The legend of tank 390 crashing through the gate of Independence Palace tells the historical moment to students

Soldiers in 1975 at the exchange, including 3 soldiers of tank 390 that crashed into the gate of Independence Palace on April 30, 1975 - Photo: MY DUNG

That was one of the impressive moments of students of Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted in the celebration of "50 years of Southern Liberation and National Reunification Day April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025" organized by the school on April 28.

In particular, this commemoration ceremony was attended by soldiers who had made the feat of crashing down the gate of the Independence Palace on April 30, 1975, creating conditions for our troops to capture the president of the Saigon government at that time, Mr. Duong Van Minh, and raise the victory flag on the Independence Palace. They were Lieutenant Ngo Sy Nguyen - gunner of tank 390, Captain Vu Dang Toan - former political commissar of tank 390, and Mr. Nguyen Van Tap - former chief engineer of tank 390.

In addition, the ceremony was also attended by Colonel, Doctor Nguyen Hong Minh - former officer of Battalion B18 and Colonel Pham Ngoc Khoa - former commander of Ho Chi Minh City passport issuance - soldiers who contributed to the historic victory on April 30, 1975.

Unknown things about the historical moment at the Independence Palace on April 30, 1975

Sharing with the students, Mr. Nguyen Van Tap said that the memory of April 30th of that year is still intact, the emotions of that day still surge in the heart of that liberation soldier.

"We advanced to the gate of the Independence Palace. The tank's engine roared, smashing the gate open, creating conditions for our troops to capture Duong Van Minh and raise the victory flag. These emotions are unforgettable memories. Extremely emotional, extremely glorious," the soldier driving tank 390 emotionally recounted.

Students enjoy taking pictures with historical "idols" - Photo: MY DUNG

But to knock down the gate of the Independence Palace, the soldiers of tank crew 390 fought together very well. "Comrade Toan ordered to knock down the gate. At that time, comrade Tap thought in his mind that he had to increase the tank's speed to the maximum to knock down the gate."

The soldiers present here also revealed that at that moment, they also considered whether to "hit the Independence Palace with a bullet or not?" but then the political officer, gunner and driver all thought that this was unnecessary. That is the reason why the Independence Palace today still retains its original architecture.

Students were excited and proud to meet historical figures in real life.

Recalling that historic moment, Lieutenant Ngo Sy Nguyen said that at that time, he was still a young man. Like other young men in the socialist school at that time, he joined the army, wrote a volunteer application to go to the South to save the country with a burning heart, just like the poem by To Huu "Splitting Truong Son to save the country, with a heart full of hope for the future".

And the tank gunner of that year 390 still sees that even on the battlefield, to win, people are the deciding factor. "Weapons are important, but people are the deciding factor" - that soldier who has gone down in history told the students.

Students cheered with joy as historical figures recounted details of the legendary historical moment on April 30, 1975 - Photo: MY DUNG

Meeting historical figures from books, movies, television, and newspapers in person, the students at Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted were both happy and emotional.

When the soldiers of that year shared, the children cheered, encouraged, and listened to every word, every letter. When the ceremony ended, the children quickly approached the soldiers who were old enough to be their grandfathers to ask for pictures, autographs, and to say a few words about the old battles with excited, proud, and happy faces.

Students happily take pictures with historical "idols" - Photo: MY DUNG

"I was so moved to meet and listen to historical figures in flesh and blood, close and dear, soldiers who fought and sacrificed for independence, freedom, peace and national reunification, tell about this historic victory.

Your sharing has helped me learn many things that are not mentioned in textbooks, and I feel lucky to be here.

I am proud to be Vietnamese and I will strive to study to build the country, remembering the sacrifices of our ancestors in the cause of protecting the Fatherland," Yen Nhi - a 10th grade student of CV1 - emotionally shared.

Read more Back to Topics

Back to topic

MY DUNG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhung-huyen-thoai-xe-tang-390-huc-do-cong-dinh-doc-lap-ke-khoanh-khac-lich-su-voi-hoc-sinh-20250428202659293.htm