The glorious memories remain intact.

The victory in the first battle of August 1964 became a milestone in the history of the resistance against foreign invaders by the army and people of Quang Ninh . The tragic and heroic memories of 60 years ago remain vivid in the minds of the soldiers who were directly present on the front lines back then.

CCB Dao Ngoc Sao (far left) recounts the victory in the first battle.

Veteran Dao Ngoc Sao (Ward 6, Thanh Son Commune, Uong Bi City) confided to us that the best years of his life were spent directly participating in battles for his homeland, country, and people. Now 85 years old, he still cherishes the memories from 60 years ago when he fought side-by-side with his comrades, contributing to the first victory of the Quang Ninh army and people against the invading American imperialists.

In 1964, the US fabricated the "Gulf of Tonkin Incident" to justify attacks and sabotage in North Vietnam, aiming to prevent us from supplying manpower and resources to the Southern front. This was less than a year after Quang Ninh province was established. The military and people of the mining region upheld the tradition of "Discipline and Unity," demonstrating indomitable revolutionary spirit. They immediately confronted the invading American air force, coordinating closely with our navy to protect factories, enterprises, and mines, and to prevent casualties among the people.

At that time, Corporal Dao Ngoc Sao was the commander of the 2nd Squad, 5th Platoon of 14.5mm anti-aircraft machine guns, Company 141, Battalion 217. The unit's artillery position was located on the hilltop of Goc Khe, Ha Tu. Around 2:30 PM on August 5, 1964, hundreds of American aircraft, divided into many groups, flew in to bomb and fire missiles at our naval ships anchored in the Bai Chay ferry area. Facing an enemy equipped with modern weapons, all the naval forces, anti-aircraft artillery, militia, and self-defense forces... did not waver, fiercely fighting back with the will to die for the Fatherland.

Veteran Dao Ngoc Sao shared photos of himself and his comrades meeting and taking commemorative photos with General Vo Nguyen Giap.

With high fighting spirit, Mr. Sao and his comrades seized the opportunity when the American A4D (Skyhawk) aircraft flew into their firing range. The platoon commander's flag was raised, and the entire battlefield opened fire simultaneously, firing fiery bullets directly at the aircraft, causing it to burst into flames and crash to the ground more than 1km away from the battlefield. The American pilot, Lieutenant Anveret, was forced to parachute to safety, but was later discovered and captured alive by local people in the waters of what is now Ha Tu ward.

Immediately after the battle, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong visited the 217th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, praising and encouraging the troops. Young gunner Dao Ngoc Sao was deeply moved, remembering the Prime Minister's words: “I convey the praise of the Central Party Committee and President Ho Chi Minh to all officers and soldiers of the air defense, navy, police, militia, self-defense forces, and all the heroic people of Hon Gai. Our victory is great, but it is only the first battle. They may come with even larger forces. It is crucial to learn from this experience to draw lessons for even greater victories…”

Putting aside the memories of a time of bombs and bullets, returning to ordinary life, former veterans like Mr. Dao Ngoc Sao continue to uphold the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers, setting a good example in implementing the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's laws and regulations. They actively participate in local social activities, legitimately enriching themselves with their own hands and minds, contributing to building a stronger, more civilized, and modern Quang Ninh province.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/ven-nguyen-ky-uc-hao-hung-3311235.html