Praising the feats-of-arms of the air defense force, particularly the radar and missile troops, the Politburo asked the units to regularly heighten vigilance, avoid being subjective, and be determined to defeat the frenzied and adventurous air raids of the U.S. imperialists.

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A U.S. pilot captured alive next to the plane wreck in late 1972 (File photo: VNA)

Following the Politburo’s order, Chief of the General Staff Van Tien Dung directed the missile troops to fight at night, camouflage and evacuate during the day, the radar troops to regularly monitor the enemy, firmly manage the sky around the clock, and the anti-aircraft artillery troops to maintain high combat readiness posture to win over the enemy.

On the afternoon of December 19, at the International Club, next to the Hanoi Opera House, the Ministry of National Defense held a press conference informing the big victory of Northern troops and people on the first day and denouncing U.S. imperialists’ crime. Before a large number of domestic and international reporters, six U.S. prisoners of war, who were pilots, admitted their horror at the air defense power of the Vietnamese troops.

On December 19, in Hanoi, B-52 bombers flew 87 sorties while the contour fighters carried out more than 200 sorties to drop bombs on 68 places both inside and outside the capital city. The air defense force fought bravely, shooting down a B-52 and an F-4. This victory continued to strengthen the confidence and encourage the fighting spirit of the Vietnamese troops and people.

Translated by Mai Huong