Heroic driver Phan Van Quy
Born in Nhan Thanh commune, Yen Thanh district, Phan Van Quy enlisted in the army in 1971, at the age of 18. He later became a driver in the 52nd Automobile Battalion, 11th Regiment, 571st Division.
With his ZIN157 truck, Quy traversed countless winding roads along the Trường Sơn supply route, delivering goods safely to their destination. Once, after delivering supplies inland, he was transporting wounded soldiers out. Around 4 a.m., as the truck was navigating a sharp bend at the strategic Chà Li point, it was spotted by enemy aircraft, which then launched rockets to block its path.
Facing danger, Quy calmly drove the vehicle onto a narrow, tree-strewn bypass road, stopped, and quickly helped the wounded soldiers get out and find shelter with his co-driver. Thanks to this, all 25 wounded soldiers, both seriously and lightly injured, were safely evacuated from Quy's vehicle. During that bombing raid, he himself was wounded in the head by shrapnel.
Soldier Phan Van Quy, a Trường Sơn truck driver, is a shining example of "loving your vehicle like your child, valuing fuel like your blood," as President Ho Chi Minh taught. His ZIN57 truck, after many years of use and numerous tire changes, still has a solid body and a well-functioning engine. This vehicle, once a loyal companion to him, is preserved at the General Department of Logistics Museum (25A Phan Dinh Phung Street, Hanoi).
Due to his outstanding achievements in military transport duties, Sergeant Phan Van Quy was awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces on June 10, 1976. He was the youngest hero to receive this title (23 years old) among the 47 heroes of the Truong Son - Ho Chi Minh Trail troops!
Nguyen Phuong Thoan -(Compilation)
