Memories of April

(Baonghean.vn) - Forty-two years have passed since April 30, 1975, but the heroic memories of that victory remain vivid in the minds of every soldier who participated in the Great Victory Spring Festival.

Archival photo. Source: Internet

For veteran Tran Than Ai from Hamlet 2, Khai Son Commune (Anh Son District), every time he recalls the historic days of participating in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, his eyes well up with tears. Mixed with the pride of a soldier who contributed to the great victory of the nation is a poignant feeling when remembering the comrades who bravely fell on the battlefield. Mr. Ai shared: In April 1968, at the age of 19, he volunteered to join the army in response to the sacred call of the Fatherland and participated in the fighting in Laos. In 1972, he fought for 81 days and nights at the Quang Tri Citadel. At the end of 1972, he was assigned to study at the Political Academy, and in 1975, he participated in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign as an assistant officer of the 320B Division, 1st Army Corps.

Veteran Tran Than Ai (right) reminisces about the battle to liberate South Vietnam years ago. Photo: Thai Hien

At that time, his 320B Regiment was tasked with attacking the Dong Du base northwest of Highway 14. At exactly 5:30 a.m. on April 29th, upon receiving the order to open fire, the division's artillery unleashed a barrage of fire on the enemy base for over an hour. Amidst the deafening roar of cannons, tanks and anti-aircraft guns moved, and infantry on all fronts continuously detonated directional mines and explosive charges to breach the enemy's defenses. After 30 minutes of shelling, the enemy discovered our opening and fiercely resisted, deploying tanks and infantry to block our advance, while simultaneously using aircraft, helicopters, and mortars to attack the division's advancing formation.

Many of our soldiers sacrificed their lives. But as one wave fell, another surged forward, quickly using explosives to blast through the barbed wire fences. "Seeing my comrades die right before my eyes, my heart ached with sorrow and seethed with hatred, making me even more determined to destroy the enemy's firepower at all costs," Mr. Ai said, his voice choked with emotion. At exactly 11:00 AM on April 29th, the flag of decisive victory of the 320B Division flew over the center of the Dong Du base. The destruction of the Dong Du base opened the northwestern gateway for the corps to advance and capture Tan Son Nhat airport.

After more than 20 years of service in the army, Mr. Tran Than Ai was discharged in 1988. Returning to his hometown, he held various positions such as Party branch secretary, village head, and served two consecutive terms as Chairman of the Veterans Association of Khai Son commune from 2000 to 2012. Mr. Tran Than Ai has made significant contributions to the local development.

Veteran Nguyen Cong Hung (left) introduces his medals and decorations – mementos associated with a time of war and conflict in the country's history. Photo by Thai Hien.

We visited the family of veteran Nguyen Cong Hung in Hamlet 1, Cao Son Commune. Contrary to our expectations, although over 70 years old, he was still very agile and spoke with a hearty voice. In the mind of veteran Nguyen Cong Hung – one of the historical witnesses of the great victory of Spring 1975 – the memories remain as vivid as if they happened yesterday.

At 4:30 AM on January 4, 1975, Hung's unit prepared to recapture Hill 174, which was then occupied by the enemy. At 5:15 AM, after concentrating their forces, the unit opened fire to seize the hilltop. In this battle, our army was at a disadvantage compared to the enemy in both numbers and weaponry. At that time, our army mainly used conventional infantry firepower such as BKZ guns, 82mm mortars, 106mm mortar rounds, B40 and B41 rocket launchers, while the enemy used very modern weapons, including 175mm, 155mm, and 105mm artillery.

The battle was extremely fierce. At that time, Hung's unit had 75 soldiers; after the battle, 38 were killed or wounded, leaving only 37 able to fight. The division was determined to capture Hill 174 at all costs. Holding this position would allow them to control the entire plain of Hoai Nhon district, thereby establishing observation posts to support the campaign to liberate South Vietnam. After the overwhelming disparity in forces forced a retreat, on January 7th, the unit was assigned the task of continuing the attack to capture this crucial hill. There were many casualties, but thanks to their will and determination, Battalion 7 achieved victory.

Returning to civilian life, veteran Cao Ngoc Co is a prime example of economic development. Photo: Thai Hien

For veteran Cao Ngoc Co, residing in Hamlet 4, Cao Son Commune, who directly participated in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975, the heroic memories of the day of national victory will never fade. Speaking about those glorious years, Mr. Co proudly stated that he served as the Political Commissar of the 312th Division, 1st Corps, one of the four main mobile corps, whose primary mission was to penetrate deep into the enemy's General Staff Headquarters, contributing to the victory on April 30, 1975.

He recalled: "On the morning of April 30, 1975, while his unit was engaged in fierce fighting, the thrust carried out by reinforced forces also accelerated its advance. After breaking through Lai Thieu and defeating the forces blocking the advance, especially at the Vinh Binh, Binh Phuoc, and Binh Trieu bridges... his unit directly attacked and captured the General Staff Headquarters of the puppet regime at 10:30 AM on April 30, achieving a glorious victory. Thus, after just over three days of fighting, he and his comrades successfully completed the tasks assigned by the Campaign Command, contributing to the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country."

"We hugged each other and cried, shouting 'Long live President Ho Chi Minh!' and singing songs of victory together. The emotions at that moment were indescribable. The great victory of Spring 1975 and the moment the national flag flew atop the Independence Palace will forever be etched in the memories of these soldiers," said veteran Cao Ngoc Co emotionally.

Thai Hien