A recent “return-to-the-roots” trip to Sac Forest War base proved highly rewarding, leaving a profound impression on young soldiers of Regiment 10 as well as numerous teachers and students from Ho Chi Minh City.
Sharing her thoughts on the experience, Pham Tran Bich Van, Vice Principal of Le Thanh Tong Primary, Middle and High School, noted that while she had learned about Sac Forest commandos through books and films, visiting the site in person allowed her to vividly picture hardships and perils of the treacherous jungle. Despite wartime bombardments and lurking crocodiles, soldiers resiliently held their ground and achieved glorious feats-of-arms. She emphasized that these are invaluable historical resources that greatly benefit the school’s teaching and learning activities.
    |
 |
|
Veterans, officers, and soldiers of Regiment 10 on a “return to the roots” trip to the Sac Forest war base. |
Through photographs, documentary films, and accounts from historical witnesses, the real-life individuals who accomplished the seemingly impossible were vividly recreated. A prominent example is Senior Colonel Le Ba Uoc, Hero of the People’s Armed Forces, former Commander and Political Commissar of Group 10. Regarded as the “soul” of Sac Forest commandos, this brilliant and resourceful commander orchestrated a series of legendary attacks, including burning the Nha Be fuel depot, destroying the Thanh Tuy Ha bomb depot, shelling the Independence Palace, and sinking the massive transport ship Baton Rouge Victory on the Long Tau River.
Other shining examples include “Crocodile-slaying hero” Hoang Duong Chuong, who devised a method of strapping explosives to live ducks to eliminate crocodiles and minimize troop casualties, and soldier Muoi Moc, who bravely fought off a vicious crocodile with a dagger despite being wounded. The dedication of female military medic Nguyen Kim Men (aka Tu Men), who devoted all her love to caring for the wounded and courageously sacrificed herself for her comrades, also leaves a lasting emotional impact. These true stories of real people have ignited the flame of patriotism, spreading the indomitable spirit and revolutionary heroism of the Vietnamese nation.
According to historical records, between 1966 and 1975, Sac Forest commandos engaged in 595 battles of varying scales, putting 6,200 enemy troops out of action. They sank or set ablaze 356 military vessels, including 133 large transport ships weighing 8,000 to 13,000 tons, and 145 other transport vessels; shot down 29 helicopters; and destroyed an artillery battery, multiple bridges, and enemy command posts. For these exceptionally outstanding exploits, Group 10 was honored with the title of Hero of the People’s Armed Forces by the Party and State.
Colonel Ngo Van Phuong, Secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of Regiment 10, affirmed that to uphold the tradition of being “exceptionally elite, wonderfully heroic, boldly resourceful, and striking at critical points for resounding victories,” generations of the regiment’s troops have consistently united to overcome all difficulties. They continue to excellently fulfill assigned missions and score notable exploits, contributing to embellishing the heroic tradition of the Ho Chi Minh City armed forces.
Translated by Minh Anh