THE GREAT HAPPINESS OF A VETERAN
Lieutenant Colonel BUI DOAN CAM
Former Research Officer of the Political Department
I enlisted in 1967, serving as an artillery soldier in Unit 675, participating in combat alongside my unit on the front lines of Route 9 - Khe Sanh during the Tet in 1968. Subsequently, I joined my unit in engaging the largest-scale enemy forces since the war with the United States, contributing to the nation's rescue on the Southern battlefield. The qualities and rich traditions of my unit are deeply ingrained in the hearts of every officer and soldier, becoming the aspirations and honors driving our dedicated efforts. After three years of combat, I became a party member and attended long-term officer training with my unit. Upon completing my training, I was deployed back to the artillery unit to participate in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign. In late 1975, the distinguished honor arrived for Regiment 675, as the Party and the State bestowed upon us the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces.
While I was a cadet at the Artillery Officer School, the battlefield called in 1972, and our class graduated three months early to join the Artillery Engineer Brigade 78, Division 324. I later participated in the Corp 2 in major battles against invading enemy forces at Tau Mine, Bong Mountain, and Nghe Mountain in Khe Tre. The 85mm cannons, 37mm anti-aircraft guns, and 122mm mortars were all maneuvered up the hills by the infantry battalion for two days and nights to occupy strategic positions, firing directly at the enemy targets. I couldn't help but think of how our forefathers triumphed at Dien Bien Phu, and now we inherit and elevate the art of war, showcasing the strategic prowess of our military's tactics. At the end of the campaign, in the large hall at A Luoi, during the Youth Congress for Victory, I served as the youth deputy, representing the entire battalion. I promised on behalf of the youth that we would uphold the tradition of solidarity, excel in combat, hit our targets, thoroughly implement Resolution 15 of the Party Central, discipline ourselves, possess excellent technical skills, and maintain high mobility. Our goal was not only to liberate Thua Thien - Hue but also to rapidly liberate Saigon when the time came.
The anticipation of imminent victory filled the hall, with resounding applause. The Political Commissar of the Division, Nguyen Trong Dan, embraced and kissed me, announcing with great emotion that our unit, after ten years of fighting, was awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces for liberating the Southern region. After the conference, our unit prepared to welcome a delegation of senior officers passing through, preparing for the 1975 campaign. Together with my unit, we participated in the liberation of Hue and Da Nang, and as a reserve force heading to Phan Rang, we received the joyful news of the complete victory of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign on April 30, 1975. Subsequently, I was reassigned to Laos, and by 1979, I returned to my homeland. The Division sent me to pursue further education to serve in the long term. Before completing my studies, the unit received the second title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces. Words cannot fully express the overwhelming joy and pride that surged within me.
As a soldier who has matured through over 10 years of combat, the dream of seeing Uncle Ho just once in a lifetime is already a great joy, but that remains a dream. Since Uncle Ho passed away, I haven't had the chance to visit Him even once. When I received the decision to work at the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum High Command, the emotions within me were beyond description. I was appointed as the Deputy Political Chief of Unit 195 and later moved to a research position in the Political Department. The tasks were much more challenging than the combat years, as being in a special unit with special tasks demanded a great deal of effort. The care of the Party Committee of the High Command, colleagues, especially technical officers, and technical workers helped us complete our mission. In 1990, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Uncle Ho's birth, I, along with my research team, completed the book ‘For a Peaceful Sleep of Uncle Ho.' It was a truly happy contribution to the unit's mission. In 2000, Unit 195 was awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces, and in 2004, the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum High Command was awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces during the renewal period.
As a veteran, there is no greater happiness than being associated with three units, all of which are heroic. Many comrades and fellow soldiers never experienced the days of peace, and many officers, soldiers, and veterans have never had the opportunity to visit Uncle Ho.
I am a veteran with the honor and immense happiness of having been associated with heroic units.
