Formed on December 18, 1968, at the height of the resistance war against the American imperialists, the Female Truong Son Drivers Company marked a unique and historic milestone in the Vietnam People’s Army. Young women, many only eighteen or twenty years old, left their hometowns to join the military, driving heavy trucks through relentless bombings and gunfire to deliver supplies to the frontlines. Their courage and determination made vital contribution to the South liberation and national reunification.
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General Phan Van Giang chairs the meeting. |
More than half a century later, the image of those female drivers, with rifles slung over their shoulders, hands steady on the wheel, faces darkened with fuel smoke, eyes bright amidst the explosions of the forested battlefield, remains deeply etched in the memory of the Vietnamese people. Many of them laid down their lives in their youth, leaving behind their springtime in the majestic Truong Son Mountains in exchange for peace and national reunification. Their blood, tears, and extraordinary resilience helped forge the legend of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, the road that embodied the willpower of Vietnam.
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Former female Truong Son drivers at the event |
Throughout years of hardship, the company achieved remarkable feats-of-arm. Thousands of turns of trucks crossed strategic points; tens of thousands of tons of goods, ammunition, and food were transported to theaters. They also participated in rescuing wounded soldiers and braved fierce bombardments to maintain vital “transport arteries” during major campaigns such as Route 9–Southern Laos in 1971 and the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975. Their intellect, bravery, and revolutionary discipline set a shining example for the entire military.
On July 23, 2014, the unit was honored with the title of Hero of the People’s Armed Forces. Its head, Phung Thi Vien, was posthumously awarded the same title, and many other members received other noble orders.
Today, the Association of former Female Truong Son Drivers has 40 remaining members. They are shining examples of compassion, loyalty, and steadfastness. Their legacy remains a powerful source of inspiration for officers and soldiers in the whole military, especially the younger generations.
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General Phan Van Giang hands over gifts to the delegates. |
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The Defense Minister inquires after the former drivers. |
Speaking at the meeting, on behalf of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense, General Phan Van Giang extended his warm greetings, heartfelt congratulations, and deepest gratitude to the former female Truong Son drivers; hoped that they will continue to serve as torches of tradition, sharing with younger generations their moving stories of the spirit that “the heart may stop beating, but the hands never leave the wheel,” of patriotism, and of unshakable faith in the Party, the military, and the triumph of the revolution. He emphasized that the spirit and character of the female Truong Son drivers remain invaluable moral assets, nurturing self-reliance, resilience, and the aspiration to rise.
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General Phan Van Giang and delegates pose for joint photo. |
General Phan Van Giang urged the female Truong Son drivers to carry forward the noble gratitude traditions, contributing to the education of patriotisms and strengthening faith and responsibility among the younger generations, thus joining the entire military and people in building and firmly defending the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Translated by Tran Hoai