    |
 |
|
Senior Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang speaking at the event |
According to a report delivered at the ceremony, Regiment 202, the first tank regiment of the Vietnam People's Army, was founded on October 5, 1959 under Decision 449 of the Ministry of National Defense, and the day became the foundation day of the force. Over the past 60 years, generations of tank and armored troops recorded glorious feats-of-arms in wartime and remarkable achievements in peacetime.
Particularly, the corps troops made great contributions to the success of the Ta May - Vay village battle in spring 1968. They contributed to breaking an enemy defense line on Road 9 and affirming the strength of the force and served as the encouragement for troops to achieve more success.
In the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, around 400 tanks and armored vehicles took over enemy-occupied terrains by launching attacks from five different directions. On April 30, 1975, the corps’ tanks knocked down the gates of the Independence Palace, forcing the Saigon government to declare unconditional surrender. At 11:30a.m on the same day, head of a tank company Bui Quang Than planted the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam on the roof of the Independence Palace, marking the success of the campaign.
|
|
 |
|
Senior Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang pinning the order to the unit's flag |
With their outstanding achievements over the past time, the corps was honored with the Golden Star Order, while its units and individuals were honored with noble titles, such the title “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces.”
Speaking at the event, General Giang congratulated the corps on its achievements and development over the past 60 years, affirming that armored troops always keep their firm political stance, solidarity, and high resolve to obtain excellent feats-of-arms. They have contributed to enriching the glorious tradition of the force as well as to the national liberation and reunification cause of the Party, people, and military.
General Giang asked that force to continue embracing directives on military and defense missions as well as the Party’s resolution on national protection strategy in the new context. He urged the units of the corps to build the corps into a revolutionary, regular, and elite unit. They should also focus on political education while becoming increasing modern.
|
|
 |
|
Delegates watching weapons and military equipment at the event |
He added that the Armored Corps should promote the quality of training programs and exercises, raise their command and coordination capabilities, and closely follow situational developments to effectively respond to military-defense circumstances.
The Chief of the General Staff expressed belief that the force will obtain more achievements and will forever be a pride of the Party, people, and military.
Translated by Tran Hoai