Consider death as light as a feather
In the memory of Mr. Tran Quoc Vinh (91 years old) in Tran Phu ward (Hai Duong city), the memory of Dien Bien Phu Campaign is no longer intact. Although he is old and his health is getting weaker, he still remembers the memorable things. The unforgettable memories have followed him all his life and become meaningful stories to educate his children and grandchildren.
That day, 19-year-old Tran Quoc Vinh followed the call of the Fatherland, marching to Dien Bien Phu with hundreds of comrades in Hai Duong. At that time, the young man had not yet informed his family that he would join the campaign, and when he left, he only brought a set of clothes. In the dark night, the revolutionary fire and the burning spirit of the army and people inspired that young man. He and his comrades cut through mountains, crossed forests, and walked through dangerous roads, mountains, and hills to return to Dien Bien.
Upon arrival, he was assigned to be a guard to protect the Commander and Political Commissar of Regiment 98, Division 316 (Military Region 2). With a small and agile figure, he protected the safety of the cadres even though he witnessed his comrades fall… Then there was an entire company that only had a few people left after victory. It was heartbreaking, but at that moment, no one knew fear, no one knew how to be discouraged or falter, but filled with hatred and determination to fight the enemy.
In the same year, young man La Minh Phong (now 89 years old) from Thai Tan commune (Nam Sach) did not hesitate to follow the army marching to Dien Bien Phu even though he knew that this time he would "9 parts die, 1 part live". "At that time, I did not care about life or death, I went to contribute my efforts to fight the enemy, the whole country fought the enemy, even if death came, it would be like a feather", Mr. Phong said.
While holding the hands of the Nam Sach District Veterans Association officials, Mr. Phong recalled the heroic sacrifices of his comrades. Every time he came to the death scene, he would squeeze the association officials' hands with emotion. He said: "There were countless sacrifices. After each bombing, people had to be mobilized to bury them. Therefore, many comrades had no names, now they are nameless, their hometowns and names are unknown to bring them back, it was very cruel". The hastily written letters that had not been sent to their families were forever kept in their shirts, following hundreds of soldiers into the ground. His eyes were filled with tears, his chest was heavy with medals and awards during his participation in the campaign, work...
Faith remains forever
After the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, some people sacrificed themselves, some stayed on the battlefield to collect and bury the bodies of their comrades, some returned to take over the capital and then re-enlisted to fight in the Central and Southern battlefields to fight the Americans. The previous generation of fathers and brothers protected the country every day, without rest, without regretting their youth.
For those who survived the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, the only souvenir left with them is the circular Dien Bien Soldier Badge. That precious badge is a reward from Uncle Ho and the Government for military officers and soldiers who participated in the campaign. This is a recognition, a symbol of pride for those officers and soldiers who directly participated in the campaign. Mr. Nguyen Van Beng (90 years old) in Thanh Ha town emotionally said that throughout the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, the soldiers' faith never faded. Everyone put aside their personal feelings to fight until their last breath. "In the glorious victory, I am proud to have contributed my small part to the campaign," Mr. Beng emotionally said.
In the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, Hai Duong province had 402 martyrs, all of whom had clearly identified their hometown, year of enlistment, time of sacrifice, rank, position, and relatives or worshipers. The above number of martyrs was in all 12 districts, towns, and cities in the province. Of which, Gia Loc district had the most martyrs (78 martyrs), followed by Kim Thanh district (49 martyrs), Ninh Giang district (47 martyrs), Thanh Mien (44 martyrs), Nam Sach (31 martyrs)... Most of the martyrs died in 1954, at locations where fierce clashes occurred between our troops and the French army such as A1 hill, Dien Bien airport, Doc Lap hill, Hong Cum, Muong Thanh, A2 hill, Xam Nam hill... The whole province currently has 471 wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, and soldiers who directly participated in the Dien Bien Phu Campaign. The oldest person is currently 107 years old.
MINH NGUYENSource
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