Colonel Nguyen Van Ninh (Photo: VOV)

In 1975, Colonel Nguyen Van Ninh served at Division 571, the first strategic transport division of the Vietnam People's Army, equipped with 2,600 vehicles of various types. During the Spring Offensive and Uprising of 1975, the division was assigned to rapidly transport troops from the North to participate in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign.

“At that time, we used more than 1,000 automobiles to transport the majority of Army Corps 1 from Quang Tri to participate in the campaign to liberate Saigon. Each vehicle had two drivers who took turns driving day and night, and we ate and slept in the vehicles,” Ninh said.

The march followed the western Truong Son trail through Laos. It was the peak of the dry season, and Mr. Ninh and his fellow drivers had to face thick clouds of dust on the way. Visibility was so poor that even vehicles just a few meters apart couldn’t see each other. Despite traveling during the day, there were sections where headlights had to be turned on for better visibility. The convoy moved continuously, stopping only briefly at designated rest points where troops could eat before swiftly resuming the journey. Sometimes, Ninh had to leave his meal unfinished because time was so tight.

“My vehicle, along with others in the battalion, passed through the Duc Lap area, where enemy forces were still active. They threw grenades and daggers at our vehicles, causing some damage, but nothing too severe. In some cases, they attacked along the route, puncturing tires and injuring some of our comrades. However, we bandaged ourselves up and continued the mission,” he said. 

Nguyen Van Ninh recalled his comrade Nguyen Van Thuan's bravery and ingenuity when their vehicle's steering axle broke while descending a slope. The truck came to a stop just 10 meters from the cliff, ensuring safety for both personnel and the vehicle. Thanks to strict adherence to marching discipline and effective communication, Ninh and his fellow drivers successfully transported Army Corps 1 to the assembly area at Dong Xoai junction ahead of schedule.

“We had a synchronous communication system connecting battalions, regiments, as well as command stations along the route with the division’s headquarters at the rear. We used radios for communication. Whenever congestion occurred, if there were enemy attacks or difficult road conditions, we relayed information to adjust formations and prevent traffic jams on the road. Following orders from the High Command, Army Corps 1 had to be present in Dong Xoai by April 25. Our division marched at lightning speed and arrived six days ahead of schedule,” said Ninh.

Truong Son soldiers transport weapons, food, and supplies from the North to the South. (File photo: VNA)

At 5 PM on April 26, 1975, the opening shots of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign were fired from the eastern front, attacking the enemy base at Nuoc Trong (Dong Nai). Division 571 launched into action, transporting officers and soldiers of Army Corps 2 from the east for a rapid assault on enemy targets. Less than two hours later, troops had captured part of the Nuoc Trong base.

With the spirit of "one day equals twenty years," moving ever faster, Nguyen Van Ninh, along with the officers and soldiers of Division 571 and other transportation units on the Truong Son trail, achieved an incredible feat in their march. Being part of that transport convoy was a great honor and pride for Colonel Nguyen Van Ninh and all the officers and soldiers of Division 571. Colonel Dinh Cong Ty, then Political Commissar of the 11th Automobile Transport Regiment, Division 571,said:

“We were extremely excited. For a long time, we had only been transporting supplies and weapons from the North to the South under enemy fire and harsh conditions. Now, we were driving on National Highway 1, carrying infantry troops, which was the greatest joy. Everyone was determined to ensure safety, taking turns driving non-stop to meet the needs of the infantry. We didn’t even need proper meals—just dry rations were enough. That’s how motivated we were. The enemy was retreating rapidly, and our forces relied on mechanized transport. It was thanks to the Truong Son military drivers that the army corps could advance in time,” said Ninh. 

With just trucks and unwavering determination, military drivers, including Colonel Nguyen Van Ninh, courageously endured hardships and sacrifices under extremely difficult conditions, contributing their youth to the nation's ultimate victory.