Despite numerous challenges and difficulties, the officers and soldiers of Team K73 have remained determined and steadfast in searching and bringing their fallen comrades back to their homeland.
Braving rain and sun, crossing minefields
The weather in March and April 2025 was scorching hot in Pailin and Battambang. The grass was dry, the trees withered, and streams had run out of water. Ph'Numchupang Pagoda in Phlov Meas hamlet, Phlov Meas commune, Rotanak Mondol district, Battambang province, where the second group of Team K73 was stationed, is far from the center. The officers and soldiers had to travel over 20 kilometers just to buy drinking water. They had to take water from nearby streams, let it settle for one or two days, and then use it. After many years of searching for comrades, officers and soldiers are used to the hardships and shortages. They never complain and always encourage each other to overcome the difficulties.
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Leader of Long An’s Steering Committee 515 presents gifts to members of Team K73. |
Colonel Tran Hung Cuong, Political Commissar of Team K73, said that in Battambang province, the team searched for the remains of soldiers over a vast area. Since the possible locations of remains of soldiers provided by locals were far apart, with the travel distance ranging from 40 to 50 kilometers, they had to conduct the search in each location for 15 to 20 days.
In Pailin province, it was more difficult and challenging for officers and soldiers, since the weather was harsh, and there remain minefields left from the war that had not been cleared. It required officers and soldiers to be careful during the search. It was reported that two remains of Vietnamese soldiers were buried in the area in Sala Krau district, Pailin Province, which is nearly 1,500 meters above sea level. It was a challenge to all members of the team, since they had to cross rocky peaks, steep cliffs, and minefields to reach the location of the remains. Their top priority was the safety of all officers and soldiers. To address the challenge, the engineering troops of the team volunteered to clear the mines first, working with local people who were familiar with the terrain to guide the way. As the engineers cleared the mines, the locals marked safe paths for others to follow.
Private first class Ly Quoc Kiet, a soldier of Team K73, said that he volunteered to join the search and collection of remains of two soldiers at Elephant Mountain. It took him and other members of the team more than three hours to reach the spot where the remains were thought to be. “At that moment, we were still worried because we didn't know whether we would find the burial place. Meanwhile, the danger of unexploded ordnance was real. When the remains of the two soldiers were safely brought back, everyone felt relieved," said Kiet.
Timely encouragement gives motivation
To motivate and encourage the officers and soldiers of Team K73 in their mission in Cambodia, the Steering Committee 515 of Long An province visited the groups stationed in Battambang and Pailin provinces. Living in temporary shelters at the pagoda, the second group of Team K73 maintained a disciplined environment, with personal belongings and supplies neatly organized as they would be in their home units.
The first group, stationed at the Military Sub-Region of Pailin province, was allowed to use land for agricultural production by the local authorities, ensuring a steady supply of fresh vegetables during their mission. Major Le Minh Hoi, Policy Assistant of Team K73, said that due to hot weather, they have made the most of used water by storing them in a pit. Thanks to that, they had enough vegetables.
During the visit, departments and sectors of Long An province presented gifts, including fish sauce and coffee, as an encouragement to the officers and soldiers of the team. The Steering Committee 515 of Long An province also handed over funding to help the team buy water containers and additional food allowances for the officers and soldiers.
Pham Tan Hoa, Deputy Chairman of the Long An provincial People's Committee and Head of Steering Committee 515, said that the living conditions of the officers and soldiers of Team K73 are extremely difficult, but they always strive, stay united, and are determined to complete their mission. Thanks to the efforts, they found and collected 24 sets of remains of soldiers in nearly two months.
Translate by Chung Anh