Veteran Nguyen Van Hong, forged in battle, 'keeps the flame alive' in peacetime.

War memories

In 1968, young Nguyen Van Hong enlisted in the army at C28-D7- Đoàn 22, Military Region IV, and later at C8-D2-E138 in North Quang Tri. From December 1969 to July 1972, Nguyen Van Hong and his comrades engaged in the most fierce battles to defend the country; the young soldier marched to B2 (Binh Phuoc - Tay Ninh), then participated in combat in the Cambodian battlefield, and later liberated Loc Ninh (Binh Phuoc); he also marched to defend territory and seize troops 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 received many commendations from the Provincial People's Committee. Photo: Thu Huong

In July 1972, during fierce fighting, Nguyen Van Hong was seriously wounded and treated at the field surgical station in My Thanh commune, Cai Be district (Tien Giang province). At this time, the enemy surrounded and raided the surgical station, capturing Nguyen Van Hong and many wounded comrades, and then imprisoned them in Phu Quoc Prison. After nearly a year enduring various forms of torture at the hands of American soldiers, with the unwavering loyalty and indomitable spirit of a communist soldier, the American imperialists were forced to release him on the banks of the Thach Han River (Quang Tri province). In September 1975, after serving at the Military Command of Quynh Luu district, he was discharged from the army and retired as a disabled officer with 71% disability and 61% war invalid status.

When recounting his vivid memories of the fierce war against the American invaders, wounded soldier Nguyen Van Hong still clearly remembers that in September 1969, he and his comrades in Battalion 2 were assigned the task of countering an enemy offensive in North Quang Tri (Tan Bich and Le Mon hills). The enemy, consisting of American and South Korean regiments supported by aircraft, tanks, and artillery, attacked the battalion's outpost, primarily targeting Company 5 (C5) on Le Mon hill. From 8 am to 4 pm that day, the enemy launched four attacks; in the third attack, they targeted the C5 Command Post. At that time, Company Commander Van Phuc Hai, having run out of ammunition, used his pistol and dagger to kill two American soldiers before being killed himself.

The heroic sacrifice of Company Commander Van Phuc Hai further strengthened the resolve of his comrades to fight the enemy. In that fierce battle, Battalion 2 eliminated more than 100 enemy soldiers and suffered many wounded; destroyed 13 tanks and M113 armored vehicles; shot down one OV10 reconnaissance aircraft; and held its ground thanks to the attacks of the companies within the Battalion. In Nguyen Van Hong's unit alone, 13 men were killed and 8 were wounded.

During his 7 years of fighting against the American imperialists (from 1968-1975), wounded soldier Nguyen Van Hong achieved many victories; among them, he destroyed two enemy tanks in January 1971. He was awarded the titles "Hero of the Anti-American Struggle" and "Hero of Tank Destruction"; he was also awarded the Liberation War Merit Medal, the Glorious Soldier Medal, and many Certificates of Merit for other achievements...

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

The journey of "lighting the fire"

After completing his military service, wounded soldier Nguyen Van Hong married Sergeant Ho Thi Phuong, a woman from his hometown. They had five 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 always cared for and educated me about revolutionary traditions. I understand that the independence and peaceful life we ​​have today are the result of the sacrifices of the heroic martyrs, war invalids, and sick soldiers throughout the country. Aware of my responsibility to society, I am self-reliant in life, diligent in my studies and work to contribute a small part to the building of my homeland and country.”

Forty-eight years have passed since the war ended, but veteran Nguyen Van Hong always remembers his comrades, grieving for those resting in some remote forest. He always wished to be a bridge connecting the past with the present, to alleviate some of the pain suffered by the families of fallen soldiers and those who contributed to the revolution. In 2011, after learning of the wish of Mr. Dinh Van Chung in Cau Giat town (Quynh Luu district) to find the grave of his father, Dinh Van Loi, a fallen soldier who died in the Cambodian battlefield, veteran Nguyen Van Hong did not hesitate to lead a search team. With the help of authorities, fellow villagers, and local people, he found the graves of five fallen soldiers, including Dinh Van Loi. The team then proceeded with the necessary procedures, bringing four of the remains back to be buried at the Binh Phuoc Provincial Cemetery; while the remains of Dinh Van Loi were brought back to his hometown for a memorial service and burial at the local cemetery.

War veteran Nguyen Van Hong also dedicates his time to educating the younger generation in the district about patriotic traditions and revolutionary heroism. Whenever he is invited to speak about traditions at schools, he doesn't talk about himself, but about the glorious past of the nation, about the heroic battles of yesteryear, and the courageous sacrifices of his comrades who fell for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland. His stories have ignited the flame of tradition in the young generation of Quynh Luu.

Despite his advanced age, war veteran Nguyen Van Hong remains enthusiastic about his work in the local community. Photo: Thu Huong

Besides participating in education, propaganda, and spreading humane messages to the younger generation, war invalid Nguyen Van Hong always sets a good example by actively participating in the political tasks of the locality. Currently, he is the Vice Chairman of the Association of Revolutionary Soldiers Imprisoned by the Enemy in Quynh Luu District.

Mr. Ho Bao Thong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quynh Doi commune, said: "After completing his military service and returning to the locality, veteran Nguyen Van Hong suffered many injuries. With the qualities of a soldier of Uncle Ho's army, he strived to develop the economy and raise his children to be successful adults. He and his family always set a good example in complying with the Party's guidelines, the State's policies and laws, and local regulations. Every year, on national holidays, he often participates in talks to educate the younger generation about the gratitude for the contributions and sacrifices of their fathers and brothers who bravely dedicated themselves to the country, so that the children strive to study and train to become useful members of society."