Senior Colonel Nguyen Huu Tai

“I’m deeply moved when I think of General Vo Nguyen Giap, the ‘eldest brother’ of the Vietnam People's Army and one the most talented Commander-in-Chiefs of all time. President Ho Chi Minh, General Giap, and the Party Central Committee made the wise decisions that created a glorious victory and a brilliant Ho Chi Minh era.”

With 77 years of Party seniority and 47 years of army service, 95-year-old Senior Colonel Nguyen Huu Tai, told VOV that he clearly remembers the days of fierce fighting at Dien Bien Phu and especially General Vo Nguyen Giap, who inspired him and numerous others.

Colonel Tai recalled that in early April 1954, when he was head of the Division of Political Affairs of Regiment 209, he was assigned to work with the commander and officers of Battalion 154 to arrange the defense of Hill D1.

When he and Hoang Cam, the Regiment Commander, returned to headquarters for a meeting to review the campaign, Tai was very impressed by General Giap's speech, which praised smart actions, analyzed the difficulties, and pointed out remaining shortcomings.

What he remembered most was that the General listened attentively and inquired about the details of the soldiers’ lives.

“The General paid special attention to the meals, health, and accommodations of the soldiers in the fortifications on Hill D1. After the meeting, the Commander-in-Chief invited us to stay for a lunch of fried pork and mustard greens soup, and an open discussion with officers returning from the battlefield,” Tai recalled and concluded, “These were pleasant and unforgettable moments in the middle of an arduous and fierce campaign.”

Veteran Quang Van Kho of Muong E commune in Son La province, who leveled bomb craters on Pha Din pass, said meeting General Giap during the General's return to Dien Bien province in 1955 was an honor he will never forget.

Veteran Quang Van Kho says he'll never forget the moment he met General Giap.

“Mr. Giap shook hands with each person and encouraged all of us to do our best in study and practice. He called on the army and the people to protect the homeland now that Dien Bien was liberated. I remember 5,000 people lining up at Dien Bien stadium to meet him,” said Kho.

The image of a talented but friendly and warm General lives in the hearts of ethnic people who live near the Muong Phang revolutionary base in Dien Bien Phu city.

Stories about General Giap involved tunnels, shacks, and observation decks at the Dien Bien Phu Campaign Command, as well as vast fields irrigated with water from Loong Luong lake, also known as "General Lake", after General Giap returned to Muong Phang in 2004.

Like many people in Muong Phang, Lo Van Nui says he always remembers General Giap with the most precious feeling.

Lo Van Nui, a resident of Muong Phang, says he feels very moved whenever he recounts the General's conversation with the locals during that visit.

He told VOV, “Uncle Giap asked whether Muong Phang could feed him if he stayed there for a week. We all said yes. He asked whether Muong Phang people attended school. No one was allowed to quit their studies in the middle, said Mr. Giap. Were the people of Muong Phang hungry? Mr. Giap raised the question, and everyone said no. That triggered tremendous applause.”