Điện Biên artillery soldiers recalled historic battle

ĐBP - During the historic Điện Biên Phủ campaign in 1954, in addition to the 9 infantry regimens, 1 artillery regiment armed with 75mm cannons, 2 mortar battalions with 105mm mortars, and 4 heavy machine gun companies with 120mm guns, the Vietnamese troops also boasted an anti-aircraft artillery regiment with 24 37mm guns from the 367th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment – the precursor unit of the present-day Việt Nam Air Force.

According to historical archives, on March 14, 1954, when the fog had mostly lifted, an enemy’s reconnaissance aircraft flew close to the position of the 815th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Company. Around 8:30 am, a series of shots hit the airborne target, the enemy plane caught fire, and crashed into an area about 500m from the company’s position, witnessed firsthand by our troops. Cheers echoed throughout the forest. The front command had commended the and awarded a flag to the anti-aircraft artillery unit for their first achievement. 

Officers and soldiers of the 383rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion (367th Regiment) engaged in the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign. Archived photo 

Recalling the moment of deploying the artillery into position, Điện Biên soldier Phạm Đức Cự from the 394th Battalion, 367th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, said that on March 14, 1954, the 394th Battalion began towing the cannons from Nà Nhạn through the Tha Phu Sông mountain range (1,150m above sea level), along a route of about 12km of continuous ups and downs. 

The mission of the 394th Battalion at that time was to control the western airspace, extending more than 5km from Độc Lập down to the Hồng Cúm airfield area; to destroy and prevent enemy aircrafts from attacking, and prevent airdrops to French troops at the Điện Biên Phủ battlefield. Together with the 383rd Battalion, the 367th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment holding down positions in the eastern airspace, the 394th Battalion formed a pincer strategy controlling the entire airspace, protecting the troops on the grounds. 

Điện Biên soldier Phạm Đức Cư recounts the story of anti-aircraft artillery to the younger generation. 

"When enemy aircraft flew at an altitude above 2,000m, out of our range, we wouldn't fire. If they descended to around 2,000m or 1,500m, within our range, we would focus on destroying them!", Phạm Đức Cư said. 

Following the principle of "strike firmly, advance firmly" set by the campaign command, our troops were ordered to withdraw the artillery to the original assembly points twice, despite all the difficulties in transportation, not to mention the enemy's constant attempts to sabotage. 

On the night of January 25, 1954, our heavy artillery was brought into combat positions near enemy strongholds and ready to open fire. However, at this time, it was discovered that the French forces had also significantly reinforced their troops and weapons at Điện Biên Phủ, so the strategy had to be changed from "strike quickly, win quickly" to "strike firmly, advance firmly". It was during this withdrawal that artilleryman Tô Vĩnh Diện made the courageous sacrifice, wedging his own body against the cannon’s foot to prevent it from falling into the ravine at Chuối slope. 

Điện Biên soldier Nguyễn Hữu Chấp recounts historical stories. 

While the engineers and infantry cleared the way, the artillery units worked hard to build fortifications. The 367th Regiment chose Point 630 as the location for the command post. This was a hill near the 383rd Battalion, about 3km from the Him Lam stronghold. Standing on this hill, one could look over the entire Điện Biên valley and observe clearly the enemy's positions. 

Thanks to close coordination with other branches in the Điện Biên Phủ campaign, our anti-aircraft artillery bravely fought and obtained outstanding results. On the morning of March 14, 1954, the 815th Company shot down the first French plane. Over the next 5 days, the 367th Regiment continued to shoot down 14 enemy planes and damaged 25 others. 

Điện Biên soldier Nguyễn Hữu Chấp, captain of the 82mm mortar platoon, 290th Company, 166th Battalion, 209th Regiment, 312th Brigade, added: "At first, the French didn't know we had anti-aircraft artillery, so they entered the battle very aggressively. The enemy planes came in formations, each with 3 aircrafts, 3 formations equalling 9 aircrafts, and they would come one in these three formations one after another after one was destroyed. But once our anti-aircraft artillery opened fire and the enemy realised, they didn't dare to be as aggressive as before. At that time, the anti-aircraft artillery greatly supported the infantry, without which the situation would have been very challenging!" 

The site of the manual artillery cannon transportation in Nà Nhạn Commune, Điện Biên Phủ City during March 1954. 

The war may have ended 70 years ago, but the legend of the anti-aircraft artillery – the dread of the French army at Điện Biên Phủ - continues to be passed down in historical records and stories recounted by Điện Biên soldiers to today's younger generation. 

Today, the Monument to the manual transportation of artillery cannons at the site of the manoeuvre, to the side of National Highway 279 (in Nà Nhạn Commune, Điện Biên Phủ City), stands as a symbol of victory, of patriotism, and of the determined will of the Vietnamese military and people under the skilful leadership of the Party and President Hồ Chí Minh in the resistance wars against foreign invasion, all for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland. 

 

Text and photos by: Hà Linh 
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'Điện Biên ready to roll out two-tier local government model

    Điện Biên ready to roll out two-tier local government model

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - From July 1, alongside the rest of the country, Điện Biên province will officially implement a two-tier local government model, comprising provincial and communal levels. Thanks to thorough and comprehensive preparation in organizational structure, technological infrastructure, and staffing, communes and wards across the province are now ready for this important transition.
  • 'Digital economy popular in rural areas in Điện Biên

    Digital economy popular in rural areas in Điện Biên

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - In the wave of digital transformation, Điện Biên, a mountainous and border province, is gradually bringing digital technology to households. From characteristic agricultural products being sold on e-commerce platforms to cashless payments made with just a few steps on smartphones, the digital economy is deeply infiltrating daily life.
  • 'Điện Biên creates favorable conditions for business development

    Điện Biên creates favorable conditions for business development

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - Điện Biên province has identified the private economic sector as one of the key pillars of the local economy, playing an essential role in enhancing labor productivity, promoting innovation, and elevating the province’s competitiveness. In recent years, the province has issued a range of appropriate mechanisms and policies to create a favorable environment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to operate efficiently and contribute increasingly to local development.
  • 'A safe, smooth, and successful exam

    A safe, smooth, and successful exam

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - After two official exam days (June 26-27), the 2025 National High School Graduation Examination in Điện Biên province concluded on schedule, safely and seriously, with no violations of examination regulations. Over 7,600 candidates across the province completed a crucial milestone that will shape their future. The success of the exam was not only due to the students’ focus and efforts but also thanks to the support and collaboration of the entire political system.
  • 'A peaceful clan by the Nậm Rốm River

    A peaceful clan by the Nậm Rốm River

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Nestled quietly beside the Nậm Rốm River, the stilt houses of the Thái ethnic people in the Lường clan line stand united and prosperous. For many years, this clan has been a shining example in maintaining peace and security at the gateway to Điện Biên Phủ city.
  • 'Family meals strengthen bonds of love

    Family meals strengthen bonds of love

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - In modern life, many people have become accustomed to the fast pace of daily routines, leaving family members with little time for each other. Therefore, family meals hold significant importance, not only as a beautiful traditional cultural practice but also as an opportunity for family members to gather, bond, and share joys and sorrows together.
  • 'Igniting startup spirit of youths

    Igniting startup spirit of youths

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - With youthful energy, passion, and a strong desire to establish themselves, many young people in the province have boldly ventured into production and business, creating wealth through local product-based economic models. Accompanying these determined young entrepreneurs, the Điện Biên provincial Youth Union has implemented various initiatives to “ignite the flame” of ambition among its members.
  • 'Clean water systems transform lives in Điện Biên’s mountainous areas

    Clean water systems transform lives in Điện Biên’s mountainous areas

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Despite being the headwaters of many rivers and streams, numerous villages and communes in the highlands of Điện Biên still face a shortage of clean water for daily use. In response to the urgent need for clean water in these areas, the province has implemented a range of initiatives in recent years to bring safe water closer to residents.
  • 'Small homes, great happiness

    Small homes, great happiness

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - It is no coincidence that the Vietnamese people always speak of the word “family” with utmost reverence. It is the place where each person is sheltered, grows up, learns to love, and matures. In life’s journey, one may pass through many places, face numerous hardships, but the embrace of family, whether large or small, is always the place one wishes to return to.
  • 'Sports connect families

    Sports connect families

    CULTURE - TOURISM -
    ĐBP - The first Pickleball Family Tournament in Điện Biên province for 2025 concluded successfully in the joyful atmosphere of the Vietnam’s Family Day (June 28). This was not just a warm sports event where family bonds were nurtured and beautiful memories created, but also a tournament that strongly spread the message about the role of sports in building happy and sustainable family homes.
  • 'Happy homes, stronger country

    Happy homes, stronger country

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - The family is the fundamental unit of society, playing a vital role in its formation and development. Under the theme “Happy homes, stronger country”, Vietnam Family Day (June 28) in 2025 once again honors family values, underscoring the importance of the family unit in the growth and well-being of the nation.
  • 'Fostering and developing young party members

    Fostering and developing young party members

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - In the context of difficulties in creating sources of new party members, actively identifying and nurturing outstanding young people, especially youth union members, is a priority for the local party committees in Điện Biên province. This approach not only enhances the quality of party members but also ensures the continuity and growth of party organizations at the grassroots level.
  • 'The silent war

    The silent war

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - The battle against drugs in Điện Biên province continues to unfold silently yet fiercely and perilously. Every victory in this war is not only won through intellect and resolve but often through sweat, tears, and even sacrifice.