Mobilizing and heroic
Mr. Nguyen Van Tap grew up during a time when the country was still engulfed in the smoke and fire of war. In 1970, while studying at secondary school, with the spirit of "wherever there is a student, let's go", Mr. Nguyen Van Tap twice in a row wrote a volunteer application to join the army and sent it to the school's leaders, eagerly asking to join the Southern fight.
That burning wish was finally granted. He officially enlisted in the army and was assigned to 325 units stationed in Trieu Son (Thanh Hoa province) to train infantry. After a period of basic training, he was selected to join the 512th Battalion to train. of the 203 tank Regiment, began his journey to become a true tank soldier.
Here, he learned theory and practice methodical bulldozers, and became familiar with modern vehicles such as the T54B. the most advanced tank of our army at that time. After completing the training program, in 1971, his unit officially received a command to march and enter the fierce battle in the Southern battlefield.
After that, he was handed over the T59. It is the tank with the number 390. From that moment, the soldier Nguyen Van Tap fully attached to his army's life with this tank. He and 390 tanks always accompany, overcome bombs, hardships, danger, maintain the squad and steel discipline. Then, at noon on April 30, 1975, it was the tank with the 390 -controlled tanks that he opened the historic door, hitting the gate of the Independence Palace. Mark the collapse of the Saigon government, liberate the South, and reunify the country.
Mr. Tap recounted that after the 390 tank crashed into the gate, he really wanted to get out of the car to directly witness the historic moment, but then remembered the order to keep his position, not leave the car, so he returned to his position and continued his mission.
"I wanted to run out of the car to witness that historic moment firsthand, but remembering the task of not getting out of the car, I returned to the main gate. Only when everything was safe could we get out of the car. and at that time, everyone hugged and cried together because of joy" - Mr. Tap recalled, his eyes red.
Xi also could not forget the image of Saigon in the moment of delivery. Before the victory, people closed the door, the street was quiet, no one dared to face. But only after the gunfire ordered, signaling the victory, the red flag of the yellow star fluttering on the roof of the palace, throughout the city, it broke down: The people rushed to the street, hugging each other happy, cheering incessantly.
"We, tears kept pouring out. It was the moment I understood: The war was really over, the country was full. The moment when the tank hooked up the gate, I felt extremely touched and heroic. It was a moment when a soldier like me feel the most spiritual meaning of independence. Freedom, and I am proud to be the person who drove the tank so that the car was touched."
The most beautiful curve in a soldier's life
During many years of driving tanks on many battlefields, Mr. Tap has faced many dangers: fierce bombs, rugged terrain, and intense travel nights. However, for him, there is a corner that nothing can compare to.
"I have gone through many combat routes, but the curve that puts a 390 tank in the gate of Dinh Doc Lap is the most beautiful curve of my life. That was the moment I felt most meaningful in my entire military career" - Mr. Tap shared.
Mr. Nguyen Van Tap is not only a fighter driver, but also a person who drives, repaired, and maintains the tank as his own "close friend". After many big and small battles, through forest roads, dry streams, and dangerous steep passes. Mr. Tap clearly understands every technical detail, every machinery part, every equipment arranged inside the vehicle like the palms of a hand.
"It is not only a means, but a comrade, a companion, a place where I put all my passion in youth. I clearly understand the strange sound in the machine, feel each axis, each chain to promptly handle broken goods. because I know that just a small problem can affect the whole squad, the lives of teammates" - Mr. Tap shared.
Thanks to its dedication, ingenuity and high sense of responsibility, the 390 tank is always ready to fight, overcoming all challenges on the battlefield.
The war has gone half a century, but the soldier who sat behind the wheel was driving a 390 tank.memories of a time of fireworks, that historic moment will never fade away.
Returning to his hometown of Hai Duong, he lived a simple life as a veteran soldier after the war. However, every April, especially on April 30, the hearts of soldiers in the past were filled with emotion and emotion. He is often invited to attend conversations with teenagers and students. where he recounted his story with deep pride and a warm, emotional voice.
"Every time I tell it, I feel like I am reliving that moment. still moved, still the image of teammates hugging and crying, still the sound of the flag flying on Dinh Doc Lap roof. I hope that the next generation will know how to cherish peace, love the country and live worthy of the sacrifices of our ancestors" - Mr. Tap confided.
From a tank driver in the final battle of the war to a quiet inspiration in peacetime, Mr. Nguyen Van Tap wrote a complete journey of Uncle Ho's soldiers. when he devoted his entire youth to national independence, and for the rest of his life to preserve and spread the spirit of patriotism to future generations.
