Mr. Tran Huu Duc recorded stories about a time of turmoil - Photo: TL

Unforgettable years

As a habit, every year, when time beats to April, memories of a time of fire and flowers flood back into the mind of Mr. Tran Huu Duc (born in 1953), residing in Quarter 10, Ward 5, Dong Ha City. This year, in the joyful atmosphere of the whole country heading towards the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, those memories seem to come back more strongly.

“I have just received an invitation to attend the 50th anniversary of the victory of the Ho Chi Minh campaign, liberating the South and unifying the country. This is a meaningful event, with high traditional education value. These past few days, I have been wishing time would pass quickly,” Mr. Duc shared.

Talking in his peaceful house on Ham Nghi Street, Mr. Duc said that he recently started writing memoirs. He worries that age will make him forget past historical events. To him, those milestones are like a part of his flesh and blood.

Following the nostalgic flow, Mr. Duc said: “I joined the army on September 15, 1972 in Regiment 12. After more than 2 years of technical and tactical training, on March 12, 1975, my teammates and I were ordered to receive military uniforms, weapons, ammunition... At 2 p.m. that same day, the unit's car took us to Thuong Tin station. Sitting on the train, each person had a different emotion. The common point was that almost everyone was excited, hoping the train would go faster so they could go to the South to fight the enemy.”

Compared to his comrades, Mr. Duc felt lucky because the starting point of his journey to the South was his hometown of Quang Tri. More importantly, his superiors gave him a little time to visit home, meet his relatives and neighbors. That source of spiritual encouragement helped the young soldier's steps seem tireless on the long journey to Division 325 on the evening of March 18, 1975.

The next morning, Mr. Duc was assigned to be the Deputy Commander of the Reconnaissance Company, in charge of a platoon to reinforce Battalion 8. Immediately after receiving the responsibility, he and his teammates quickly entered the first battle in the Hill 560 area, bringing about a resounding victory. In the afternoon of the same day, they continued to occupy the battlefield, blocking the enemy on Highway 1. With the momentum, the unit continued to open the marching route, achieving many other feats.

Mr. Duc with images that mark many memories - Photo: TL

During the days of fighting in the battlefield, Mr. Duc could not forget the time when he and his comrades marched to the South, creating a great victory in the spring of 1975. He said that following the marching steps, our army achieved a resounding victory, associated with many place names, land names, village names such as: Phuoc Tuong Pass, Phu Gia Pass, Lang Co, Hai Van Pass, Son Tra Peninsula... Along the march, the cadres and soldiers actively coordinated with local troops to destroy the enemy stationed on both sides of National Highway 1, liberating Phan Rang, Phan Thiet, Thu Duc district... Morning

On April 29, 1975, Mr. Duc's unit and other troops launched a general attack on Saigon-Gia Dinh. The 325th Division was chosen as the main force of the 2nd Corps, capturing many positions. "At that time, our 8th Battalion was assigned to guard the commercial port area on the Saigon River. When we heard our comrades announce that Duong Van Minh had read the surrender statement, we were overwhelmed. Everyone was extremely happy and tears kept flowing," Mr. Duc emotionally confided.

Firmly believe in the revolutionary path

Up to now, Mr. Tran Huu Duc still keeps many souvenirs that are over 50 years old. For him, they are extremely valuable assets. Because, every time he sees them, he feels like he has returned to his youth, full of enthusiasm to contribute to the Fatherland. “Many people ask me, amidst the rain of bombs and bullets, have I ever felt regretful for the spirit of “determination to die for the Fatherland, determination to live”? I answer no. If I could go back to the past, I would still choose to become a soldier,” Mr. Duc affirmed.

Mr. Duc's spirit of loyalty to the Party and the revolution was formed from traditional sources. He was born and raised in Vinh Nam commune, now Trung Nam commune, Vinh Linh district, in a peasant family with a revolutionary tradition. His father and mother participated in the resistance war against the French. The first lesson they taught him and his siblings was to love the Fatherland and love their compatriots.

Mr. Duc's parents both said that love should be expressed not only in thoughts and words, but also through concrete actions. That was the reason why in 1972, while he was a student at Hanoi University of Commerce, Mr. Duc volunteered to join the army to have the opportunity to fight in the South. The difficulties and challenges of the first days in the army uniform could not discourage the young man who was only used to studying.

During the days of fighting with his comrades in the fierce battle, Mr. Duc always had faith in the revolutionary path. On that path, he deeply felt the comradeship and team spirit. Before each battle, they sent each other messages to their relatives and families in case of any unfortunate events.

Later, when peace came, Mr. Duc spent a lot of time traveling to many rural areas to meet mothers, wives, and children to share messages from his deceased comrades. Another precious sentiment that Mr. Duc felt very clearly was the relationship between the army and the people. Mr. Duc shared that on the march to liberate the South, he and other officers and soldiers received a lot of attention and support. People prepared rice, drinks, cakes, etc. for Uncle Ho's soldiers. Not only that, people also gave them loving glances, handshakes, and greetings.

Having gone through the war, Mr. Duc appreciated the value of peace even more. Therefore, after the country was liberated, he decided to continue his commitment to the military environment. In August 1976, he attended the Army Officer School I, and was then selected as a lecturer. After holding many positions and positions, in 1986, he returned to answer the call of his homeland.

Here, he was assigned to take on many important positions such as: Deputy Military Commander and Chief of Staff of Ben Hai District Team; Commander of Huong Hoa District, Deputy Military Commander and Chief of Staff of Economic-Defense Group 337... In June 2011, Mr. Duc retired according to the regime. At the age where he deserves to rest, he still silently contributes to the association's work and the veterans' movement; sows in the hearts of the younger generation the love of homeland and country; joins hands to build many good models in the neighborhood...

Talking to us, Mr. Duc said that now, the youngest members of his generation are over 70. Having devoted their whole lives to the revolution, he and other veterans do not expect much, only hoping to pass on the revolutionary flame to the next generation. He knows that although they do not have to face bombs and bullets like before, today's young generation is also facing their own difficulties and challenges.

“I believe that no barriers will stop the young generation if they always have faith in the revolutionary path. I hope that today’s young people will continue to join hands to build a more decent and beautiful country as President Ho Chi Minh wished,” Mr. Duc confided.

Tay Long

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/chien-thang-lich-su-30-4-qua-hoi-uc-cua-mot-nguoi-linh-193371.htm