The pilots tell stories of their immortal flight.

The book series "The Pilot's Story," "Vietnam's 19 Aces," and "Vu Xuan Thieu and the Immortal Flight" are meaningful books that help readers understand more about the heroic MiG-21 pilots of Vietnam – courageous sons who bravely fought to protect the skies of the Fatherland, contributing to the historic victory of the entire nation.

Báo Pháp Luật Việt Nam•30/04/2026

On the occasion of the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2026), Kim Publishing House is releasing the book "Vu Xuan Thieu and the Immortal Flight". This book is part of the "Storyteller-Pilot" series by Colonel Nguyen Cong Huy. The series consists of three books, introducing historical stories about the Vietnam People's Air Force during the resistance war against the US.

The book portrays the heroic martyr Vu Xuan Thieu - the pilot associated with the feat of shooting down a B-52 aircraft during the Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu air campaign in 1972.

The book recounts the life of Heroic Martyr Vu Xuan Thieu, from his childhood sketches of airplanes on paper to a young man from Hanoi who dreamed of conquering the skies from his school days, undeterred by his failure in the pilot selection process, and persistently training every day to become a pilot. Vu Xuan Thieu emerges as a beautiful symbol of youth living with ideals, passion, and a desire to contribute to the nation.

Amidst the fiery skies of the final days of 1972, Vu Xuan Thieu's last flight went down in history, leaving behind an immortal symbol of courage, unwavering determination, and a willingness to sacrifice for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland. Through the writings of Colonel Nguyen Cong Huy, Hero Vu Xuan Thieu emerges as both a towering figure, a monumental figure, and a relatable image of a comrade, an older brother, a young man with beautiful dreams who lived fully for them.

The book has contributed to honoring the intelligence, courage, and bravery of Vietnamese air force soldiers (photo by P. Ha).

While "Vu Xuan Thieu and the Immortal Flight" tells the story of the hero Vu Xuan Thieu, "Vietnam's 19 Aces" expands the picture to include legendary MiG pilots such as Nguyen Van Coc, Nguyen Van Bay, Nguyen Hong Nhi, Nguyen Duc Soat, and others.

Through the portraits and achievements of 19 Ace pilots during the war against the US, the book contributes to honoring the intelligence, courage, and bravery of Vietnamese air force soldiers. Each story is a glimpse into fierce air battles, while also reminding us of the heroic and silent sacrifices of the soldiers who fought to protect the skies of the Fatherland.

In his book "The Pilot's Story," Colonel Nguyen Cong Huy recounts his life as a soldier: from the day he left school and his village to enlist, to his studies in the Soviet Union as a fighter pilot, and his return during the years when air raid sirens constantly blared in North Vietnam. The work helps readers better visualize the life of a pilot, the unique characteristics of the air battlefield, and the tense moments of combat duty and sorties in 1972.

The work helps readers visualize more clearly the life of a pilot (photo by P. Ha).

As a former MiG-21 fighter pilot, Colonel Nguyen Cong Huy recounts history through the memories of someone who directly lived in those combat zones. His writings are both valuable as historical documents and imbued with deep affection for his comrades and generations of Vietnamese pilots.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/nhung-linh-phi-cong-ke-chuyen-ve-chuyen-bay-bat-tu.html