The opening of the Cao Son - Trung Thanh route has broken the monopoly, creating momentum for Trung Thanh commune (Da Bac) to develop.

Trung Thanh - the place marking the feat of shooting down an American plane

History books record that since 1964, due to consecutive and heavy defeats on the battlefields, the US imperialists frantically escalated their bombing of the North. Enemy planes repeatedly flew over Da Bac's sky, dropping leaflets. By 1965, there were 10 communes in the district directly participating in 45 battles against US imperialists' destructive aircraft. Each commune had a platoon using infantry guns to shoot down low-flying aircraft and set up watchtowers to observe. The Da Bac militia achieved many resounding victories in combat, especially the victory of shooting down the US RF101 aircraft of the army and people of Trung Thanh commune.

The feat of shooting down the US aircraft RF101 on April 29, 1966 was a special victory, demonstrating the bravery and creativity in fighting of the people here. At that time, US aircraft continuously invaded and bombed the northern regions, including Da Bac district. In that situation, the army and people of Trung Thanh commune constantly consolidated their forces, increased their combat readiness, and were determined to protect their homeland.

With rudimentary weapons and little experience in shooting down aircraft, the army and people of Trung Thanh commune were not discouraged. The soldiers organized training sessions, learned from experience, and changed tactics to deal with high-flying and fast-flying enemy aircraft. After many unsuccessful fights, they decided to move the battlefield to the top of Pu Chung and Pu Tham Noc mountains - the highest mountains in the Phu Canh range, where American aircraft could be seen from afar. The people and army of Trung Thanh commune had prepared carefully for this battle. The soldiers wove bamboo fences by hand, made model planes, and stuck them on bamboo trees to practice aiming and shooting. When the opportunity arose, they would time it right and open fire simultaneously.

At about 1:24 p.m. on April 29, 1966, three American RF-101C reconnaissance planes from Moc Chau flew into Da Bac airspace. They circled three times to scout before approaching the air defense position on Pu Chung Mountain. When the first plane flew over, the soldiers and people of Trung Thanh commune only had time to fire two shots, but the second plane flew low and slow, which gave the gunmen an opportunity. With careful preparation, the soldiers fired simultaneously, and the enemy plane caught fire immediately after passing the position. The pilot managed to parachute, but was captured alive by the militia and people.

This feat was not only a military victory, but also a testament to the indomitable will and creativity in fighting of the people of Trung Thanh commune. Despite their primitive weapons and equipment, their indomitable spirit and determination to protect their homeland helped them create a proud feat, continuing the heroic tradition, and inspiring future generations in the work of building and defending the Fatherland.

Forever the tradition of revolutionary homeland

Trung Thanh land today has changed a lot, especially since the road from Cao Son commune to Trung Thanh was opened, breaking the monopoly of the area. Mr. Ha Van Huong, So hamlet shared: "So is the most difficult hamlet in the commune, previously traffic was extremely difficult. In recent years, with the attention of the Party and the State, the traffic routes have been expanded conveniently. Thanks to that, the consumption of agricultural and forestry products is convenient, life is less difficult".

In recent years, Trung Thanh has focused on transforming the economic structure with many new models, notably growing green hemp. In 2021, this plant was tested in the commune. Up to now, it has been replicated in many other hamlets, with a total area of ​​about 50 hectares. Nearly 5 years ago, Mr. Luong Van Dung's family in Trung Tam hamlet converted nearly 3 hectares of corn and cassava land to grow green hemp. This direction helps Mr. Dung's family have a stable income. Mr. Dung shared: "Previously, my family only grew corn and cassava but the efficiency was not high. Since switching to green hemp, the economic efficiency has increased many times. Green hemp is planted once but can be harvested for many years."

Comrade Luong Thi Tho, Chairman of Trung Thanh Commune People's Committee, said: Along with promoting economic development, the commune always focuses on educating revolutionary traditions. In 2024, the commune achieved many important results with an economic growth rate of 6.75%, average income per capita reaching 36 million VND. The economic structure has shifted positively, key crops such as corn, cassava, arrowroot, and shan tuyet tea all exceeded the plan. Livestock farming is stable, forest planting and protection work exceeded 130%. These results are a solid foundation for Trung Thanh commune to continue to overcome difficulties, building an increasingly prosperous life.

Cao Viet