Veteran tells story of the opening battle of the 1975 Spring Offensive

The photo captures Nguyen Xuan Liem's ​​time in the military. (Photo: Vu Quang/VNA)

In the heroic history of the nation, the victory of Spring 1975 will forever be a shining milestone. Contributing to that great victory were the outstanding sons of the rice land of Thai Binh.

One of them was People's Armed Forces Hero Nguyen Xuan Liem, who directly participated in and commanded 3 tanks (363, 948 and 944) in the opening battle of the 1975 Spring General Offensive and Uprising, liberating Phuoc Long town.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Liem (born in 1946, hometown An Liem village, Thang Long commune, Dong Hung district, Thai Binh province) is a brave tank soldier. He enlisted in 1965, in Battalion 53A Thai Binh Provincial Military Command.

In May 1972, he transferred to the Armored Corps.

A photo of Mr. Nguyen Xuan Liem during his military service. (Photo: Vu Quang/VNA)

He is 79 years old this year with a 4/4 disability, but memories of the old battles, especially the battle in Phuoc Long town, are still intact in his mind.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Liem recalled that on January 2, 1975, his unit received orders to coordinate with Battalion 1, Regiment 142, Division 7, Corps 4 to attack Phuoc Long town. The direction of attack was determined to be the "open door" of Tu Hien intersection - Le Loi camp, directly facing the center of Phuoc Long town.

Here, our troops encountered fierce resistance from the enemy. The enemy's strong firepower caused many difficulties for our forces. In the fierce situation, our attack consisted of 3 tanks, but one ran out of ammunition and had to retreat, another had its gun jammed, leaving only tank 363, directly commanded by Company Political Commissar Nguyen Xuan Liem, with little ammunition.

Faced with that situation, the young commander Nguyen Xuan Liem made a bold decision and showed a fierce attacking spirit: "As long as there are people and vehicles, one vehicle will attack!" Tank 363 continued to rush straight into the town center with the spirit of "one loss, one survival."

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Liem shares stories about his military service with reporters. (Photo: VNA)

During the battle, Mr. Liem's ​​crew coordinated well and bravely. When surrounded by the enemy, Mr. Liem calmly commanded the driver to fight back, causing chaos in the enemy formation. The brave and intelligent actions of him and his teammates contributed significantly to the victory of the Phuoc Long battle, opening the way for the General Offensive and Uprising in the Spring of 1975.

The Phuoc Long victory had great strategic significance, creating an important premise for the following campaigns, culminating in the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, liberating the South and unifying the country.

This victory also showed the weakening of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and the strong offensive capability of the Liberation Army. This victory also gave the Politburo more basis to accurately assess the change in the balance of power between us and the enemy, thereby coming to the historic decision to liberate the South.

After the Phuoc Long battle, Mr. Liem also participated in many other battles such as: Xuan Loc battle, attack on Bien Hoa airport... With his great contributions, in 1976, he was awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces.

After many years of military service, in 1987, Major Nguyen Xuan Liem retired. Returning to his hometown, he continued to participate in the Thai Binh Province Veterans Association and contributed to society. He is a shining example of patriotism, courage and strong will, inspiring future generations.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Liem shares stories about his military service with reporters. (Photo: VNA)

Mr. Duong Hong Hai, Chairman of the Veterans Association of Thang Long commune, said that Hero of the People's Armed Forces Nguyen Xuan Liem is the pride of the Party Committee, government, Veterans Association and people of Thang Long commune.

Stories about the exploits of People's Armed Forces Hero Nguyen Xuan Liem are always a great source of encouragement for local people, especially the younger generation.

According to Mr. Duong Hong Hai, People's Armed Forces Hero Nguyen Xuan Liem and the Phuoc Long battle will forever be an indispensable part of the nation's history, reminding us of the brave fighting spirit and great significance of the great victory in the spring of 1975./.

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/cuu-chien-binh-ke-chuyen-tran-danh-mo-man-cuoc-tong-tien-cong-mua-xuan-1975-post1032056.vnp