The watch President Ho Chi Minh gave to the heroic female militia

The wristwatch President Ho Chi Minh gave to female militiawoman Nguyen Thi Trien in 1966 was returned to the Museum by her family on the morning of May 18.

The martyr’s nephew, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Ngoat, said that Ms. Nguyen Thi Trien was the deputy head of the militia team in Hung Thuy, Le Thuy, Quang Binh - the first person to shoot down an American night-time reconnaissance plane and achieved many feats. In 1966, she was awarded the Third Class Military Exploit Medal and a wristwatch by President Ho Chi Minh.

However, the female militia had not yet received the gift from President Ho Chi Minh when on September 20, 1967, she died while on duty. A few months later, the watch was returned to the martyr's family and was cherished by the militia's mother, Mrs. Dinh Thi Nho, as a treasure. "She carried it with her wherever she went and always reminded her children and grandchildren to carefully preserve the gift Uncle Ho gave her," he recalled.

According to Mr. Ngoat, there were times when his family was extremely difficult and did not have enough food. The gold watch was the most valuable thing, but the family never thought of selling it. By donating this keepsake, Mr. Ngoat hopes that the Museum will keep and preserve it in the best conditions.

The watch President Ho Chi Minh gave to female militiawoman Nguyen Thi Trien. Photo: Son Ha — The watch President Ho Chi Minh gave to female militiawoman Nguyen Thi Trien. Photo: *Son Ha*

A representative of the Ho Chi Minh Museum said the watch was a souvenir given to President Ho Chi Minh by an international friend. It is a mechanical watch made in Russia, powered by a spring and made of gold-colored metal. On the face is a line that roughly translates to "Victory". Even though more than 50 years have passed, the lines of the watch are still delicate and sharp.

"The relics demonstrate President Ho Chi Minh's deep concern for his compatriots and soldiers; enriching the collection of artifacts about President Ho Chi Minh's life and revolutionary career," said Mr. Vu Manh Ha, Director of the Museum.

He said the Museum will make scientific records, promote the value and introduce the relics to the public.