“Dien Bien Phu in the air” in historical witnesses’ memories

Major General Tran Viet, former Commander-in-Chief of the Air Defense - Air Force Service and hero of the Peoples’ Armed Forces

Major General Tran Viet, former Commander-in-Chief of the Air Defense - Air Force Service and hero of the Peoples’ Armed Forces, said that he was touched and proud of the victory of the “Dien Bien Phu in the air” campaign 50 years ago. The victory was a brilliant landmark, beautifying the glorious history of the nation in the 20th century.

The general underlined that though painful memories have passed, he could not forget the images of Bach Mai Hospital and Kham Thien street heavily bombarded by the U.S. aircraft.

He recalled that witnessing the bombarded Northern region, the air defense and air troops were determined to surmount difficulties, dangers, challenges to destroy all strategic air raids of the U.S., bringing historical victory to our troops and people.

He still vividly remembered both the joys when a U.S. plane was downed, troops achieved new feats-of-arms and the bravery and sacrifice of his comrades.

“From my perspective, I would like to affirm that the victory of the 'Dien Bien Phu in the air' campaign was a testament to the national unity strength, ingenious art of war, and the strategic vision of the Party and Uncle Ho,” said Viet.

Major General Tran Viet said that in 1966, the Air Defense - Air Force Service sent its regiments to Vinh Linh to learn how to fight B-52s. After that, the service dispatched more missile and air force units to Region 4 to reinforce the Tri - Thien Campaign and study the fight against the U.S. bombers. Thanks to good preparations, when the “Dien Bien Phu in the air” campaign occurred, experienced troops were ready to combat.

He hoped that young generations will continue to study and nurture patriotism to contribute to the national construction and protection, and national development.

For Nguyen Tien Ha, head of the liaison board of prisoners of war in Hoa Lo prison, recalled that, in historic December 1972, the U.S. used B-52 Stratofortresses to bombard Hanoi and other strategic targets in Northern Vietnam in 12 consecutive days and nights. The images of “fire storm” in the sky of the North, crumbling streets, and people fleeing still break his heart.

“A number of troops laid down their lives for the “Dien Bien Phu in the air” victory. Now, enjoying peace, I feel sad and remember my comrades when seeing photos and clips of those days,” Ha said.

Nguyen Tien Ha, head of the liaison board of prisoners of war in Hoa Lo prison

He added that despite many losses and sufferings, the victory of the “Dien Bien Phu in the air” campaign gave a lesson on a comprehensive war in which all people were mobilized, the solidarity of the entire Party, and people was promoted and the trust in the Party and Uncle Ho’s leadership was absolute.

Given that today’s peace was exchanged with blood of numerous troops and people, Ha hoped that everyone, particular young people, always consider the past, the sacrifice, losses, and feats-of-arms as a source of motivation to rise up, keep combat readiness posture, and continue to build and safeguard the Fatherland.

According to historian Le Van Lan, on the Christmas day, December 24, 1972 when the U.S. conducted no bombardment, he went to church. After that day, the U.S. resumed bombing and his agency had to evacuate to Ha Bac (present Bac Giang and Bac Ninh provinces).

“From then on, every night, I looked at the sky of Hanoi. I could see clearly our missiles launched and U.S. aircraft crashing,” Lan recalled. But he and other Hanoians still felt calm in minds. “At that time, the anger and pain were suppressed, replaced by calmness and knowing what to do. Therefore, Hanoi's troops and people defeated the U.S.’s B-52 Stratofortresses,” he stressed.

Historian Le Van Lan

Born and growing up in Hanoi, Dr. Le Thi Minh Ly, Vice President of the Cultural Heritage Association of Vietnam, said that she was 16 in 1972. Before the 12-day air raids of the U.S., her school had to evacuate out of the inner city.

“In the days when B-52s ravaged the capital city, we witnessed Hanoi resiliently fighting against the bombers,” Ly said.

At night of December 26, when she was in Quoc Oai (Ha Tay in the past), she heard planes roaring in the sky and the sound of bombs and then Hanoi was on fire.

“At that time, we were silently crying. Those whose parents were still in Hanoi like me cried a lot, while those whose parents were not thought that they no longer had a home, so they were very sad,” Ly recalled.

Returning to Hanoi on December 27 and 28, 1972, seeing the destruction by B-52s, she was extremely scared. Both ends of Kham Thien street were blocked. Ambulances, diggers, and crying people were all over the streets. Despite the mourning atmosphere, Hanoians were very calm. In difficulty, Hanoians were very united and assisted each other. Neighbors shared even their meager food rations. “Despite the war and such pain, I felt extremely warm by the love of people of Hanoi,” Ly said.

Dr. Le Thi Minh Ly

Being heart-broken by seeing B-52-bombarded Hanoi, people buried in collapsed houses, Meritorious Artist Hoang Quan Tao, former Director of the Hanoi Drama Theater, felt happy when eye-witnessing B-52 bombers lighting the sky of Hanoi.

Seeing B-52s falling, people cheered all over the street. When the sirens sounded, everyone was indoors, but when a B-52 bomber was shot down, everyone ran into the street, cheering, Tao recalled.

Tao was the last prisoner of Hoa Lo Prison released. For him, his years in prison were extremely gloomy and the line between life and death was very fragile because of the brutal torture of the French colonialists. He was happy enjoying freedom and knowing that foreign invaders were defeated.