Veteran Nguyen Van Hong, trained in battle, 'fueling the fire' in peacetime

War memories

In 1968, young man Nguyen Van Hong enlisted in the army at C28-D7- Group 22, Military Region IV, then joined C8-D2-E138 North Quang Tri. From December 1969 to July 1972, Nguyen Van Hong and his comrades entered the fiercest battle to protect the country; the young soldier marched to B2 (Binh Phuoc - Tay Ninh), then participated in the battle on the Cambodian battlefield, then returned to liberate Loc Ninh (Binh Phuoc); marched down to defend the land, and won the army in Cai Be district, Tien Giang province.

After being discharged from the army and returning to his hometown, veteran Nguyen Van Hong participated in social activities and was awarded many Certificates of Merit by the Provincial People's Committee. Photo: Thu Huong

In July 1972, during a fierce battle, Nguyen Van Hong was seriously injured and was treated at the Field Surgery Station of My Thanh Commune, Cai Be District (Tien Giang). At this time, the enemy approached and swept into the Surgery Station, capturing Nguyen Van Hong and many of his wounded comrades and then exiled him to Phu Quoc Prison. After nearly a year of suffering many forms of torture from American soldiers, with the steadfast and indomitable spirit of a communist soldier, the American imperialists were forced to return him to the banks of the Thach Han River (Quang Tri). In September 1975, after working at the Quynh Luu District Military Command, he was discharged from the army and retired as an officer with 71% disability and 61% disability.

When talking about special memories during the fierce war with the Americans, wounded soldier Nguyen Van Hong still clearly remembers that in September 1969, he and his comrades in Battalion 2 were assigned the task of fighting against the enemy's sweep in North Quang Tri (Tan Bich and Le Mon hills). The enemy side consisted of American and South Korean regiments with aircraft, tanks, and artillery support to attack the Battalion's post, mainly targeting Company 5 (C5) on Le Mon hill. From 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the same day, the enemy launched 4 waves of attacks; in the third wave, they attacked the C5 Command Post. At this time, Company Commander Van Phuc Hai ran out of ammunition and used a pistol and a dagger to kill 2 American soldiers before being killed by them.

The heroic sacrifice of Captain Van Phuc Hai made his comrades even more determined to fight the enemy. In that fierce battle, Battalion 2 destroyed more than 100 enemies and injured many; burned 13 tanks and M113 armored vehicles; shot down 1 OV10 reconnaissance aircraft; and held the position thanks to the attacks of the companies in the Battalion. In particular, the unit of wounded soldier Nguyen Van Hong at that time had 13 people sacrificed and 8 people injured.

During the 7 years of fighting against the US imperialists (from 1968 to 1975), disabled soldier Nguyen Van Hong had many achievements; including shooting down 2 enemy tanks in January 1971. He was awarded the titles "Brave American Destroyer" and "Brave Tank Destroyer"; was awarded the Liberation Feat Medal, the Glorious Soldier Medal and many Certificates of Merit for other achievements...

Veteran Nguyen Van Hong and his wife recall war memories. Photo: Thu Huong

The journey of "lighting the fire"

After completing his military service, disabled soldier Nguyen Van Hong married Sergeant Ho Thi Phuong, a girl from the same hometown. They have 5 children, all of whom are now successful and have stable jobs.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga (daughter of war invalid Nguyen Van Hong) currently working at the Quynh Doi Commune Health Station said: “From childhood to adulthood, my father has always cared for and educated me about revolutionary traditions. I understand that for the country to be independent and have a peaceful life like today, it is the sacrifice of the blood and bones of heroic martyrs, wounded and sick soldiers across the country. Aware of my responsibility to society, I am self-reliant in life, studying hard as well as working to contribute a small part to the cause of building my homeland and country.”

The war has been over for 48 years, but veteran Nguyen Van Hong always remembers his comrades and feels sorry for his brothers who are resting in a remote forest. He always wishes to become a bridge connecting the past with the present, to fill and comfort the pain that the relatives of martyrs and families with meritorious services to the revolution are suffering. In 2011, after understanding the wish of Mr. Dinh Van Chung in Cau Giat town (Quynh Luu) to find the grave of his father, martyr Dinh Van Loi, who died on the Cambodian battlefield, wounded soldier Nguyen Van Hong did not hesitate to lead a group to find him. With the help of the authorities, fellow countrymen and local people, he found the graves of 5 martyrs, including martyr Dinh Van Loi. Here, the group carried out the procedures and brought the remains of 4 martyrs to be buried at the Binh Phuoc Provincial Cemetery; The remains of martyr Dinh Van Loi were brought back to his hometown by his relatives for a memorial service and buried in his district cemetery.

War invalid Nguyen Van Hong also spent time educating the young generation in the district about the tradition of patriotism and revolutionary heroism. Every time he was invited by schools to talk about tradition, he did not talk about himself but about the glorious past of the nation, the heroic battles of the past, the heroic sacrifices of his comrades who fell for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland. His stories fueled the tradition for the young generation of Quynh Luu.

Despite his old age, war invalid Nguyen Van Hong is still enthusiastic about his work in the locality. Photo: Thu Huong

Not only participating in education, propaganda and spreading humane messages to the younger generation, war invalid Nguyen Van Hong is always exemplary in actively participating in the local political tasks. Currently, he is the Vice President of the Association of Revolutionary Soldiers imprisoned by the enemy in Quynh Luu district.

Mr. Ho Bao Thong - Chairman of Quynh Doi Commune People's Committee said: "After completing his duty and returning to his locality, veteran Nguyen Van Hong suffered many injuries. With the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers, he tried to develop the economy and raise his children to adulthood. He and his family always set an example in implementing the Party's policies, the State's laws and local regulations. Every year, on national holidays, he often participates in speaking to educate the younger generation to be grateful for the contributions of their fathers and brothers who heroically contributed and sacrificed for the country, from which they strive to study and train to become useful people for society."