Memoirs of Major General Hoang Dan: Sparkling belief in victory

On the evening of April 21, the book “From Ben Hai River to Independence Palace” by Major General Hoang Dan was introduced to readers at Hanoi Book Street, on the occasion of the anniversary of Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day.

This is a special bilingual edition printed in Vietnamese and English, aiming to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025), published by Thong Tan Publishing House and Alpha Books Company.

The book opens with an emotional introduction from former General Secretary Le Kha Phieu - the comrade who fought alongside Major General Hoang Dan through the fire and smoke.

Major General Hoang Dan was the former Commander of Division 304, who directly commanded major campaigns such as Khe Sanh in 1968, Route 9 in Southern Laos in 1971, Quang Tri in 1972, Thuong Duc in 1974 and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975.

During the days of marching and commanding campaigns in the midst of bombs and bullets, the line between life and death was just a hair's breadth away. He took the opportunity to write down every page of his diary about memorable moments in each battle.

He left in his memoirs not only a fierce flow of events, but also the military spirit, strategic thinking and compassion of a general.

While commanding the battle, he took the time to record the historical journey. Major General Hoang Dan wrote: “I hope my children and grandchildren will keep these pages of memories as a family keepsake. I sincerely thank anyone who reads my pages of memories, because then my work will be useful in any way.”

Through each diary page, readers feel the pulse of the battlefield – where Major General Hoang Dan, as Commander of the 304th Division, led his comrades through life-and-death decisions, from surprise attack tactics to mobilizing all resources to achieve victory. Each diary page is a historical story, a profound lesson about the art of leadership, about foresight and perseverance in the face of challenges.

Mr. Hoang Nam Tien - former Chairman of FPT Telecom, Vice Chairman of FPT University Council was the speaker at the book introduction. (Photo: NVCC)

The final part is filled with emotional writings from comrades and teammates about Major General Hoang Dan. Sincere stories from those who fought and worked with him help readers clearly understand the image of a general who was not only excellent in strategy, but also a leader who understood people's hearts.

The "legacy" that Major General Hoang Dan left behind was skillfully applied by his youngest son - Mr. Hoang Nam Tien - former Chairman of FPT Telecom, Vice Chairman of the Board of FPT University into business administration and economic development in peacetime.

Mr. Hoang Nam Tien shared: “My father said very simply: 'I have to go fight so that my children don't have to fight anymore.' What I admire most about him is not only his sharp military thinking, but also his optimistic spirit, believing that he will return, will live and win.”

Accordingly, Major General Hoang Dan not only left a military legacy, but also inspired the next generation - from young soldiers to leaders and businessmen who are looking for a way to overcome challenges and reach success./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/hoi-ky-cua-thieu-tuong-hoang-dan-lap-lanh-niem-tin-chien-thang-post1034158.vnp