Constantly bombarded by planes

After the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964, the US imperialists launched a war to attack the North. Hai Duong is a central province of the Northern Delta, with many vital traffic routes passing through, so it had to endure many fierce attacks.

During the period of 1965 - 1967, the US conducted many fierce raids, dropping thousands of bombs on the Lai Vu bridge area, Phu Luong bridge, Han pontoon bridge, Co Phap pontoon bridge. During 34 days and nights from June 28 to August 1967, the US enemy mobilized 1,321 modern aircraft to attack 71 times at 312 locations, dropping 2,649 bombs of all kinds.

Along with roads, river routes through Hai Duong became targets of American attacks, especially the Thai Binh River system, the second largest river in the North, which is the waterway traffic artery connecting major seaports and the northern provinces.

At 13:05 on May 10, 1972, the US imperialists concentrated 36 bomber flights to attack 3 areas of Lai Vu bridge, Phu Luong bridge, Hai Duong town, blockaded the major river mouths of the province, combined with bombing and dropping magnetic bombs. Next, they dropped thousands of tons of bombs and ammunition on traffic hubs, train stations, river mouths, focusing on Lai Vu bridge, Phu Luong, and the left dike of Thai Binh river.

Persistently destroy and remove mines and ensure smooth traffic

During the days of the US's crazy bombing, the cadres, soldiers and people of Hai Duong persistently searched and destroyed bombs to maintain the vital traffic route and ensure support for the battlefield in the South.

With the spirit of ensuring smooth traffic in all situations according to the direction of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee, despite being attacked many times by the enemy, Hai Duong still promptly repaired bridges and bypasses to ensure traffic.

On July 19, 1967, Hai Duong province decided to establish the Hai Duong River Management Section under the Hai Duong Transport Department to ensure safety for traveling ships.

Mr. Do Quang Luong was then the captain of the Hai Duong Waterway Management Section. Mr. Luong has passed away, but the diary he wrote about the bomb disposal days was kept by his teammates and given to the Hai Duong Waterway Management Joint Stock Company.

He recorded in detail what time the US dropped bombs, where, how many bombs, how many streaks, what kind of bombs, the bomb wing symbols... Details down to the hour and minute we arrived and finished handling. The river maps were hand-drawn by him very skillfully.

The diary also included a list of contents similar to the program of a training course, including bomb observation organization, introduction of some dropped bombs, instant bombs, delayed bombs, methods of disarming bombs on dry land and underwater, mine clearance methods...

There is a diary page recording the list of the bomb disposal team of 30 people, including the command board, administrative team, catering team, medical team, pilot, engineer...

It was very touching to read the diary entry that resembled the minutes of a group meeting on July 6, 1972. Comrade Nguyen Van Mong was evaluated: "Weak health, sick so work was limited. However, he also completed all assigned tasks well. He had a sense of responsibility and courage, and was present at the position right after the enemy attacked."

Comrade Pham Van Chung is evaluated as: "Diligent and hard-working, no matter how difficult the assigned task is, he will do it immediately".

With many outstanding achievements in production and combat, in 1972, the officers and employees of the River Management Section were awarded the Second Class Military Exploit Medal and a congratulatory flower basket by President Ton Duc Thang. The Vietnam River Administration presented the flag "The most outstanding group of brave bomb watchers". The Military Region Party Committee of the Left Bank Military Region Command presented the flag "The unit with the feat of clearing bombs and mines from the American enemy".

Today, the officers and employees of Hai Duong Waterways Management Joint Stock Company still preserve the diary and these noble medals.

Mr. Nguyen Hung, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company shared: "We are very proud of the tradition of the previous generation who made selfless efforts to help clear mines, contributing to the expulsion of American imperialism, liberating the South, and unifying the country. Today, generations are still inheriting and promoting that tradition and spirit."