The first battle of the American army on the battlefield of Quang Ngai and Zone 5
On August 18, the Provincial Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province solemnly held a ceremony to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Van Tuong Victory Day (August 18, 1965 - August 18, 2025).
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. U Huan - Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Quang Ngai province emphasized that on the morning of May 7, 1965, in the spirit of the whole country trying to defeat the US, the campaign platoon of Binh Dong commune, now Van Tuong commune, organized an ambush at Tan Hy wharf by Mr. Nguyen Phan, the campaign platoon leader of the commune, and sunk and destroyed the US soldiers. This is the first US battle on the battlefield of Quang Ngai and Zone 5. Opening up new possibilities for our army and people to compete, determined to defeat the American invaders.
On the night of August 17, 1965, more than a dozen US warships of the 7th Squadron launched from offshore, continuously firing against Van Tuong village. On August 18, 1965, the US army, consisting of 4 marine battalions, 1 battalion of tanks and armored vehicles, 2 battalions of 105 artillery pieces, 6 warships and artillery pieces along with hundreds of fighter jets, launched a joint campaign with the sea, continental and air forces into Van Tuong and surrounding villages and hamlets.
After a day and night of fierce coordination in combat, Regroupes 1, Military Region 5, Companys, militia and guards of the communes completely defeated the major campaign of the US army; eliminated 919 US soldiers from the battlefield; burned down, damaged 22 tanks and armored vehicles; shot down 13 aircraft and destroyed many of their war vehicles.
This was a heroic header, hitting the US Marines, a service considered the most elite of the US army, contributing with the armed forces to fight the US. The US "starlight" campaign in Van Tuong failed. The victory over Van Tuong became a brilliant milestone, opening the "Finding the American to fight, finding the Wei and destroying" cliff across the Southern battlefield.
Continuing the glorious tradition
Speaking at the ceremony, Major General Tran Thanh Hai - Deputy Commander of Military Region 5 affirmed that the Van Tuong Victory is not only a military victory but also a victory of the people's war art under the leadership of the Party, leaving many valuable lessons in Vietnamese military art.
The most prominent of which is the great lesson in promoting the combined strength of the people's war and the coordination between the main army and local armed forces. Showing a sharp mindset in the art of commanding and operating the campaign of the Military Region 5 Command.
Former Warrior Trinh Phu Thien, a soldier who directly participated in the Van Tuong Victory, was moved when attending the ceremony. For him, the battle 60 years ago was an unforgettable milestone in his life. 60 years ago, the soldiers, most of whom were still very young, carrying iron confidence into the Party, on the day of national reunification, fought with all their hearts and hearts and the spirit of "determined to die for the Fatherland and determined to live".
As one of the people who returned from the resistance war against the US to save the country, to live in a peaceful and independent country, I am more proud of the achievements of the country, of Quang Ngai province and my hometown Van Tuong, Mr. Thien shared.
Mr. Vo Thanh Dat, representative of the young generation, expressed his deep gratitude to the generations of our ancestors who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the nation. Affirming the role, responsibility and determination of today's generation in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland. 60 years have passed, but the g glitter marks of a time of heroic struggle will never fade in the memories of every citizen of Binh Son, Van Tuong and the whole Quang Ngai province.
