(VOVWORLD) - Even after half a century, the General Offensive and Uprising of Spring 1975 –particularly the battle at Tan Son Nhat airport – remains vividly etched in the memory of war veteran Vu Dinh Muon, as if it had happened only yesterday.
 The liberation flag flies over Tan Son Nhat Airport on April 30, 1975, (Photo: Quang Thanh/VNA) |
The sound of planes flying over Ho Chi Minh City during celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification evokes memories for Lieutenant Colonel Muon.
50 years ago his unit participated in the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign with a "determined to fight, determined to win" spirit. At the time, Muon’s Regiment 24, composed of tanks, armored vehicles, anti-aircraft guns, and troop carriers, crossed the fields of Cu Chi district, advancing toward Saigon.
“While marching to Saigon, we stayed off the main roads to avoid enemy mines planted along the highways. Along the way, the local people offered us many kinds of fruits. Everyone we passed offered armfuls of fruits to the liberation soldiers,” said Muon.
The thunderous roar of artillery echoed across Tan Son Nhat airport, marking the beginning of the liberation forces' assault on one of the key strongholds of the Saigon government. Muon’s unit was tasked with an attack from the south–southwest. The enemy put up fierce resistance, but the liberation soldiers coordinated with other advancing forces to tighten the encirclement. One by one the objectives were seized. By noon on April 30, they had taken full control of Tan Son Nhat airport.
“We were all aware of our responsibility and felt honored to participate in the final battle to liberate the South. Everyone was excited. With a fearless fighting spirit, we succeeded in capturing our final objective – Tan Son Nhat airport,” Muon recalled.
The night of reunification day, Muon and his brothers-in-arms gathered for a small celebration. Then they set up hammocks and slept in the communications command center of the airport. It was the first night in years without the sound of gunfire.
“After the liberation, we continued patrolling to protect Tan Son Nhat airport and maintain security and order in our assigned areas, ready for new missions. On days of rest, we wrote letters to our families in the North,” Muon said.
 Liberation soldiers take full control of Tan Son Nhat Airport on April 30, 1975. (Photo: Quang Thanh/VNA) |
Soldiers who once faced death, like Lieutenant Colonel Muon, are now in the twilight years of their lives. In the jubilant spirit of that historic April, old comrades reunite to reminisce about the days of battle. Though fifty years have passed, every mention of the battle at Tan Son Nhat airport brings a feeling of pride and a solemn remembrance of the comrades who fell just hours before the victory.
Dinh Trong Khai, who fought alongside Muon at Tan Son Nhat, said, “Muon and I still maintain a relationship. On the battlefield, comrades are closer than family. Peace is wonderful, but we can never forget those comrades who laid down their lives on the battlefield, who didn’t live to see the peace they fought for.”
Soldiers like Lieutenant Colonel Muon are living testaments to the enduring spirit of patriotism. Their stories help younger generations understand the courage and selfless sacrifice of a generation that gave their blood for the cause of national reunification.