The Russian translation of the book "Stories of Pilot Bay and His Teammates" has been launched.

On the morning of August 7th, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation (1950-2025), the Russian-language edition of the book "Stories of Pilot Bay and His Comrades" was officially launched at the Military Library (83 Ly Nam De Street, Hanoi). The event was organized by the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association in collaboration with the Military Library.

Delegates attending the book launch ceremony for "Stories of Pilot Bay and His Teammates".

The launch ceremony for the Russian edition of the book "Stories of Pilot Bay and His Comrades" was held solemnly with the presence of many generals of the Vietnam People's Army, Heroes of the Armed Forces, diplomats , cultural figures, and representatives of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Vietnam.

Among the guests were General Be Xuan Truong, Chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Association; Heroes of the Armed Forces: Lieutenant General Pham Tuan; Lieutenant General Pham Phu Thai, Colonel Tu De; and representatives from various agencies and organizations: the Air Defense-Air Force Command, the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association; the National Assembly's Committee on National Defense and Security; the Russian Science and Culture Center in Hanoi; and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Vietnam.

The event was also attended by writers, researchers, scholars, and close friends of the family of Hero Pilot Nguyen Van Bay.

The book "Stories of Pilot Bay and His Comrades" by writer Nguyen Quang Chanh compiles true and touching stories about the legendary pilot Nguyen Van Bay of the Vietnam People's Air Force during the war against the US to save the country, a hero greatly loved by President Ho Chi Minh.

The stories told not only portray the image of a heroic soldier but also paint a vivid picture of camaraderie, maternal love, the losses, sacrifices, and the yearning for peace of an entire generation. It's the story of the day he returned home to his mother after 22 years of separation, the tears of an elderly mother who thought her son had not survived the bombs and bullets of war.

It is a memory of close comrades, like pilot Vo Van Man, who fought alongside him in aerial battles, sharing the longing for home, but who forever remained on the battlefield. It is the story of him opening his heart to welcome American pilots, once his adversaries, as cherished friends—a touching testament to the spirit of "closing the past, looking towards the future"...

Writer Nguyen Quang Chanh.

In the solemn atmosphere of the ceremony, Hero of the Armed Forces, Colonel Tu De, could not hide his emotion as he shared memories and recollections of his teacher and comrade whom he deeply respected, admired, and felt close to. Writer Nguyen Quang Chanh also shared information and details that he cherished while working on his book.

Pilot Nguyen Van Bay, a native of the purely agricultural region of Lai Vung, Dong Thap province , participated in 93 air battles, engaging in 13 combat engagements and shooting down 7 modern American aircraft using only his MiG-17. He was awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces in 1967 and was one of 19 Vietnamese pilots to achieve "ace" status – a title given to those who shot down 5 or more aircraft.

But what made him a legend was not just his military achievements, but also his simple, humble, and unpretentious lifestyle, typical of the Southern Vietnamese. After leaving the battlefield, he returned to his fish pond, rice paddies, and vegetable garden, living a simple life like any other honest countryman…

Readers at the book launch of "Stories of Pilot Bay and His Teammates".

The book was published by Ho Chi Minh City General Publishing House in December 2023 as part of the series "Living to Tell the Stories of Heroes". The Russian translation from the original Vietnamese version, titled "Повесть о Бае, лётчике-асе, и его боевых друзьях", was done by renowned Vietnamese language expert Svetlana Glazunova and literary editor Ida Andreeva.

At the book launch, Mr. Nguyen Dang Phat, Vice Chairman and General Secretary of the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association, emphasized: “During many cultural exchanges with Russian organizations, Russian friends, especially the younger generation, have always shown deep interest in Vietnamese historical figures – those who fought for independence and freedom. The book about pilot Nguyen Van Bay is a cultural gift, a bridge connecting feelings, understanding, and trust between the two nations.”

This is not the first time writer Nguyen Quang Chanh has had a work translated into Russian. Previously, his book "The Heroic H.63 Intelligence Unit" was also warmly received by Russian readers. This time, the book about the heroic pilot Nguyen Van Bay is eagerly awaited by international friends, as a vivid testament to the close and enduring bond between the Vietnamese and Russian people who stood shoulder to shoulder in the struggles for national defense.

The book "The Story of Pilot Bay and His Comrades" is a vivid epic about the patriotism, resourcefulness, and courage of the Vietnamese people during decisive moments in history. Through the Russian translation, this story will now reach a wider Russian readership, especially young people, who are continuing the legacy of the traditional friendship between the two nations.

This translation is the result of close collaboration, persistent effort, and dedication from two translators, Svetlana Glazunova and Ida Andreeva, close friends who understand and love Vietnamese culture. They not only translated a work but also fully conveyed the spirit, style, and soul of the Vietnamese hero to Russian readers.

In 2025, with a series of significant events such as the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd, the 50th anniversary of national reunification, the 80th anniversary of Russia's victory in the Great Patriotic War, and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Russia, people-to-people diplomacy is witnessing a strong resurgence. In particular, the launch of this special book is a meaningful activity, emphasizing the role of literature as a channel for profound and humane dialogue between nations.

Mr. Nguyen Dang Phat also stated that, in recent times, the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association has collaborated with Vietnamese and Russian partners to translate and publish many valuable publications, including works translated from Russian to Vietnamese such as " Russians Talk About President Ho Chi Minh , " the poetry anthology " Waiting for You to Return " about the Great Patriotic War, " The Family of President V. Putin " ; and works translated from Vietnamese to Russian such as " Documents of the Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam , " and " The Tale of Kieu " by Nguyen Du.

The Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association will continue to play a bridging role, promoting cultural exchange, sharing historical values, and fostering a spirit of solidarity between the people of the two countries.

Anh Tho

Source: https://nhandan.vn/ra-mat-sach-ke-chuyen-phi-cong-bay-va-dong-doi-ban-tieng-nga-post899147.html