(VOVworld) - On this day 40 years ago, December 18^th 1972, US President Richard Nixon launched an air operation called the “Linebacker II Campaign” aimed at northern Vietnam. B52 bombers carrying thousands of tons of bombs backed by 5 warships attacked Hanoi and Hai Phong. For 12 days and nights from December 18 to December 29, 200 B52s continuously bombed Hanoi wreaking death and destruction, especially at Bach Mai hospital, in Kham Thien street and in Ngoc Ha village. But, Hanoians staunchly fought back and shot down dozens of B52s winning a great victory now known as the Hanoi Dien Bien Phu in the air victory. Memories of those glorious days remain fresh in the memory of Major General Pham Tuan, who shot down a B 52. “At that time, I was fighting in very special circumstances. Yen Bai air field was destroyed by B52s and other warplanes, and the enemy did not imagine that we could take off from such a damaged air field. We grasped the opportunity and launched surprise counterattack. As I was taking off from Yen bai air field, the enemy detected my plane but there were between 500 and 700 aircraft in the sky, so its was difficult for them to pinpoint my plane. I seized that opportunity to fire at enemy aircraft”, said Pham Tuan.

There have been several events in Hanoi this month to celebrate the victory. On Monday, an art performance called “Hanoi- 12 days and nights in 1972- a heroic anthem” was held at Hanoi’s Opera Square. The performance featured songs in praise of the country at war and in peace recalling those heroic days 40 years ago.

 Eighty photo, painting, and sculpture works are on display at an art exhibition opened in Hanoi on Tuesday to mark the 40^th anniversary of the Hanoi – Dien Bien Phu in the air victory. The event helps the public experience the heroic past and the resilient fighting spirit of Hanoi’s army and people during 12 days to defend the capital city in December 1972. The exhibited works are an artistic creativeness of Hanoian artists. The exhibition will last until January 10^th, 2013.