: "I am 85 years old this year, but the memories of the fierce and heroic days of fighting 60 years ago are still as vivid as ever. In the battle on August 5, 1964, the US military attacked many targets such as our naval base in Cua Hoi (Nghe An); the Vinh, Ben Thuy, Lach Truong areas (Thanh Hoa), Cua Luc (Quang Ninh) and Gianh Port ( Quang Binh ). But the most intense and fierce battle was their bombing of Cua Luc military port (Hong Gai town, now Ha Long city)." At that time, the ships fought and maneuvered into Ha Long Bay to take advantage of the rocky terrain for cover, while coordinating with coastal air defense forces to shoot down two American planes and capture Lieutenant Anverret (the first American pilot captured in North Vietnam). This marked the beginning of a glorious epic of the Vietnam People's Navy in its history of building, fighting, winning, and maturing. However, in that battle, we also lost our comrades. Sixty years have passed, but my longing for my comrades has never faded. The most precious thing to me is being able to personally light incense for my comrades who fought alongside me in this very Cua Luc sea area.

Mr. Le Dang Nhu (Thieu Giao commune, Thieu Hoa district, Thanh Hoa province) lights an incense stick to commemorate his comrades who sacrificed their lives in the first victorious battle.

As one of the direct participants in the battle, Mr. Pham Hong Thanh (born in 1939, residing in Nghia Lo commune, Cat Hai district, Hai Phong city) shared: "Participating in the first victorious battle, I served as a gunner on ship 136, tasked with moving into the Lach Truong sea area (Thanh Hoa province) to fight. Lach Truong at that time was one of the five major estuaries leading to the East Sea in Thanh Hoa province and an ideal anchorage for ships and boats of the people and navy, as well as transport ships when transporting goods from Hai Phong to the South. The enemy's plot and tactics involved using a large air force to launch a surprise, massive attack, intimidating the morale of our army and people right from the beginning of the war." Despite having a small and limited fleet of ships, with only three torpedo boats, and facing numerous technical limitations, and operating completely independently without any supporting forces, we bravely attacked the destroyer and repelled enemy aircraft.

“Coming to this memorial ceremony, I feel incredibly fortunate to witness the day of peace in our country, and we understand even more deeply and are grateful to the heroic martyrs who fell for the independence and happiness of our nation today. In the battle on August 5, 1964, 78 naval officers and soldiers bravely sacrificed their lives. Their blood has soaked and mingled with every inch of the sacred islands and stretches of sea of ​​our Fatherland, glorifying the glorious flag of the Party and the Fatherland, illuminating the image of ‘Uncle Ho’s Soldiers,’ and brightening the glorious history of the heroic Vietnamese People’s Army. These are shining examples of revolutionary heroism, self-sacrificing for the Fatherland and the people,” Mr. Thanh said emotionally.

Sharing the same sentiments as Mr. Nhự and Mr. Thanh, those who directly participated in the battle 60 years ago are now elderly and frail, but they all made an effort to be present at the memorial ceremony to light an incense stick for their fallen friends and comrades.

Instilling pride in the younger generation.

The battles of August 2nd and 5th, 1964, are sixty years old, but the heroic spirit and lessons learned from the first victorious battle of the Vietnam People's Navy remain invaluable. It was a victory of political strength, the spirit of the entire nation, and the unwavering determination to fight—the courage, determination, and skill to defeat the invading American enemy—of the Vietnam People's Navy and the people and armed forces of North Vietnam. It is a symbol of the indomitable Vietnamese spirit, of a nation that loves freedom and independence and will never surrender to an invading enemy; and of the intelligence, patriotism, hatred of the enemy, and military art of Vietnam, inherited and developed in the Ho Chi Minh era.

Mr. Pham Hong Thanh (Nghia Lo commune, Cat Hai district, Hai Phong city) was deeply moved when he attended the ceremony commemorating the heroic martyrs and people who sacrificed their lives in the first victory at Cua Luc sea area (Bai Chay ward, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province).

The lessons learned, the historical values, and the courageous fighting examples of the Navy, Air Force, and people of North Vietnam in the first victory will forever live on. This is a source of pride and a great spiritual motivation for the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army to continue striving and contributing to the cause of building and defending the Fatherland.

In a commemorative speech honoring the heroic martyrs at Cua Luc sea area (Bai Chay ward, Ha Long city), Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Bong, Political Commissar of the Navy, affirmed: The blood and sacrifices of the heroic martyrs for the cause of national liberation have contributed to making the sea and islands of the Fatherland increasingly prosperous and beautiful. The spirit of "daring to fight, determined to fight, and knowing how to win" from the first victory has spread, deeply permeated, and become an invaluable spiritual foundation for the Navy and the people of the whole country in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland. Following in the footsteps of the great contributions and sacrifices of the heroic martyrs, we, the current generation – the officers and soldiers of the Navy, Air Defense - Air Force, and other armed forces – pledge to continue to thoroughly understand the resolutions and directives of the Party, the Central Military Commission, and the Ministry of National Defense; to uphold the glorious traditions of the army and branches of the armed forces, the tradition of winning the first battle; to unite and cooperate; to constantly improve overall quality, combat readiness, and fighting strength; to excellently fulfill our duties; and to be the core force in firmly protecting the sovereignty of the sea, islands, borders, and airspace of the Fatherland.

As the commander of ship number 511 of Squadron 4, Brigade 169, Region 1 of the Navy – the ship honored to host the commemoration ceremony for the heroic martyrs and people who bravely sacrificed themselves in the first victory – Captain Ngo Van Truong also expressed his determination to strive for more glorious victories. Captain Ngo Van Truong affirmed: Continuing the tradition and deeply appreciating the sacred feelings towards the great contributions of the previous generations, the officers and soldiers of Brigade 169 will apply this in combat training; master modern technical equipment; and be ready to fight to successfully complete all assigned tasks, firmly protecting the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland's seas and islands.

Nguyen Thi Hai Yen, a student from Bai Chay High School (Ha Long City), participated in the memorial ceremony and had the honor of meeting historical witnesses and directly listening to vivid stories from the wartime period.

For the younger generation, the 60th anniversary of the First Victory is a significant event, reminding them of the contributions of their ancestors in the struggle to protect and build the nation. The pride and sense of responsibility to follow in the footsteps of their forefathers is the driving force for the younger generation to strive in their studies, work, and production, contributing to building a stronger, more prosperous, and civilized homeland.

Nguyen Thi Hai Yen, a student from Bai Chay High School (Ha Long City), shared: "Attending the commemoration ceremony for the heroic martyrs and people who bravely fought and sacrificed in the first victory is a great honor and source of pride for us. Not only do we have the opportunity to pay tribute to the heroic martyrs, but we also have the chance to meet historical witnesses and directly hear vivid stories from the wartime period, which allows us to feel even more deeply and proudly about the indomitable fighting tradition of our nation."

“Having been fortunate enough to be born and raised in peace, we, the young generation, today pledge to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors, striving to excel in our studies and training to become good children, excellent students, and exemplary grandchildren of Uncle Ho. At the same time, we will actively participate in volunteer, humanitarian, and charitable activities for the benefit of the community, such as the 'Paying Gratitude' campaign and other local emulation movements. Through this, we will contribute our small efforts to building Quang Ninh province into an increasingly exemplary, prosperous, civilized, and modern province; and to building a prosperous and happy country.” - Nguyen Thi Hai Yen expressed her determination.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/moc-son-tao-nen-suc-manh-bao-ve-chu-quyen-bien-dao-to-quoc-3311840.html