Dien Bien recovers remains of nine fallen soldiers

Forces excavate a burial site in the garden of Nguyen Duy Thanh’s family.

After receiving information about the burial sites, the steering committee assessed and verified the reports, establishing sufficient grounds to proceed with the recovery.

Collecting a sample for DNA testing

On the morning of October 29, relevant forces excavated and recovered eight sets of remains from the garden of Nguyen Duy Thanh’s family in Huu Nghi residential area, Dien Bien Phu ward. That afternoon, the committee, relevant forces, and the families of Tran Thi Kim Lien and Phan Van Ha recovered another set of remains from the family’s land in Hung Thinh village, Thanh Nua commune.

One of the nine sets of remains yielded a sample for DNA testing. The recovery operations were conducted in a solemn and systematic manner, in accordance with established procedures and regulations, ensuring absolute safety of personnel and equipment.

All nine sets of remains have been transferred to the temporary mortuary at Tong Khao War Cemetery.

Forces transport the fallen soldiers’ remains to the temporary mortuary at Tong Khao War Cemetery.

According to Nguyen Duy Thanh, who now lives in Ha Noi, his family discovered eight sets of remains in 2006 while digging the foundation for a house in Huu Nghi residential area (formerly Group 4, Thanh Truong ward). The remains were found alongside parachute fabric, penicillin vials, plastic sandals, and belts. The family buried them in the garden and regularly tended the graves and offered incense. Before moving to Ha Noi, Thanh asked his relatives to continue caring for the graves and honoring the fallen soldiers, a practice they have maintained to this day.

Translated by Tran Hoai