On September 14, 2026, the President signed Decision No. 1507/QD-CTN posthumously awarding the Medal of Courage to Lieutenant Colonel Tran Van Tung for his brave action, sacrificing himself to save people, contributing to spreading the noble image of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" in the new era.
On the same day, the Minister of National Defense signed Decision No. 115/QD-BQP on posthumously promoting officer ranks ahead of schedule from Major to Lieutenant Colonel for comrade Tran Van Tung.
Previously, at about 9:40 am on September 12, on the way back to the unit after performing his duties, Major Tran Van Tung passed through the area between Bo bridge, in Tra Ly ward, Hung Yen province, when he discovered a male citizen wrestling with his mother.
Through exchange, Major Tran Van Tung learned that this person intended to commit suicide. Major Tran Van Tung and a passerby quickly approached, persuaded and encouraged this person to give up their intention.
This person then agreed and asked Major Tran Van Tung to take him home. However, while Major Tran Van Tung returned to get a car to take this person home, at about 9:45 am, this person suddenly jumped into the Tra Ly River.
Regardless of the danger to life, Major Tran Van Tung quickly took off his uniform, left his military equipment on his motorbike, and jumped into the river to rescue people.
Major Tran Van Tung approached the victim. However, due to the fast flowing water, both were swept away by the water and Major Tran Van Tung sacrificed himself.
Major Tran Van Tung's brave action shows the spirit of willingness to sacrifice himself to protect people's lives, contributing to embellishing the tradition of the Vietnam People's Army and spreading the noble qualities of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" in the new era.
Major Tran Van Tung's sacrifice is a great loss for his family and unit, and at the same time leaves a mirror of courage, responsibility and noble gestures for officers, soldiers and the young generation to learn and follow.
