Legendary general of the Central Highlands mountains passes away
After a period of illness, old age and weak health, Major General Y Blok Eban, considered a legendary general of the Central Highlands mountains and forests, today breathed his last at the age of 97 at his home to return to his ancestors.
Y Blok Eban was born in 1921 in Chu Dlue village, Buon Ma Thuot town (now Buon Ma Thuot city, Dak Lak province) in a family of 7 siblings. As the youngest son, Y Blok Eban suffered many disadvantages when he was only 2 years old when his father, Mr. Y Cham Byă passed away.
His father died early, his family was poor, so he had to work for hire. Thanks to the kind-hearted owner, he was able to go to school at the age of 11. After finishing primary school, he was forced to join the army and shortly after, became a prison guard at Buon Ma Thuot prison. In 1941, his mother died.
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| Former General, Minister of Public Security Tran Dai Quang (now President) during a visit to Major General Y Blok Eban |
At Buon Ma Thuot prison, Y Blok Eban came into contact with a number of political prisoners such as General Nguyen Chi Thanh, Hong Chuong, Bui San... and was indoctrinated to become a revolutionary base. On August 22, 1945, Y Blok Eban commanded a squad of green-clad soldiers to participate in seizing power in Buon Ma Thuot town.
In 1946, he was sent to study at the Quang Ngai Military School. After that, he became the captain of the armed forces in the enemy's rear and achieved many feats, going through various positions, from battalion to regiment.
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In 1954, he gathered in the North and met Uncle Ho and General Vo Nguyen Giap; he was further educated in revolutionary ideals, especially the spirit of national solidarity. In 1958, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1960, he returned to the Central Highlands, holding the position of Deputy Commander and then Acting Commander of Military Region 6.
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| Major General Y Blok Eban and the moments of reunion with his children and grandchildren when he was alive |
In 1974, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel. In 1975, he was Chairman of the Dak Lak Military Management Committee, and in 1976, he held the position of Chairman of the Dak Lak Provincial People's Committee. In 1982, he was promoted to the rank of Major General, the first general of the Central Highlands ethnic groups at that time.
In 1986, he returned to work in the army, under the General Department of Politics until his retirement. He was a National Assembly delegate for the 3rd and 4th terms.
