Division 363 receives First-class Fatherland Protection Order

Deputy Defense Minister Sr. Lt. Gen. Le Huy Vinh attended the event.

Sr. Lt. Gen. Le Huy Vinh speaks at the event.

At the ceremony, delegates recalled the traditions of Division 363 over the past 60 years. On May 19, 1965, the Ministry of National Defense decided to establish the Hai Phong Air Defense Command (now Division 363) under the Air Defense - Air Force Service to protect key areas in the North, ensure transportation routes, and provide support to the South. On July 11, 1965, the unit shot down an F-104 aircraft of the enemy. During the resistance war against U.S. imperialists, the unit shot down 381 aircraft, including 12 B-52 bombers.

With its outstanding achievements, Division 363 has been honored with many noble distinctions by the Party and the State. On March 4, 2025, the unit was awarded the First-class Fatherland Protection Order by the State President.

Gen. Vinh presents the First-class Fatherland Protection Order to Division 363.

In his remarks, Senior Lieutenant General Le Huy Vinh praised the outstanding achievements of Division 363 over the past 60 years. He called on the unit’s officers and soldiers to continuously improve the leadership capacity and combat strength of Party committees and organizations; enhance the quality of political and ideological education; effectively implement training principles; master weapons and technical equipment; and fulfill all assigned tasks, contributing to the building of a clean, strong Party organization associated with a comprehensively strong, exemplary unit.

Translated by Chung Anh