Victory of Vietnamese intelligence and spirit
In December 2024, in the atmosphere of celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) (December 22, 1944 - December 22, 2024), the 35th anniversary of the National Defense Day (December 22, 1989 - December 22, 2024), the B-52 Victory Museum (Hanoi) welcomed many domestic and foreign delegations to visit.
At the museum, visitors were amazed and impressed by the pieces of the American B-52 aircraft that was shot down by the Hanoi army and people during 12 days and nights at the end of December 1972, which were collected and arranged in their original shape with a body length of 49.05m and a wingspan of 56.39m. This is evidence of the disastrous defeat of the US in the "Dien Bien Phu in the air" battle, currently on display in the museum's outdoor exhibition area.
Ms. Tran Quynh Anh (26 years old, Thanh Hoa) visited the artifacts on display at the museum and shared: More than half a century has passed, the pieces of the plane have turned yellow, the iron and steel materials have rusted from the sun and rain, but visitors can still imagine the terrible destructive power of this weapon. Our army and people, with their intelligence, bravery and determination, have defeated all plots and plans of the enemy, not allowing the enemy to occupy the "sky of Hanoi".
“Time is getting farther and farther away, but through the artifacts displayed at the museum, viewers have the opportunity to fully, deeply and comprehensively perceive the great stature of the victory of “Dien Bien Phu in the air”. Through those artifacts, we can tell about the indomitable will, bravery, intelligence and military art of Vietnam” - Quynh Anh shared.
Dr. Le Trung Kien - Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics - said that through research on documents as well as assessments by domestic and foreign experts and scholars, it was affirmed that "Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu in the air" was a victory of Vietnamese mettle and intelligence in the Ho Chi Minh era.
“The victory of “Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu in the air” in late December 1972 was a major historical event and a unique miracle - a symbol of victory of the mettle, intelligence and heroism of the Vietnamese revolution. This was a victory of profound historical and contemporary significance, contributing significantly to bringing our nation’s resistance war against the US to complete victory,” said Dr. Le Trung Kien.
Brilliant milestone
Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Duy Quat - former Deputy Head of the Central Committee for Ideology and Culture - said that with the Dien Bien Phu in the air campaign, the US imperialists had never suffered such heavy losses as in the 12-day and night campaign against Hanoi, Hai Phong...
In this historic campaign, 81 American aircraft were shot down, including: 34 B52 aircraft, 5 F111 aircraft, 21 F4 aircraft, 4 A6A aircraft, 12 A7 aircraft, 1 F105 aircraft, 2 RA5C aircraft, 1 HH53 helicopter, 1 147SC reconnaissance aircraft. As the Deputy Commander of the US Strategic Air Force, General George Eade had to bitterly confess: "The loss of B52 strategic aircraft and crews was extremely heavy, a shocking blow to the Pentagon's planners".
“More than half a century has passed, but the victory of “Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu in the air” has entered our nation’s history as a brilliant victory, an unparalleled miracle of the 20th century. This great victory is a powerful demonstration of the strength of Vietnamese culture, a victory of Vietnamese will and mettle, a victory of Vietnamese pride, self-respect, self-esteem, and noble sacrifice” - Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Duy Quat analyzed.
