Colonel Nguyen Van Tau (code name Tu Cang, born in 1928), Hero of the People's Armed Forces (AHLLVT), is a legendary intelligence officer, who used to hold the positions of Head of Intelligence Group H63 (under the General Staff of Region B2); Political Commissar of Special Forces Brigade 316.His name is associated with the role of commanding an excellent intelligence network - a place that gathers outstanding individuals such as Pham Xuan An (X6), Tam Thao, Muoi Nho, who made important contributions to the victory of the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, liberating the South, and reunifying the country on April 30, 1975.
At the traditional gathering, Colonel Nguyen Van Tau could not hide his emotion when reuniting with his former comrades, together reminiscing about the heroic memories of a time of fire.He recalled with emotion that Brigade 316 was established on March 20, 1974, carrying a special mission: guiding the main forces to advance into Saigon, and at the same time occupying and defending at vital bridges.
The most prominent in the Spring 1975 campaign was the battle at Rach Chiec bridge. From April 27, 1975 to the early morning of April 30, 1975, the unit's soldiers persistently stayed, maintaining the bridge span to open the way for tanks of Army Corps 2 to advance straight into the inner city. The old Colonel's voice dropped when mentioning the tradition of releasing flower lanterns at Rach Chiec bridge on April 30 every year. It was a sacred ritual to commemorate 52 naval commando soldiers who bravely fell for the task of keeping the bridge, sacrificing right in front of the "gate" of peace.
In addition to the task of protecting the bridge, Brigade 316 also participated in occupying many strategic targets such as the enemy's General Staff, gasoline depots, tank depots in Go Vap; and at the same time worked as eyes and ears for artillery and directly mobilized the masses to fly flags to welcome the liberation army.
After the country's reunification, the unit continued to set off to perform the task of protecting the Southwest border against Pol Pot's army, then advanced to the North to participate in the campaign to protect the Fatherland's border. With a long history of glorious feats, Brigade 316 was honored to be awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces.
Heading towards the Liberation of the South, National Reunification Day, intelligence legend Tu Cang choked up recalling his teenage years when he had to stand and salute the French flag under the roof of Petrus Ky school (now Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted). That memory made him even more cherished and proud to be standing proudly under the red flag with a yellow star today.
Through his story, the Colonel hopes that today's young generation will fully feel the sacred pride every time they perform the flag salute ceremony. He reminded that it is not only the flag of independence, but also the crystallization of the spirit of self-reliance and self-strengthening of many previous generations.
