INTRODUCTION
"With infinite love and everlasting gratitude to President Ho, we, the whole people and the entire party, must try our best to preserve President Ho's body and construct mausoleum for our beloved President"
A dedicated group of military personnel and civilians have tirelessly contributed over six years of endless effort, ensuring absolute safety and preserve the President Ho Chi Minh intactness, no matter what challenging tropical climate conditions and being amidst an ongoing war. These individuals selflessly endeavored in silence, yet achieving remarkable accomplishments.
Safeguarding and preserving President Ho Chi Minh's body are the must. Besides that, construction of His Mausoleum on historic Ba Dinh Square recognized as a distinctive achievement of our military and people. Both designing and constructing remained financially challenging, the entire nation unanimously shared a common goal, contributing working efforts and materials to expedite the completion of President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. This enduring monument, both modern and solemn, is infused with the vibrant colors of our national identity. A warming love of the entire Party, people, and armed forces for our President Ho Chi Minh.
The chronicle "For a peaceful sleep of Uncle Ho" is an expression of the adoration of the entire Party, people, and armed forces toward President Ho Chi Minh. Simultaneously, it is a demonstration of the valuable assistance and heartfelt contribution extended by the Soviet Union's Party, Soviet government, and Soviet people in the perpetual preservation of President Ho Chi Minh’s body and the construction of His Mausoleum. Vietnamese people deeply cherish that substantial and valuable assistance with a profound gratitude.
On the occasion of the 100th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh, this book is indeed a precious gift presented to fellow citizens and soldiers nationwide.
DO MUOI
I. LAST DAYS OF UNCLE HO
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Historically, it is not common to have someone with such a massive influence as Uncle Ho, his name and legacy are intimately intertwined with the destiny of an entire nation. Uncle Ho is always with us in every breath, and his thoughts are always here with our destinies. "Uncle Ho," the most adorable and sacred name that our entire people have bestowed upon our beloved leader. Uncle Ho is a man of simplicity and friendliness. There is very little or zero distance between ordinary people and Uncle Ho - the revered leader. Uncle Ho has become an indispensable principle both political and spiritual of the country. Considering himself as an individual, but for us, he is everything.
Numerous heroes, shouting loudly before their sacrifice, "Viva La President Ho!", "Viva La Uncle Ho!" In numerous battlefields, that simple yet heartfelt exclamation against the enemy resonated like an oath, embodying the revolutionary spirit of soldiers who were "loyal to the nation, devoted to the people." It is also a heartfelt aspiration, a revolutionary soldier's wish for Uncle Ho's health. Those on the verge of sacrifice wish for Uncle Ho's enduring health, longevity, and the desire for his everlasting life staying with people and country is shared by alive citizens.
However, his health no longer remained positive as expectations of our people and our party. We were on the most challenging stage of the Vietnam War during the 1960s. Half a million American troops aggressively attacked the South, initiating the most brutal warfare in history. Reports of innocents being killed and prosperous villages in the South being devastated had become a painful sorrow of Uncle Ho. As time flies, Uncle Ho's health had been a problem. Once Uncle Ho was advised to quit smoking by his doctors, then he complied. However, just a while later, his health even got worse due to lack of cigarettes. So doctors had to allow him to continue smoking. A cigarette played a significant role as Uncle Ho's companion, making his after working time and his family time stress-free.
In 1962, when the first delegation of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam visited the North, representing the 14 million Southern compatriots, requesting for the Central Party and the Northern citizens before their departure to South: "Endeavours must be made to take care and maintain Uncle Ho well-being, so that Southern compatriots can have a chance gathering with him once the country turns a new chapter of reunification."
In May 1967, following the celebration of Uncle Ho's 77th birthday, the Political Bureau convened an extraordinary meeting to discuss his health protection and ready for the long-term preservation of his body after his loss. The meeting was hosted by Comrade Le Duan, the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party. The conference had listed two key requirements:
- Confidentiality must be strictly maintained; otherwise, making people worried, leading to Uncle Ho's criticism towards the Political Bureau, prohibiting the plan implemented.
- Excellent doctors must be sent to the Soviet Union, studying the science of preserving human body. Specific personnel selection has been assigned to the Central Organization Committee.
The conference also unanimously assigned this special task to the Central Military Commission, due to the military's outstanding accomplishments on whatever tasks. On the other hand, Comrade Nguyen Luong Bang, on behalf of the Central Party, was appointed by the Political Bureau to monitor and take a good care of Uncle Ho's health.
As a man of simplicity, the destiny of the nation and people was always his central concern. Uncle Ho frequently urges the entire Party and our entire nation to thrift for more. Therefore, Political Bureau's decision completely went against with his point of view. Uncle Ho's simple wishes when passing away were: to be cremated, with his ashes placed in three urns atop three low hills in the North, Central, and South regions. This way might bring him closer to the fellows and people. Additionally, Uncle Ho also emphasized that plenty of shade-providing trees and rest areas should be on each hill, allowing tireless trips for visitors.
However, the entire Party and our entire nation's sacred desire is to preserve Uncle Ho’s body, unlocking Uncle Ho's presence for future generations. It is a great honor that our Party bestows upon the Vietnamese future generations.
The Political Bureau with a hope to implement as soon as possible, decided to appoint Comrade Le Thanh Nghi, on behalf of our Party and Government, visiting the Soviet Union and seeking assistance in various aspects, including the training of comrades for the long-term preservation of Uncle Ho's body. Certainly, Comrade Le Thanh Nghi also had to keep this trip non-disclosed to Uncle Ho. Driven by profound gratitude and a comprehensive understanding of Uncle Ho's significant role in the national liberation movement and the international communist movement, the Soviet Party and Government affirmed their unwavering support to assist Vietnam unconditionally in the long-term preservation of President Ho Chi Minh’s body and the construction of his Mausoleum.
The journey was a great success. Nevertheless, from that moment, a keen awareness of Uncle Ho's health became everyone's concerns, a sense of emptiness started to emerge, an indistinct void that is uncompensated the impending absence of Uncle Ho in the future, a burden on shoulder of every citizen and every soldier. Nobody wishes for his end, but it is irresistible to think of it.
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His most significant pain was the South still being under the control of the US, and country reunification had not been a truth. In a meeting with a Cuban journalist in 1966, Uncle Ho placed a hand on his chest and said, "Every household and every individual in the South has each own pain, and my pain is the sum of those." Also in that year, he declared an enduring principle: "Nothing is more precious than independence and liberty." That principle had become a guidance for many hindered nations with desires of independence and freedom.
The South Vietnam is forever in Uncle Ho's heart, and he always holds a place in hearts of Southern citizens. In 1946, facing the threat of country disconnection and attack to the South, Uncle Ho affirmed: "The Southern brethren are all Vietnamese citizens." "Rivers may run dry, mountains may erode one day, but that truth stays unchanged."
In the most brutal war time, saving the country from the US occupation, there were no days Uncle Ho making no calls to General Vo Nguyen Giap about military situation's updates in the South. Visiting the South is the heartfelt wish of Uncle Ho during his last days. Uncle Ho proposed to the Political Bureau that for a South visit arrangement, Truong Son trail by road or Hanoi - Phnom Penh by air. However, due to worrying his uncertain health, the Political Bureau looked for ways to postpone the trip by all means. Previously, after returning from a visit to Thai Binh, Uncle Ho experienced complications related to cerebral artery spasm.
In the spring of 1968, Uncle Ho was invited by the Chinese Party and State, traveled to Beijing for a break with medical treatment. Comrade Le Duc Tho visited Uncle Ho in Beijing before undertaking duties to the South. Upon hearing Comrade Le Duc Tho's report about the upcoming trip, Uncle Ho earnestly suggested to the Political Bureau for a South visit, satisfying his misses. He said, "Once arriving, you should discuss Comrade Hung (Pham Hung), arranging my trip to visit the people in the South." Comrade Le Duc Tho tactfully refused, arguing that Uncle Ho could only travel by air through Phnom Penh. He advised: "You need to get a passport to visit the South, otherwise your identity might be leaked easily because of your beard." "Well, then I'll shave," said Uncle Ho. "But if you shave, how can South people recognize who are you," replied Comrade Le Duc Tho. Uncle Ho sat still, looking sadly. Shortly after, he suggested taking the border route. The ship carrying aid support for the Southern battlefield still docked at Sihanoukville port previously. He would disguise himself as a sailor or be hidden in the ship's hold... His plan was meticulous, detailed-oriented that made it difficult to refuse. However, he insisted as before, Comrade Le Duc Tho tactfully deferred due to numerous difficulties, promising that efforts will be taken, allowing people in the South to meet Uncle Ho as soon as possible. As they bid farewell, Uncle Ho hugged Comrade Le Duc Tho tightly with his tears streaming down. In mind of his students and his comrades, a consistent concern and fear of having a very little chance of his appearance upon completing the mission.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year in 1969, Uncle Ho visited the Air Defense - Air Force service, then traveled along National Road 11, wishing a "Happy new year" to the people of Bat Bat District, Son Tay province. This was his last long-distance journey. At noon, taking a break and having lunch under a banyan tree by the hillside, seeing the farmers working diligently, bent over cultivating the grass in the fields along the road, he laughed, turned to Comrade Khang, the Chief of the Military Security Directorate, and jokingly said, "Our people are truly hard-working, there are no days of even on the first day of Lunar new year." And suddenly, he asked, "Hey, is that your troops?" Comrade Khang replied with a shy "Yes." During the difficult time, the country is still on war, safety of Uncle Ho journeys was always the top priority of the High Command of Guard Police.
After that journey, Uncle's health remained normal, but doctors observed reversed heart waves during the electrocardiogram examination. The council of doctors diagnosed that Uncle Ho was experiencing initial symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD). Facing with these concerning symptoms, Chinese professors and doctors was invited for medical treatment by Political Bureau.
In May 1969, Uncle Ho made the final revisions to his famous Will. This Will was initiated in the summer of 1965, which Uncle Ho considered as a "Top-Secret Document." The term "top-secret" does not refer to the content but rather to the fact that Uncle didn't want people to inform that he was aware of doing his final work during his last days. Comrade Vu Ky, Uncle Ho's secretary, unfolded that Uncle often wrote during a specific time of the day. Once Comrade Truong Chinh called to request permission to work with Uncle Ho when he was writing the "Top Secret Document." Understanding that Uncle Ho was not available for a meeting with guests during that time. On the other hand, he was also busy at noon. Comrade Vu Ky smartly arranged a lunch for Comrade Truong Chinh with Uncle Ho, allowing them to eat and work at the same time
At that time, he was reviewing and making final revisions to the Will. These were hot summer days in Hanoi. Plenty of shade-providing trees were planted in the garden of the Presidential Palace, but the air was stiflingly hot and oppressive. Uncle Ho continued his daily routine as usual. His morning routine included exercising, watering the plants, having breakfast, and feeding the fish. Uncle Ho's steps on the stairs got slow and difficult as time passes. Nonetheless, Uncle Ho made an effort to hide his health problem, so that those who served and the leadership comrades could be worried-free.
Once, as Uncle Ho was strolling in the garden, Comrade Man, an intensive doctor responsible for Uncle's health, noticed the scorching sun, brought along a feathered fan to cool Uncle Ho down. He expressed displeasure, saying "It seems like you're treating me as a king!" Well-informed that Uncle Ho didn't like being manually fanned by others, and especially these made of precious bird feathers, Comrade Man quickly cut a palm leaf in the garden and fashioned it into a fan for Uncle Ho. Uncle Ho really liked it. It serves both as a sunshade and a cooling fan. Since then, the palm leaf fan is found everywhere in the Presidential Palace. To avoid confusion with other fans, Uncle Ho carefully marked his fan by engraving the letter B on it using a cigarette.
Also in this memorable month - May 1969, senior military officials from across the country came to visit and held a longevity wish ceremony for Uncle Ho, on his 79th birthday occasion. It was a nostalgic and touching meeting of Uncle Ho and other comrades Le Duan, Pham Van Dong, and Vo Nguyen Giap. Comrade Vo Nguyen Giap, on behalf of the Central Military Commission of the Ministry of National Defense and the entire military, wishing Uncle Ho a good health and longevity. With a strong determination of winning the US, he promised to take Uncle Ho visiting the South. Comrade Vuong Thua Vu, on behalf of the comrades, presented a large bouquet to celebrate longevity. Seated in a chair, Uncle Ho felt touched when receiving the flowers, expressing gratitude to the military personnel for their endless caring about his health. Uncle Ho said a victory had been the comrade's mission, his health improvement and happiness also thanks to that mission completed. Uncle Ho voice is warm and familiar, but it's soft, and he has to pause and rest for a while.
Every general deeply pondered, this might be the last time they had a chance to be with him on that day, listening to his warm and touching voice.
A thunderstorm occurred in the afternoon of August 12. The wind gusts fiercely through the clusters of trees in the garden. He suddenly planned to visit our delegation at Ho Tay Guest house, those who had just returned from the Paris Conference. On that day, Uncle Ho was transported directly to the Guest house, visiting the Comrades in our delegation.
Next day, Uncle Ho had symptoms of cold, and dry cough. Then he had an inflammation in the bronchial tubes, observing an increase in white blood cells compared to the previous day results. The professors and consulting doctors decided to administer antibiotics, but he did not show a sign of improvement. On August 23, penicillin injections had to be used. Uncle Ho felt pain in his chest around 9 PM. The doctors quickly suspended the injection and performed immediate cardiac defibrillation, clearly observing signs of myocardial infarction. After consultation, the doctors decided to administer an injection again.
By August 28, his heart began to show signs of arrhythmia and disturbances in the transmission of the ventricles. In those tense days, comrades from the Political Bureau visited Uncle Ho on a daily basis, updating him on the situation on the battlefields in both regions. Each piece of victorious news brightened Uncle's face entirely. Every time, Uncle Ho would say, "Today, I am feeling healthier than yesterday" But it was just his white lie, the fact is completely opposite.
On the afternoon of August 30, Uncle asked Comrade Pham Van Dong when he was visiting: "How was the National Day celebration preparation?" Listening to Comrade Pham Van Dong's report, he advised "Don't forget to set off fireworks, celebrating the victory and motivating the people spirit of warfare." But Uncle Ho is unwell, how can fireworks be set off?
On August 31, he craved a bowl of porridge. The comrades in service quickly cooked a delicious bowl of porridge for him. Everyone was delighted seeing he finished the meal. However, the Independence Day celebration at Ba Dinh Square took place in an atmosphere filled with anxiety on the faces of the comrades in the Political Bureau that evening.
Hearing that the Hanoi Missile Unit shot down an US drone on August 30, on the following day (August 31), he suggested to send a floral arrangement to the unit that had just achieved this success. This marked the last bouquet presented by Uncle to the soldiers of Missile Battalion 361.
At 9:47 AM on the second day of September, Uncle Ho's heart no longer beat. In the last minutes, the Southern compatriots and the sacred spirit of the beloved homeland Vietnam remained eternally in his great heart.
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For the Vietnam war and the efforts of building socialism, the sudden eternal rest of Uncle Ho is an immense and irreparable loss that nothing could be compensated.
On September 02, the day when Uncle read the famous Declaration of Independence, initiating the first presence of a socialist state in Southeast Asia 24 years ago, is also the day when he bids farewell to us! This is a truly questionable coincidence without an appropriate explanation. To commemorate the Independence Day in a quiet manner, the Political Bureau decided to announce Uncle Ho passing a day later, on September 03.
Perhaps in this era, after Lenin's passing, there has been no eternal rest of historical figures that has stirred the progressive humanity as much as Uncle Ho loss. As the radio broadcast the news, the world seemed to pause in intense sorrow, and a sense of emptiness enveloped the entire country.
That year, it was raining heavily during his funeral. The Ba Dinh Square seemed burdened with heartfelt sorrow. Nature also seemed to share the deepest condolences with human loss. In the streets of Hanoi capital, in the villages, along the rivers, and within the forests, people mourned Uncle Ho with simplicity yet solemnity. Tears and raindrops mingled, flowing endlessly in the boundless sorrow of each Vietnamese.
However, it was probably more painful for Southern people, especially for the soldiers on the battlefield, as everyone felt the regret of an uncompleted mission, entrusted by the Party, liberating the South, to welcome Uncle Ho to visit the South that remained forever poignant in his heart.
That year, in the Mekong Delta, people erected shrines along the banks of canals, amidst mangrove forests and vast cajuput woodlands, allowing everyone passing by to step up to worship Uncle. These simple shrines are still to be found nowadays. In the central battlefield, numerous soldiers spent two or three days climbing high mountains to gather agarwood, firing incense for his altar. The pain and sorrow were tightly held within their hearts.
Right after Uncle Ho passed away, hundreds of delegations from various Parties, States, and international organizations requested to enter Vietnam, mourning for Uncle Ho. Thousands of telegrams were sent to the Central Party Committee and the Vietnamese Government, expressing condolences with full of sorrow and respect.
Alongside the Vietnamese people, Uncle Ho principles became the life guidance and the conscience of the era.
He has left this world, turning himself into a new chapter, lasting in the hearts of every citizen, every soldier eternally. The top priority during that time was to construct the Mausoleum and to preserve his body. However, it was not an easy mission, numerous trials and hardships with extraordinary strength and intelligence had been made, welcoming the grand opening of the Mausoleum on Ba Dinh Square. Unit 969 had a great honor to represent the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army, preserving Uncle Ho’s body and protecting the Mausoleum - the eternal resting place of Uncle Ho.
II. SPECIAL UNIT WITH A SPECIAL MISSION
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On September 02, 1967, a Skoda car of the General Railway Directorates quietly left Hanoi, carrying a team of medical personnel. Around 6 PM. The city was already lit up, a crowded group of people wearing helmets and carrying rifles were still on the streets. Mixed in the crowd were convoys of trucks towing cannons, trucks carrying covered goods, making the air smoked, resulting in traffic jams. Especially at the turnoff leading to the pontoon bridge across the Red River, in the North direction.
That was a decisive period in the Vietnam war. With our strategic offensives, the US suffered humiliating failures during two dry seasons, Johnson was in a frenzy, deployed its most elite units to the Southern battlefield and intensified attacks on the North. The AD-6, F-105, F-4 squadrons from Corat, Udorn, the Fleet 7...constantly roamed the skies, causing havoc to villages and cities in the North. The alarm sirens of the capital frequently sounded along with the voice of the radio announcer reporting that enemy aircraft were approaching Hanoi. Following that, either the sound of anti-aircraft guns echoing in the outskirts or a moment of silence, tension, until the calm voice of the radio announcer announced that U.S. planes had flown away…
In those days, besides the Central Committee and the healthcare team, only a few people were informed that Uncle Ho's health was deteriorating day by day. In the middle of 1966, after returning from a visit to the people of Thai Binh province, Uncle Ho had a slight paralysis on the left side, and he had to use a cane to move around. Thanks to the intensive care of the doctors, in cooperation with Uncle Ho's extraordinary resilience, his health gradually recovered. However, it was the first sign, indicating a health instability.
One morning, Major - Doctor Nguyen Gia Quyen, Head of the Anatomy Department at Hospital 108, Director of the Medical Department of the Military Bureau of Medicine and Surgery; Doctor Le Ngoc Man, Head of the Endocrinology Department at Bach Mai Hospital; and Doctor Le Dieu, Head of the External Diseases Department at Viet-Soviet Hospital, were summoned by Comrade Le Duc Tho to the Central Office, being assigned a mission to study in the Soviet Union. Comrade Nguyen Gia Quyen was appointed as the team leader. During the mission briefing, Comrade Le Duc Tho emphasized: "This is highly confidential, we must obey every Uncle Ho's request, and we must not hide a single piece of information from him. However, this particular task must be highly confidential to Uncle Ho. Unless he will be upset and prohibit the plan from being implemented." Comrade Le Duc Tho also added: "Any details must be disclosed about this mission even towards your family members."
As the car crossed to the northern bank of the Red River, the sky suddenly darkened. Nevertheless, bombarded areas were still clearly visible on both sides of the road. Civilians and soldiers from everywhere were bustling to prepare for the next day's battle. Caravans and trains were hurriedly heading south. However, the Skoda carrying the medical team continued to move stubbornly northward, considered the major rear area for the entire country.
Arriving at Dong Dang station, the three selected doctors boarded a connecting train to Beijing on the way to Moscow. On September 14, 1967, the delegation arrived in Moscow. They were welcomed at the Capital Moscow Station by comrade Ladunov, representing the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. The delegation was accommodated at the October Hotel.
Upon just setting foot in the hotel, our delegation was promptly invited to start working, the following day, the delegation was taken to the Lenin Mausoleum Research Institute for discussions on the study program and plans. At this meeting, Comrade Debop, the institute's director, outlined the delegation's study program, which consisted of two parts: theory and practical application. The theoretical component primarily involved reading materials at the institute, while the practical aspect was led by Professor Xarovatop, who had directly participated in the embalming of Dimitrov's body and provided hands-on guidance.
On the second day, Comrade Deputy Director Romakov guided the delegation to visit Lenin's Mausoleum, followed by a series of intensive studying days. Soviet comrades allocated a dedicated workspace for the deputy director's team as the research hub, focusing on researching materials, primarily documents related to the preservation of bodies throughout history, with a special emphasis on ancient Egyptian, Soviet, and American practices.
After completing the theoretical part, the delegation was transferred to the body preservation section, managed by Professor Xarovatop. The practical research focused on the aged 60 years-old and above bodies, making the search for specimens in this age group challenging. The cold, snowy days blanketing the streets didn't stop Comrade Xarovatop from tireless searching hospitals far from the capital, even hundreds of kilometers away to find appropriate cadavers for the training delegation.
Due to time constraints, all three doctors invested their utmost endeavors into dissecting and exploring the intricacies of the subject, seizing every opportunity to learn and absorb complex scientific knowledge. They found themselves working tirelessly all day in a confined room with stifling air and difficulty breathing due to the strong smells of chemicals permeating the space for such a long time.
In day time, they spent countless hours working and studying, at night time, the delegation gathered to exchange experiences, review materials, and listen to the broadcasts from Vietnam. Each tranquil day passed as a relief, yet underlying concerns for the unknown future lingered. It's needless to admit their worries with words, the future remained uncertain for Uncle Ho's health while the delegation was still in the Soviet Union. On the last day, leaving the Soviet Union, going back to Vietnam, the team was able to breathe a sigh of relief. For the whole day, the Hanoi Radio continuously reported triumphant news. Being well-informed, they are stress-free, as Uncle Ho was still in the safe hands.
After arriving in Hanoi, the delegation immediately reported their study results to Comrade Nguyen Luong Bang, who was then the Head of the Health Protection Committee for Uncle Ho. After seven months of studying and conducting experiments on the Soviet, the medical team were confident to complete the embalming process during the initial stage, lasting from 15 to 20 days. In the next phase, the Soviet Union would be directly assisting. Therefore, the medical team did not delve into researching long-term preservation methods. The team excellently achieved its mission in both study and practical experimentation. The team pledged to Comrade Nguyen Luong Bang about continuous research, integrating modern science with the Vietnamese traditional methods.
In response to the mission requirements and Uncle Ho's health condition, the team was divided into two departments: Dr. Le Ngoc Man was honorably in charge of working in the Presidential Palace, along with Dr. Nhu The Bao, to monitor and take care of Uncle Ho's health. Comrades Nguyen Gia Quyen and Le Dieu were tasked with establishing a special medical team within the Anatomical Pathology Department of Military Hospital 108, under the control of the Central Military Commission.
On the afternoon of August 19, 1968, Dr. Le Ngoc Man visited the Presidential Palace to meet Uncle Ho when he was walking from the stilt house to the dining area. Upon the two doctors' introduction by Comrade Vu Ky, Uncle Ho expressed dissatisfaction, in his composed manner, remarking, "It's needless to have two doctors taking care of myself. Countless people, soldiers, and children are still lacking medical help." After a brief pause, Uncle Ho continued, "However the Political Bureau has decided, I respect the decision. Elderly people are often difficult patients, hope for your understanding."
From that day forward, Dr. Le Ngoc Man and Dr. Nhu The Bao were regularly present by Uncle Ho's side. By the end of 1968, Uncle Ho maintained a consistent daily routine and exercise regimen. Uncle Ho would wake up at 5:30 AM every early morning, go down to the basement to do personal hygiene. Then heading to the dining area for breakfast, working with guests, and returning to the stilt house for work. Then, having lunch at 11:30 AM. In the afternoon, Uncle Ho often engaged in physical exercises, played ball, and walked along the trail to Hoi Dong Pagoda. He paid much attention to the rows of trees on the sides of the road, always staying curious about those plants. No matter how hot the weather was, he never gave up walking, remarking to Dr. Man with a sigh, "I'm sweating just for a stroll. Imagine how hard the workers in the mines and the frontline artillerymen had to suffer... It's crucial to provide adequate drinks for them."
Keeping the eyes on the people and the soldiers' lives without much self-caring is a hallmark of Uncle Ho. Uncle Ho was 78 years old that year. It was unpredictable that Uncle Ho would get on an eternal rest just in one year, leaving behind the garden full of blossoms and fruits that he had planted since the early years in Hanoi.
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The special medical team was officially established in June 1968, with Dr. Nguyen Gia Quyen appointed as the team leader. Team members included Captain and Dr. Le Ngoc Man, First Lieutenant and Dr. Le Dieu, Second Lieutenant and Dr. Nguyen Van Chau, medico Do Trung Hat, and administrative assistant Pham Ngoc Am. To unlock the challenge of preserving the body in climatic conditions, the medical team had to immediately engage in the practical experimentation. The Central Military Commission instructed the Combat engineer headquarters to select capable officers and soldiers from the Military Hospital 108 to establish a special laboratory which would also serve as Uncle Ho's initial resting place before the completion of the Mausoleum, which was just still in the design phase.
Upon receiving the task, a group of technical officers from the Construction Department of the Combat engineer headquarters, including comrades Nguyen Trong Quyen, Bui Danh Chieu, Lam Sinh, and Tran Thanh Van, led by Comrade Nguyen Trong Quyen, swiftly returned to Hanoi from their evacuation site. They not only stabilized accommodation and meals but also conducted on-site surveys and developed preliminary design plans. However, due to the time constraints, they couldn't fully understand the purpose and intended use of the project. All they knew was that it was a special facility serving a unique mission, demanding technical expertise beyond the current capabilities and resources of the unit.
Designing and constructing a complex facility posed significant challenges, requiring the maintenance of a constant temperature of 16 degrees Celsius with fluctuations not exceeding 0.2 degrees Celsius. The humidity had to be stable at 75% under conditions with no drafts, and absolute sterility was a must. This presented a major difficulty. On the other hand, some electric and water facilities were severely damaged by the enemy, making 24/24-hour access to electricity and water for the project impossible. Central agencies were also relocated, eliminating the chances of exchanging experience, technical learning, and the search for equipment and supplies. Despite these numerous challenges, the technical officer team remained determined to prepare for construction. Following the orders of the Combat engineer headquarters, both the design and construction forces had to be implemented simultaneously to ensure on-time completion. The construction process also served as a means to refine the design. A few days later, the main construction force from Battalion 2 of the Engineer Brigade 259, commanded by Comrade Tran Si Yem, was assigned to get on duty. During this time, most departments of Military Hospital 108 had been evacuated. The atmosphere in the hospital was calm and quiet, providing favorable conditions for construction during the whole day. Due to the limited space in the construction sites, Battalion 2 had to organize several rotating shifts coordinating with the timely gathering of materials and supplies in a synchronized manner. These soldiers, with experience facing American bombs and bullets day and night on the roads, bridges, and ferries, demonstrated resilience and skillful experience, ensuring the successful completion of the tasks.
After a period of dedicated implementation, the construction was finally completed on time and successfully met the technical requirements. However, during the installation of equipment and machinery, new challenges seemingly remained unsolved. For example, when installing the air conditioning system, it was difficult to lower the temperature as required, which required the need of further research and modifications to ensure that the temperature control system met all the technical requirements for each stage of preserving Uncle Ho's body.
After resolving the issues with the temperature control system, another problem emerged in the central chamber where Uncle Ho's body would be placed. It was noticed condensation on the ceiling after the air conditioning system stopped working. This phenomenon allowed easy growth of bacteria and mold, which posed a threat to the sterile environment required for the chamber. Despite multiple attempts using quick-drying paint and water-absorbent cloths, the condensation issue persisted. Finally, a solution was found: covering the entire ceiling with wood panels and equipping it with ventilation. This effectively solved the problem. The completion of this project, known by the code name "Project 75A," took place in the final days of 1968.
When the Soviet expert delegation came for inspection, they were pleasantly surprised by the outstanding assessment of the prepared working facilities. Starting from that, the project was handed over to the special medical team for operational use. Battalion 2 of the engineering brigade only left a small unit behind for ongoing reinforcement, supplementation, and operational management. The majority of the unit transitioned to a new task: renovating and constructing the Project 75B, a facility with a similar structure and equipment to 75A. This site would be where Uncle Ho’s body would be placed during the mourning period.
Embarking on the renovation and construction of Project 75B, Battalion 2 of the engineering brigade gained some advantages. Following the cessation of bombing enemy, the offices of the Combat engineer headquarters and various civilian agencies, including those of the Party and State, gathered in Hanoi. Technical challenges and lack of materials resources were solved by Party and State agencies, with an unconditional willingness to assist. Similar to Project 75A, the construction site for 75B was cramped, making it challenging to gather materials and conduct intensive construction simultaneously. Additionally, its proximity to the road necessitated night-time operations to maintain confidentiality. All activities must be meticulously finished before dawn, allowing the hall to be used for different purposes as usual.
In those anxious days, as the crowds surged through Ba Dinh Square, historic events of the nation remained untold in the serene and solemn ambiance of Ba Dinh Hall, the soldiers of the engineering brigade were preparing for the nation's most sorrowful day in silence. They worked tirelessly, with an awareness of how vital the initial phase was, taking place within the halls of Ba Dinh. This stage would determine the entire process of preserving Uncle Ho’s body in the future.
Seeking optimal solutions, a series of experiments in technical assurance work were conducted. Similar to the central chamber of project 75A, on the surface of the metal casing, tests were conducted to run the machinery. Not only did they encounter the issue of dew formation, but water vapor also rose, condensed, and flowed into streams. Faced with this challenge, the technical officers were struggling to find out remedial plans. Finally, after many sleepless nights, they got a solution by running the air conditioning in conjunction with ventilation at a specific wind speed to eliminate dew formation and water condensation. This result formed the basis for the leadership's decision to maintain the renovation plan for constructing project 75B and to proceed with installing machinery and technical equipment similar to those in project 75A.
On a side note, in 1967, Comrade Phung The Tai was sent by the Central Committee to the Soviet Union and Bulgaria to study the national funeral ceremony. Comrade Phung The Tai carefully examined why an artillery tractor was used to transport the body instead of other types of vehicles during the burial ceremony. In the Soviet Union, the explanation was that during the war, when Marshal Kutuzov died, only an artillery tractor was available to transport the body. Meanwhile, in Bulgaria, the response was that this practice depended on the customs and traditions of each country, and no universal rule occurred. After being reported, Comrade Nguyen Luong Bang proposed using horse-drawn vehicles to avoid public attention. Immediately, Comrade Do Viet Khang, Director of the Security Bureau, was dispatched to Mongolia to purchase horses. However, during the rehearsal, it was not practical to use horses, so the Central Committee decided to use the artillery tractor during national funeral ceremonies, learning from the practice of the Soviet Union and other European countries.
Having completed two special projects in a short period represented wholehearted dedication of the soldiers of the Engineer Brigade 259 to Uncle Ho. Having no satisfactions with their outstanding achievements, only a sense of emptiness in their hearts appeared. They hoped that the projects would never be used, all things for the good health of Uncle Ho, wishing for the longevity of Uncle Ho, everlasting with the country.
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While the engineering soldiers embarked on the renovation phase of building Project 75B. At Project 75A, the special medical team also began preparing medical equipment. An urgent task was to commission the production of a specialized granite table for preserving the body. This was a unique table which had been well-measured upon the medical team’s return to Vietnam. Upon receiving the design, the workers at the An Duong Stone Factory successfully crafted a beautiful table, duplicating the one in the dissection room of Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow.
Upon the return of the special medical team, the Soviet provided us with three sets of surgical garments and some specialized tools. These tools were initially crucial for researching further the preservation of the body at the Assembly Hall and body's transportation. Comrade Vuong Quoc My conducted a preliminary study on the construction of the Mausoleum. All tasks were carried out urgently, and the Soviet assisted with easy conditions, facilitating the successful task.
It is worth mentioning that, beneath the usual tranquility of the capital, there is rising anxiety and tension among the party leaders and the departments entrusted with the task of preparing for the upcoming mournful days, which was just around the corner.
This includes the efforts of the engineering soldiers renovating Project 75B and the rapid completion of the special glass case to replace the old one made by the Ministry of Architecture, which has undergone many experiments…
Soldiers of Team 2 of the Mobile Unit were in charge of making the glass case, they encountered a seemingly illogical difficulty: making a glass case without having the appropriate glass. The glass for the case needed to be thick, transparent, and no waves on the surface. Comrade Tran Ba Dang, the Deputy Commander of the Engineer Corps, who was frequently present at Projects 75A and 75B, reported the issue. There was a suggestion to use glass from the display counter at the General Grocery Store. However, upon inspection, it was found that this type of glass was too thin which did not meet the technical requirements. In the meantime, the team discovered some glass panels under the stage of Ba Dinh Square that were eligible to use. Comrade Tran Ba Dang had them tested, and the results were surprisingly good: the glass met the standards for use.
Once the glass case was completed, another issue arose: where to place Uncle Ho's sandals? Storing them inside the glass case wasn't a good idea, and leaving them outside was even less acceptable. The decision was made to create an own small glass case specifically for the sandals. The soldiers from Workshop 49 of the Ministry of National Defense worked overnight to complete this small glass case.
Meanwhile, Regiment 144 was appointed to select 150 officers and soldiers for training in the protocols of a large funeral ceremony, led by Comrade Vu Ngach as the Regimental Commander.
As the city lights up, the soldiers of Regiment 144 quietly leave their units, divided into two groups gathering at Ba Dinh Square and the Military Club on a daily basis. They practice standing in honor guards, practice approaching the target's protection, carry the bier, present wreaths, ensuring a smooth, error-free national funeral ceremony.
One of the exercises that requires constant training is the bier-carrying movement. The bier is made of Ngoc Am wood, a rare and precious wood with a fragrant yellow color, weighing nearly 200 kg. Inside, there are two bags of rice. On the top of the bier is a bowl filled with water. Sixteen officers and soldiers must carry the bier according to orders, going up and down the three-level steps smoothly, ensuring the water in the bowl does not spill over.
In addition, Regiment 144 is also tasked with selecting a number of officers and soldiers under the command of Lieutenant Nguyen Van Moc, protecting the 75A area and implementing the training plan for the march from the Presidential Palace to 75A and vice versa.
The lineup of vehicles participating in the training includes five cars, containing two limousines (one official, one backup) and three escorting cars driven by soldiers Nguyen Van Hop, Nguyen Van Nhit, and Nguyen Van Thinh.
During the training, some officers and soldiers of Regiment 144 disguise themselves, wear traffic police uniforms, and hide at checkpoints along the roads the convoy will pass through. Every possible worst-case scenario has been anticipated for handling.
Even though it was just a rehearsal, a solemn atmosphere has enveloped the faces of each soldier. During the training sessions, even during breaks, very little or zero laughs or conversations could be found. Everyone moves quietly, standing, with sweat drenching their shirts. Despite not publishing his detailed status, everyone understood that Uncle Ho was seriously ill, and the work they are doing is to prepare for the inevitable upcoming day.
- 4 -
That unexpected day finally was about to come. It was the morning of September 2, 1969, the day when the greatest figure bid farewell to us. A man made his life into legend and myth, a man of and for the people.
On that morning, in a modest underground house close to his stilt house, Uncle Ho lay peacefully on his simple wooden bed. Doctors, specialists, and comrades from the Political Bureau were surrounded by Uncle Ho. Every face in the room was filled with deep sorrow, and when Comrade Vu Ky, sitting at the head of Uncle’s bed, stopped the fan with his tears falling, silence appeared, submerged in an overwhelming grief. His heart had already shown a sign of unbeating. Nevertheless, the doctors tried their best to resuscitate him, hoping - a fierce but fragile hope - for his recovery from death. However, an hour later, Comrade Pham Van Dong painfully signaled the doctors to stop artificial respiration, hoping Uncle Ho to rest in peace.
In the final days of August, witnessing Uncle’s deteriorating health, the Political Bureau urgently invited Soviet experts and entrusted the Military Command to promptly establish a committee responsible for monitoring and overseeing the preservation of Uncle Ho's body during the mourning period. This committee included departments that had been involved in preparatory work, such as medical, military, the Security Department, and the Regiment 144. The entire operation was under the direct guidance of comrades Le Quang Dao, Phung The Tai, Kinh Chi, and Vu Van Can.
On August 28, a Soviet medical delegation led by Academician and Professor Debop arrived in Hanoi. As they landed at Gia Lam Airport, observing the bright autumn sunlight and the scorched patches of grass along the runway, the specialist comrades were concerned. The high temperatures in Hanoi during this season, making them doubt the feasibility of preserving Uncle's body.
During these days, the atmosphere of funeral preparations at Ba Dinh Square was intense. The glass coffin for Uncle's body and the air conditioning system were carefully examined and evaluated. The lighting system, air conditioning, and humidity control were key factors that the engineers and officers of the Combat engineer headquarters worked diligently on. Maintaining stable temperature and humidity within the glass coffin in the tropical climate posed a significant challenge which required tremendous efforts from the engineers and officers of the Combat engineer headquarters.
Over two days, on August 31 and September 01, following the Steering Committee's announcement of the experimental results and machinery operations, the Soviet expert delegation meticulously examined each experiment. At both 75A and 75B, the delegation expressed satisfaction, and the results passed initial requirements.
At 11:00 AM on September 02, a special convoy commanded by Comrade Kinh Chi received orders to depart from construction site 75A. Upon reaching the entrance of the Presidential Palace, the convoy was instructed to halt. Only the red cross vehicle with license plate FH 1468 from Military Hospital 108, driven by soldier Nguyen Van Hop, received orders to pass through the gate. As the vehicle arrived in front of Uncle's stilt house, Comrade Tran Quoc Hoan emerged from the basement house to receive them. He earnestly advised, "The incident was past; comrades, please be calm and well-perform your duties." Comrade Nguyen Gia Quyen, deeply moved, pledged on behalf of his comrades, "We will turn the pain into responsibility."
Inside the bunker, comrades from the Political Bureau stood silently around Uncle’s room, where a large bouquet of lilies adorned the bedside. Medical personnel were shocked upon seeing Uncle Ho in a thin and pale appearance. Tears flowed as people approached Uncle's bedside. Comrade Pham Van Dong spoke while signaling, "Alright, step back and let the medical team perform their duties."
It seemed that up until that moment, the people in the underground house remained bewildered, seeming no one could face the fact that had still not been believed.
The path along Phan Dinh Phung, Tran Nhat Duat, Tran Quang Khai, and Le Thanh Tong, Uncle was escorted in tranquility and serenity. The guards of Regiment 144 ensured the safe return of an Uncle's convoy to 75A.
Comrades Nguyen Luong Bang, Le Quang Dao, Phung The Tai, and several experts were waiting at Military Hospital 108 for his arrival. As the vehicle stopped, everyone joined their hands to escort Uncle Ho into the special chamber. After nearly two years of preparation, today's task had come true for the special medical team. People took off their hats, standing silently around Uncle's casket.
Thirty minutes later, the examination report was complete. Two Soviet professors and academicians, Yuri Mikhailovich I-urii and Nikolai Ilich Mikhailov, directly attended to Uncle's medical procedures, with assistance from two Vietnamese doctors.
After two hours of work, the experts, along with the special medical team, successfully completed the first phase of the medical procedures and implemented measures for the initial preservation of Uncle's body. To keep his daily shape, the experts and medical team meticulously paid attention to each strand of hair, each strand of beard, and each cell on his face and hands. It necessitated the need for detail orientation, utmost precision and skill around the eyes and mouth. Each needle, each medication injection must be well-prepared before execution to achieve the highest possible result. This task not only prepared for the mourning days but also directly related to the preservation of Uncle's body. In the specially crafted glass casket made by soldiers, he lay peacefully as taking a break after a day of intense work, returning from a long trip. The familiar khaki clothing seemed to ripple along with the rhythmic breath. Uncle lay there, yet his spirit flew away from the hospital room, being with the people in every alley, village, and alongside the soldiers in every battlefield.
The meeting with experts pointed out that only a few ones were allowed to approach his body. Therefore, Comrade Nguyen Gia Quyen had to acquire some staff from the Department of Pathological Anatomy at Military Hospital 108, establishing a mobile medical team to support the body preservation team under the supervision of Dr. Le Dieu. This team had to regularly handle transportation, maintain hygiene in the glass casket at Ba Dinh Square, and monitor the environmental conditions which might affect temperature and humidity within the glass casket.
The environmental treatment process at Ba Dinh Square was also carried out diligently by the team, using strong disinfectants and ultraviolet lights. Due to the shortage of protective gear, after three days, many team members had swollen eyes, yet no one needed a rest. Everyone diligently tackled the tasks, and there was a sense of urgency, how time flew!
At 6 AM on September 04, 1969, on the of the Voice of Vietnam Radio, a special announcement from the Central Executive Committee of the Vietnamese Workers' Party, the National Assembly, the Council of Ministers, and the Central Committee of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front, informing the news to the people and soldiers throughout the country: President Ho Chi Minh had passed away. The emotionally charged voice of the broadcaster resonated in a somber and mournful atmosphere. On the streets, in houses of Hanoi, all activities came to a halt. People were shocked and dumbfounded around radios. The President's loss struck like a fierce lightning, disrupting all activities of the nation. Those who had met President Ho Chi Minh recalled their memories with him, while those who hadn't felt pain and regret, knowing the happiness they yearned for would never come to them again.
Throughout those days of mourning, the entire country was sleepless. Organizations, associations, military units quietly hung mourning flags, prepared mourning bands, and set up altars across the country. The Soviet information expert, the head of the Soviet expert delegation Debop, unable to suppress his emotions, returned to embrace Comrade Tran Ba Dang and Comrade Nguyen Gia Quyen, repeating the phrase "хороший !" (Very very good!) for several times.
At 6 AM, all the comrades in the Political Bureau, the senior leaders of the Party and the State, surrounded President Uncle Ho's bier. It was found red and teary in the eyes of participants, surrounded with bunches of colorful flowers, and the thick scent of incense, which was a serious pain of the entire nation to the profound loss.
In the midst of that solemn atmosphere, suddenly, a loud, uncontrollable cry echoed throughout the Assembly Hall. Prime Minister Pham Van Dong could not hold back his feelings from the other Comrades. While still crying, he shaked hands in gratitude to the Soviet comrades. Sincere thanks and tears continuously rolled down the face of Prime Minister Pham Van Dong, causing the Soviet comrades also could not repress themselves from crying.
Comrade Le Duan tried to stay calm, turning to shake hands with everyone. He softly asked, "Does anyone have any requests?" On behalf of all the officers, soldiers, and comrades, Comrade Tran Ba Dang requested, in the midst of the deep emotion, he and his colleagues would love to take photos next to President Ho Chi Minh's bier. This simple yet sacred wish was a priceless reward for the dedicated efforts of the soldiers, security forces, and the special medical team. It was also the first image of military personnel standing around the body of the beloved leader.
- 5 -
An endless stream of people slowly moved step by step on Ba Dinh Square. In those days of mourning, Hanoi was drenched in pouring rain. The crowd silently poured into the Assembly Hall, their eyes downcast. It was raining like cats and dogs on the stream of visitors. Tears blending with raindrops, countless visitors had to support each other when stumbling down the three-step staircase. Among them were workers, farmers, soldiers, heads of state, generals, from all corners of the country and across the globe, converging on Hanoi to visit Uncle Ho. Ba Dinh Hall was adorned with large wreaths and fresh fruits from international friends and various ethnic groups, offered to honor his soul. On the stage of the Assembly Hall, Uncle Ho lay in a transparent glass case, his complexion rosy as if he was peacefully sleeping, after a day of work, wearing his yellow khaki uniform as usual. His simple rubber sandals were put outside the glass case.
Having a chance to visit Uncle Ho’s body, leaders, veteran officials, children, citizens, soldiers, and senior commanders, none could hold back their tears. The pain of losing Uncle Ho seemed as deeply tragic to everyone. Although Uncle Ho lay there, the warm voice, gentle gestures, simplicity, and yet persuasive charm when meeting the people, soldiers, and international friends were no longer with us. Once a Bulgarian doctor was unfortunately sacrificed while on a mission in Vietnam, Uncle Ho went straight to the Bulgarian Embassy, he was crying while asking: "How heartbreaking is this news to his mother?!"
Uncle Ho's loss has been a national sorrow, all Vietnamese citizens wished him a rest in peace. His boundless love is a linkage of every heart, with a noble mission: All efforts must be done, for peace, and for happiness!
Endeavors had been made, Soviet experts and the special medical team worked endlessly, ensuring his solemn mourning days were touching and error-free. After each visiting day, they hurriedly checked Uncle Ho’s body in a careful way, adjusted machinery, and conducted industrial cleaning to ensure better conditions for the following days of mourning.
The officers and soldiers of Regiment 144, along with the Capital Command, who had protected Uncle Ho and the General Staff during both wars, were regularly present, standing guard of honor beside Uncle Ho’s body.
On the afternoon of September 09, the Memorial Service for Uncle Ho was conducted with great ceremony and solemnity. After comrade Le Duan chokingly read Uncle Ho's Will and the Commemorative Address from the Central Committee, the entire square could not stop themselves from tears. Children clung to the shoulders of comrades Pham Van Dong and Vo Nguyen Giap, crying bitterly, appearing as a garden of flowers in a great storm. The entire nation raised their arms, pledging with the Central Committee to fulfill the mission entrusted by Uncle Ho, promising to overcome the challenging path that he had outlined and led for the entire country, the entire people, and our entire army to the final victory
Once the memorial service had come to an end, the special medical team, along with the funeral service units, completed the preparations to bring Uncle Ho back to 75A. The marching plan has been meticulously disseminated to all units, and everyone is quietly getting ready for the task.
The solemn moments passed slowly. A short journey seemed endless to everyone. Comrade Tran Quoc Hoan keeps reminding everyone, staying careful and ensuring absolute safety of the preserving Uncle Ho's body place.
At 9:00 PM, the red hearse slowly departed from Ba Dinh Square. The sky had turned dark, and the rain hadn't completely stopped, but around the square, people were densely gathered. A feeling of nostalgia and not thinking about going home was found in each individual. The heartfelt words of Uncle Ho in his Will regarding the people and the Party still left in their minds forever.
On the streets, there is still an influx of various vehicles and pedestrians. The red hearse has to maneuver carefully to make its way back to 75A, marking a draw to close of these unprecedented mourning days in history
- 6 -
The phase of preserving and maintaining Uncle Ho's body during the mourning period has come to an end. For the medical team, the next phase poses a significant challenge. The knowledge acquired from the Soviet Union is not sufficient for long-term preservation. Modern methods were not fully absorbed, the traditional methods were still not yet applied. In addition, the wartime conditions and tropical climate were indeed huge obstacles.
Ensuring the long-term preservation of Uncle Ho's body faced numerous difficulties. However, with Soviet’s direct assistance, the medical team believed all problems to preserve Uncle Ho's body completely and permanently would be solved.
After Uncle Ho is brought back to 75A, a series of tasks need to be addressed immediately by the medical team, such as environmental sanitation, dust prevention, mold prevention, and more. The most challenging aspect was how to obtain 320 liters of soft water immediately, with high quality, metal-free and bacteria-free. The medical team asked for the assistance from health centers which were equipped with artificial kidney machines, namely Viet-Duc Hospital, Bach Mai Hospital, and Military Hospital 108, but upon evaluation, the water was under the standards. Finally, the Minister of Health directly managed the task, the solutions of getting standard soft water were successfully found thanks to his efforts.
With a spirit of daring to think, daring to do, high responsibility, coupled with intelligence, creativity, analytical thinking, and keen judgment, the special medical team excellently embraced all challenges, successfully completing the mission from the Military Command: preserving Uncle Ho's body while conducting excellent research.
After nearly forty years[1], the initial efforts of the medical team are still highly garnered these days. They worked in silence, however, their success did not make noise, both digitally and physically. Only their wholehearted dedication for Uncle Ho grew stronger as time passed. Humility, simplicity, and conquests of challenges were Uncle Ho ‘s qualities that remained in themselves, allowing them to navigate through complex scientific fields full of obstacles, no matter what challenges lie ahead.
- 7 -
At the end of 1969, Vietnam war entered a new phase - the phase of breaking the strategic backbone of the "Vietnamization" strategy by the U.S. After Uncle Ho's passing, the whole country rose up in a revolutionary emulation movement, and the North continued to dedicate its utmost resources to support the South people. Throughout the whole day, convoys and crowds gathered at the 20th parallel - the parallel that Johnson had declared a bombing halt in 1968 - preparing for the final push before entering the battlefield. In the South, there were major victories in the outskirts of Saigon, the Southeast region, and the Military Region 5. To tackle this situation, Nixon, on the one hand, increased aid to the South Vietnam army - the puppet army, launched certain sweeping campaigns into the rear areas, and declared his readiness to bombard the North again...
Anticipating that war might potentially expand nationwide, the Central Committee and the Central Military Commission expressed their worries of Uncle Ho's body. During wartime, the 75A structure would not be strong enough to withstand the destructive power of U.S. bombs. Hanoi, again, would be a key target for the enemy, and a supply of electricity and water to the structure would be severely limited…
Based on the assessment, the Central Committee decided to task the Central Military Commission with seeking a tranquil and secretive location far from Hanoi, yet convenient for transporting Uncle Ho's body in the event of widespread war.
After careful consideration and thorough examination, the Central Committee and the Central Military Commission decided to choose K9 as the place to preserve Uncle Ho's body. It was a peaceful hillside located along the bank of a river, which in the past was a ferocious yet picturesque waterway. During the rainy season, the river roared loudly, and its waters overflowed expansively, embracing the hills with rocky outcrops as sharp as large spearheads. In this region of natural beauty, one of the most enchanting legends about the power of humans conquering nature was born - the legend of the Mountain god vs the Lord of the water. Before the August Revolution, recognizing the favorable climate for growing pine trees in this area, the French colonialists established pine plantations and mined ores here. Today, pine trees still thrive in the forested area, interspersed with tall hardwood trees like Parashorea chinensis, melaleuca tree, and cinnamomum camphora…
In May 1957, during a visit to the Division 308 conducting exercises by the river, Uncle Ho took a rest and had lunch on a hilltop. Impressed by the cool climate, challenging terrain, and wonderful scenery, he chose this location as the Central Committee's shelter in case of an expanded war threat to the North.
After Uncle Ho's visit, the General Department of Logistics was on duty to construct several four-level houses on that hill. By 1960, the chances of dealing with destructive war were potential, prompting the Construction Camp Bureau to continue building a floor house as a meeting and residential place for Uncle and the Political Bureau when needed. Along with the floor house, the engineering troops also established a fortified communications system named K9. Notably, both the tunnels and the house were personally surveyed and directed by Uncle Ho. In the subsequent years, this area often served as a working and resting place for Uncle Ho and other fellow comrades from the Political Bureau. Uncle Ho also brought international guests for visits occasionally. The wonderful natural landscape was definitely linked with his soul of emotional poetry.
On September 10, 1969, a delegation of officers and soldiers from the Combat engineer headquarters and the Regiment 144 arrived at K9 to inspect, design, and renovate the entire facility, taking over from the armed police force and the Central Office.
Initially, the leadership at K9 intended to use the existing greenhouse to install equipment for preserving Uncle's body directly on the ground. However, later on, the Central Military Commission decided to overhaul the tunnels system, safely bringing him down in case of an expanding war to this serene and picturesque hill.
Despite the enormous workload and limited construction space, the construction units received orders to complete the project and put it into operation by early December, with the design and construction time totaling less than three weeks. The capabilities and resources of the units were actually struggling, being potentially not agile enough to meet the deadlines.
However, recognizing the critical significance of the project, the units directly involved in construction were determined to complete the task within the specified guidelines and timeframe, finishing the buildings at all cost. A project command team was established, including comrades Nguyen Trong Quyen, Nguyen Trung Thanh, Cao Dam, Lam Sinh, Bui Danh Chieu, Hoang Quang Ba, Pham Hoang Van, representing various technical fields, under the direct guidance of comrade Tran Ba Dang - Deputy Commander of the Combat Arms. The main construction force was still the Battalion 2 of the Engineer Brigade 259, a unit that had excellently executed the construction of Projects 75A and 75B.
On September 20, the forces involved in the renovation of K9 fully gathered. Simultaneously, the team was both designing and constructing the project. Despite having experience, the most challenging aspect of the project was the architectural design. Previously, the Ministry of Architecture had instructed the construction of two greenhouses with steel frames above and below the two tunnels. To meet the requirements for placing medical equipment and tools, the project command decided to build an additional greenhouse at the third entrance. The second difficulty was the selection of materials and architectural components. Everything from glazed tiles to wooden panels for doors must be sourced from various locations. Once the materials were found, transportation became a concern. All transportation activities were organized at night, following security protocols, with accompanying officers on the vehicles, promptly detecting any suspicious vehicles at the right time.
Unlike the construction of the 75A and 75B projects, there was no electricity or water supply at K9. The soldiers of the Battalion 2 of the Combat Engineers had to stay laser-focused on their efforts, ensuring the tight deadlines were met. During the nights, the hillside was illuminated with various lights - ground lights, oil lamps, and more. The soldiers often referred to the construction nights as "light festivals," featuring eating lights, working lights, lights on the hill, lights under the tunnels, digging lights, drilling lights, and so on. The working atmosphere was intense and vibrant, no matter how challenging the living conditions of the soldiers were, and how lacking of basic comforts they had to face.
The most arduous and challenging task was renovating the old underground tunnel, and adding a branch for air conditioning and medical equipment. Carrying out the construction necessitated the need to dig a 5m wide and 6m deep pit down to the roof of the underground tunnel, then manually drill to break through the concrete-reinforced roof without using explosives. They had to drill one hole every 5cm², totaling 1,800 drill points, working day and night to break through the reinforced concrete roof to bring materials down for construction according to the new design.
After completing the tunnel, the installation of equipment also took place under tension and creativity. To install a 3,000kg iron door at a depth of 6m without a crane, the engineers came up with the idea of using a manually operated winch. With only five soldiers, they managed to lower the massive door into the correct position. The design and installation of the rail system inside the tunnel followed a similar process. According to professional requirements, special attention had to be given to the ascent and descent routes. The challenge was to transport Uncle Ho’s body up and down the underground tunnel without tilting or vibrating. The task was too tricky, and the project command assigned two mechanical engineers, Dang Thanh Trung and Vu Quy Khoi, to research and design. After countless sleepless nights working on the drawings, the two engineers completed the design for the rail system to replace the traditional method of carrying the coffin either from the top or bottom. Once the design was approved, Workshop 49 of the Combat Engineers Command was tasked with construction and installation within a short period. The results were highly satisfactory: the coffin was placed on a stand with wheels running on two curved rails, ensuring that even at a 60-degree slope, the coffin maintained perfect balance, ensuring the absolute safety of Uncle Ho’s body.
Due to its elevation of 250 meters above sea level, the K9 hill, despite being located right by the river, faced significant challenges regarding water and electricity when putting the facility into operation. To ensure the daily operation of the facility, it necessitated the need for hundreds of cubic meters of water, not even mentioning water usage for daily activities. After numerous sleepless nights, technical officers suggested using water from the river, but the river's water supply fluctuated with each season which tended to cause certain problems. After much consideration, a solution was found by engineer Hoang Quang Ba, using the existing well water through a circulating cycle. The plan was approved and implemented. According to the design, water from the well was pumped up to a reservoir at a height of 65 meters, then directed to air-conditioning machines. Instead of being discharged conventionally, the water flowed into another reservoir with four compartments, following the principle of parallel flow to lower the temperature from 35°C to 27°C. Subsequently, the water from this reservoir was pumped up to another tank at a height of 65 meters and then continuously directed to the machines. The pumping system was also automatically installed using a "guerrilla warfare" approach, using a floating float method to interrupt the electrical circuit for the machines to operate each time the water reached or receded in the reservoir.
With the innovative installation of this circulating water system at K9, it not only provides enough water for machinery operation but also ensures water supply for residential units, saving a significant amount of materials and financial resources for the state.
Another equally crucial factor in preserving Uncle Ho’s body is the power source. Without electricity, machinery cannot function. Previously, K9 relied on a transformer station connected to the national power grid. However, due to the destructive air raids during the war by the U.S. air force, many power lines were damaged, and the transformer station suffered severe destruction. Therefore, the current power supply solution primarily relies on electricity generated by diesel generators. The electrical engineering department, led by engineer Nguyen Trung Thanh, designed and installed three generator sets, each with three diesel engines in parallel. Concurrently with the installation of the generator sets, the national power grid was promptly restored.
To ensure a continuous power supply 24/24, an automatic power switching and backup system has been designed and tested to replace human intervention. This automated system not only ensures the automatic activation of a generator when the national power source fails but also has the capability to alternate between backup generators after two consecutive unsuccessful starts.
In addition to the automatic power switching station, the technical team has also designed and installed an automatic battery charging system to maintain the batteries in a "fully charged" state.
Before moving Uncle Ho’s body to K9, Comrade Le Quang Dao, the head of the steering committee, along with Comrade Tran Ba Dang, directly conducted tests, checking for any potential issues. The results were truly surprising, as all hypothetical situations were handled promptly without a minute's delay.
In solving the power supply for the project, as well as for the electrical industry's technical officers and workers, a remote control system for air conditioning units in the central chamber was designed and installed. This was done because manual operation would not be timely, and each interaction with the machines could potentially disrupt the temperature stability in the memorial chamber.
The installation of these automated systems was a significant effort by the electrical industry's officers and workers. It demonstrates the latent capabilities of Uncle Ho’s followers. With a determination to preserve Uncle Ho’s body, everyone must find the optimal and best measures for the circumstances and conditions at the right time and right place.
On December 15, the K9 project completed its final details, surpassing the designated deadline by ten days. To maintain secrecy, K9 was changed to K84. The name K84 originated from a simple calculation: K75 + K9 = K84. Since then, the hill is no longer referred to as K9.
Perhaps in the annals of our military tradition, there is no page that describes a mission as difficult and complex yet profoundly sacred as the officers and soldiers who tirelessly preserve and protect Uncle Ho’s body. It is a special unit with a special mission, and therefore, their achievements are also exceptionally unique, and unprecedented in history.
After completing the K84 project, 20 officers and soldiers from the Battalion 2 of the Engineer Brigade 259 were selected to stay and manage the operation of the facility, which seemingly considered as a great honor and a significant reward. A few days later, as the Battalion 2 and other associated forces withdrew, those who remained eagerly prepared, getting every pathway, every tree, flower bed ready for welcoming Uncle Ho.
III. PEACEFUL RESTING PLACES OF UNCLE HO’S
-1-
Moving Uncle Ho’s body from 75A to K84 was a precise decision made by the Political Bureau and Central Military Commission. However, the method and types of transportation had to be carefully considered by the Steering Committee. In the Soviet Union and Bulgaria, the body of Lenin and Dimitrov often stayed unchanged, so there was very little or zero experience in this field. Moreover, the requirements for the relocation set by Soviet experts were extremely stringent. Apart from the biomedical aspects, the transportation process had to ensure specified temperature and humidity conditions. The lack of these two factors would significantly impact the preservation of the body. Additionally, during the move, it was crucial to avoid any vibrations or shocks. However, the route was rugged, with potholes, sections of damaged roads, and numerous bridges stayed unrepaired.
After several meetings, the Steering Committee cautiously considered all three options for transportation: by air, by sea, and by roads. Air transport offered speed and safety, and K84 had a helicopter landing pad. Still, it couldn't avoid shocks due to the significant vibrations from helicopters. Sea transport could avoid shocks, but the prolonged duration would affect the medication-making process. Ultimately, the Steering Committee decided to opt for roads. Despite the challenges, the hurdles could be potentially navigated with this choice.
Once the use of road transportation was decided, the Steering Committee focused on addressing the limitations of this option. Firstly, regarding the need of controlling temperature and humidity, the committee decided to use ice instead of air conditioning. Previously, when welcoming Uncle Ho from the Presidential Palace to 75A and taking him from 75A to Ba Dinh Square, the medical team had successfully used ice to maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity. Of course, during the previous move, the distance was closer, so the temperature and humidity challenges were not as stringent as in this relocation. Secondly, the challenge was how to minimize shocks and vibrations. Overcoming these shocks required addressing both the vehicle and the road conditions. After calculations and considerations, the Steering Committee decided to choose the Zin 157 truck. This type of vehicle is large and robust, with three axles, experiencing less shock compared to other types of vehicles. As for the roads, the committee recognized that it was not feasible to have laborers conduct extensive repairs, as it could risk leaking sensitive information. However, without repairs, even with a good vehicle, shocks could not be avoided. The only solution was to send a reconnaissance team to assess the situation and then assign the Regiment 144 to prepare repair plans for the worst road sections and bridges during the night of the march. When the special convoy passed through, all traces had to be immediately erased to turn the bridges and roads to their original condition.
Following the Steering Committee's meeting, the personnel of Unit 295, the Department of Vehicles-Machines management under the control of General Department of Logistics, were assigned the task of researching and modifying the Zin 157 truck according to the advice of Soviet experts and the special medical team. With a sense of urgency, within just three weeks, the ordinary Zin truck was remarkably transformed, adorned with a new dark green exterior. The interior design was compact and well-thought-out, with significant improvements made to engine components, chassis, and especially the shock absorber system. The technical officers even calculated the amount of tire pressure, ensuring driving at high speed yet lowest possible shock vibrations level.
Additionally, the personnel from the Information Command were tasked with creating two large boxes. One box was designed to place Uncle Ho’s body during the march, and the other was intended to hold glass containers.
After being bombarded by the US air force, the road to K84 was severely damaged. Due to strict requirements, the Steering Committee decided to actively provide intensive training, ensuring error-free during the official move.
For confidentiality reasons, the majority of training sessions took place at night. The Zin 157 quietly left 75A as the city lit up and plunged into the night covering the fields and villages on the outskirts for countless times. The drivers simultaneously drove and observed, recording tough sections of the road. Many nights, committee members took turns lying on the truck bed monitoring shock vibrations, and observing which parts of the roads were in need of repair.
In this way, the Zin 157 rolled patiently for nearly three months, getting used to routes for six to seven hours duration. Training at nighttime, withdrawing experience at daytime. Landmarks, turns, steep sections of road... etched deep into the memory not only of the drivers but also of the committee members, making it familiar to everyone. Alongside the drivers, the forces responsible for protecting the convoy also engaged in meticulous training. Usually in the afternoons, the Regiment 144 disguised themselves, lining the road on both sides. As the sky darkened, when the Zin 157 departed, they were able to communicate with each other, informing where the vehicle's position was and where they were about to head to. Some immersed themselves in the cold rain for training, while those at home also toiled through rigorous practice. Every action, from lifting the coffin onto the truck to carefully handling glass containers and transferring chemical containers, necessitated the need for repeated rehearsals. Every move must be executed with precision, only a slight error or small collision could result in an unexpected situation. Perhaps the most challenging aspect of training was lifting the large glass container. It was enormous and slippery. After several training sessions, soldiers devised a solution: threading a conveyor belt under the container and wrapping it around the carrier's neck on both sides of the container. If the grip slipped, the conveyor belt would still secure the container.
On December 20, 1969, the meeting between the Steering Committee and the team responsible for preserving Uncle Ho's body extended past midnight. Right from the outset, the conference set the determination that no matter how challenging, they must lead and encourage each department to excellently execute the Military Party Committee's resolution, successfully completing the upcoming relocation with the requirements of speed, efficiency, punctuality, ensuring absolute secrecy and safety.
The conference simultaneously discussed the deployment of all specific tasks: restructuring the organization, deciding who would go and who would stay, developing the marching plan, organizing support troops, and deploying political work during the march as well as upon reaching the new destination. Every aspect was scrutinized and carefully considered, akin to preparing for a crucial battle. When Comrade Kinh Chi came to the conclusion of the conference, it was exactly at 2 AM.
On the following day, December 21, each department was well-disseminated with the determination from the conference. The preparations were conducted with utmost urgency. Everyone understood that the results of three months of rigorous training were about to be tangibly demonstrated. The time suddenly paused in a solemn atmosphere as people spontaneously thought of Uncle Ho. The pain of the mourning days unexpectedly reoccurred. Everyone's hearts ached, realizing that even after moving to the second world, Uncle Ho still could not rest in peace. The war showed no signs of ending, and how long Uncle Ho would endure hardship and struggle remained questionable.
- 2 -
On the morning of December 22, a special medical team was ordered, along with two Soviet experts, to go up to K84 in advance to prepare. Units of Regiment 144 secretly spread troops along both sides of the road. Every 5km, there was a station equipped with communication devices. Prior to this, the security forces had also contacted local police, getting updates on the situation in the villages along the marching route. Everything was meticulously planned to ensure absolute safety.
Exactly at 11 PM on December 23, the special convoy received orders to depart. Comrades from the Central Committee, Central Military Committee, and the Central Bureau of the South were present in full force at 75A to bid farewell to Uncle Ho. The night was cold, with the winter north wind gusting through the trees on both sides of the road. As the convoy departed, Hanoi left behind, its yellow lights gradually receded until it became a faint glow on the city's night sky. The convoy silently passed through a town, crossed a bridge, and ascended the embankment. The convoy entered a town that was already asleep. The road only had a few figures pedaling bikes, and occasionally, a military convoy running in the opposite direction, their headlights illuminating the wet stands of bamboo.
Nevertheless, the road just traveled was relatively smooth as most of it was asphalted. But the upcoming section toward the destination posed a significant obstacle for them. As the convoy emerged from the bamboo forest of the town, a narrow, bumpy road with various potholes came into view. The security forces were armed with picks and shovels, diligently filling in holes to ensure the smooth passage of the vehicles. After the convoy passed through, all traces and footprints of the special move were removed.
In addition to the Zin 157 carrying Uncle Ho’s body, there were four other vehicles. The leading vehicle was a GAZ-69A, an armored vehicle for front protection, another armored vehicle for rear protection, and finally, a vehicle for the comrades in the Command Board. As the Soviet experts' request, to tackle with unexpected events along the way, the medical team had to prepare a reserve of medicines to accompany the funeral car, ensuring sufficient drugs supplement if needed.
In the winter night, the darker sky was, the colder weather turned. Suddenly, the wind ceased, and the stars appeared faintly behind dark gray clouds. The road traversed hillsides, descended into valleys, and crossed hastily repaired bridges. The atmosphere was completely silent. Only the sound of engines and the crunching of wheels on the gravel-strewn road echoed. Each turn on a rough road prompted concerns among the people: Is our Uncle in good condition?
Doctor Nguyen Gia Quyen was assigned to sit in the same vehicle carrying Uncle Ho’s body. The weather was already cold, but the inside temperature was even colder due to ice blocks stacked around and surrounding Uncle Ho's body instead of air conditioning. Comrade I-go, the Soviet expert, volunteered to sit in the funeral car alongside Dr. Quyen. The vehicle was equipped with a telephone connecting Dr. Quyen with Comrade Kinh Chi sitting in the driver's cabin. Occasionally, Comrade Kinh Chi asked, "How's everything, is it good?" Dr. Nguyen Gia Quyen placed a pair of glasses on the coffin lid to check the vehicle's shock absorption. Every time Comrade Kinh Chi asked, looking at the glasses still lying unchanged, Dr. Nguyen Gia Quyen always replied succinctly, "Nothing has happened, sir."
As the morning light began to emerge, the last vehicle in the convoy disappeared into the forest of the base. The convoy proceeded along a road that crossed a large silvery lake covered in mist, heading up a hill. On both sides of the road, ferns and grass grew abundantly, brushing against the sides of the rough-shod vehicles. When the convoy turned off the engines and came to a stop, a significant number of people were already waiting in front of the glass house to welcome Uncle Ho. Simultaneously, both those arriving and those leaving rushed towards the Zin car carrying Uncle Ho’s body. As the rear door of the car opened, Comrade I-go and Comrade Nguyen Gia Quyen stepped out, their faces pale but unable to hide their emotions. Comrade Phung The Tai reached out to grasp the cold, large hand of Dr. I-go and asked, "Are you okay sitting in there, cold but stable, right?" "Good, good," Comrade I-go replied. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. They understood: this meant nothing had happened to Uncle Ho’s body.
On the morning of December 24, the base was tranquil yet lively. The move was successfully completed. Uncle Ho's body was quickly brought into the glass house, and technical tasks were efficiently carried out. Other units reinforced their new accommodations. Everyone marveled at the strange beauty of the forest. In the past, when the soldiers had to cut down some pine trees to build houses and dig trenches, Uncle Ho only allowed the unhealthy trees to be cut down, all strong trees must be kept at all cost. Therefore, right in the courtyard of the large house that used to be the meeting place for the Political Bureau, a large pine tree extended arrogantly, casting its shadow over the forest. This demonstrated that Uncle Ho not only loved but also cherished the inherent beauty of nature to the fullest extent.
Notably, the local population around the unit's encampment was worth mentioning. Before 1945, this area had a small base of the Nationalist Party. During the resistance against the French, it became a trapped enemy area with French military posts. The Party's infrastructure in the region was weak, and the people's lives were difficult and lacking. Before transporting Uncle Ho’s body, the Security Department had worked closely with Party organizations and local authorities. Due to the need for secrecy, no one in the provincial party committee, district party committee, or the local people knew that their homeland was receiving a significant honor: safeguarding Uncle Ho’s body.
The initial days at K84 were extremely lacking and difficult. No one was allowed to go outside, so the main source of food was wild vegetables with dry rations, and each unit had to manage its supplies on their own. Most units, including medical, security, infantry, information, and the Foreign Affairs Department, had personnel from various units coming and going, with the new units not yet officially established, which resulted in shortages of food supply. Even when Tet holiday was just around the corner that year, the officers and soldiers only had corn porridge with vegetable soup. No matter how late it was, the unit had tried their best, sending standard Tet meals for the soldiers. Especially for the international comrades, the soldiers who traversed thousands of miles to contribute significantly to the preservation of Uncle Ho’s body received meticulous care from the Foreign Affairs Department and the unit.
After the Lunar New Year, various units joined their hands, increasing food supply for the soldiers. Many patches of land along the lake at the foot of the hill were illuminated for planting vegetables and cassava. The first flocks of chickens were ranched, marking a gradual improvement.
On February 16, 1970, the General Staff Headquarters announced the establishment of Unit 69, directly under the General Staff, with Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Hanh as the Political Commissar. It was a beautiful day with the rays of spring sun casting a golden glow on the forest branches. Down below, the river flowed steadily. Looking from the hilltop, the river seemed to shine like a sharp sword. All officers and soldiers in the unit, individuals bound by a sacred mission, sat quietly and listened as Comrade Nguyen Van Hanh read the decision to establish the unit. At the end of the ceremony, everyone stood up, shoulder to shoulder, shouting: "Infinite party's loyalty, conquering challenges, preserving Uncle Ho’s body with our best."
Shortly afterward, following the decision of the Central Military Committee, the Party Committee of Unit 69 was also established. Comrades Nguyen Van Hanh, Nguyen Gia Quyen, Nguyen Van Moc, Vu Van Quan, and Dinh Viet Phung were appointed to the Party Committee.
During those challenging days, Political Commissar Nguyen Van Hanh made significant contributions to the task of building and consolidating the unit. During the day, he rolled up his pants and worked with the comrades, and at night, he pondered in the dim light to find the best ways to implement the resolutions of the Party Committee: "We must be independent, strengthen our capability, enhancing production, improving the lives of the troops, and building a mature unit in all aspects step by step."
Work-farm balance became a life for the officers and soldiers in the unit. Many local residents, upon seeing soldiers without military uniforms or insignia, diligently working the fields, mistakenly thought the place was a rehabilitation center for discharged soldiers. Therefore, during interactions, the soldiers had to remain silent and ignore teasing remarks, sometimes quite harsh, from local girls. This was a strong confirmation of the success of the confidentiality efforts.
Right after its establishment, the Party Committee of the Unit proposed resolutions regarding ensuring the livelihoods of officers and soldiers. Dining and accommodation facilities were reinforced, and the cultivation of vegetable patches, cassava, and rice was expanded, eliminating the previous scarcity of food sources. The Command Committee also organized cattle and pig farming. In addition to the green vegetable quotas allocated to each unit, each officer and soldier in the unit took turns caring for the cattle. The Command Committee also spent one day caring for the cattle alongside the soldiers on the monthly basis.
On May 23, 1970, a delegation of experts from the Lenin Institute came to Hanoi. A forensic examination board for President Ho Chi Minh’s body was formed, consisting of experts from the Soviet Union and Vietnam. After conducting an examination at K84, the board concluded that, after eight months of protection, President Ho Chi Minh’s body, in a tropical climate and despite the long-distance travel, were well-preserved externally and in all body parts, ensuring the similarity with his alive appearance.
The board further affirmed that President Ho Chi Minh’s body met all the requirements for long-term preservation. This was a highly valuable reward for the medical personnel and all officers and soldiers in the unit. They had achieved the first triumph on the journey, promising a crucial foundation for future generations tasked with preserving Uncle Ho’s body.
On August 22, Comrade Vu Van Can, a member of the Central Steering Committee from Hanoi, instructed the unit's command to prepare for the visit of the Central Delegation and Military Central Committee to pay respects to Uncle Ho. Upon receiving the order, the expert comrades and medical staff worked diligently, preparing medicines, adjusting lighting in the viewing room, and the work continued until 5 PM. Everyone understood that even a small change in Uncle Ho's familiar face would cause upset. Therefore, the expert comrades and medical staff must pay attention to details on Uncle Ho's body.
The next morning, on August 23, a simple and solemn viewing ceremony took place in the viewing chamber at the base. Central Committee members and the Military Central Committee, led by Comrade Le Duan, paid their respects in front of Uncle Ho’s body. It had been a year since Uncle Ho left. A year filled with pain and memories! Now, standing before Uncle Ho’s body, disciples, loyal comrades, were still shocked, could not believe he had left us forever instead of peacefully sleeping.
After the visiting ceremony, Comrade Le Duan met and greeted the expert comrades and the unit's command. He remarked, "Uncle Ho’s body are well-preserved, similar to Lenin's body in Moscow."
The convoy left K84 and returned to Hanoi around noon.
- 3 -
By the end of 1970, the lives of the soldiers in Unit 69 - often referred to as "Uncle's red guards" - were gradually stabilizing. The forested area not only had pine and cypress trees but also fields of cassava, corn, and rice being harvested. In the evenings, after a tense day of pharmaceutical work or field activities, the unit's officers and soldiers enthusiastically engaged in sports activities around the football field. As night fell, each unit organized gatherings, read newspapers, or participated in youth forums or cultural performances. The resolutions of the Party Committee were concretely manifested in the actions and thoughts of everyone. The consensus was that the unit would stay here and safeguard Uncle Ho’s body in this picturesque hill until the complete victory in the anti-American resistance. Plans for a long-term stay at the base had been meticulously prepared and anticipated by the Commanding Committee. However, an unexpected incident disrupted all the stable activities of the unit.
On the night of November 20, the sound of helicopters suddenly echoed through the skies above the base. People rushed outside to witness a fleet of helicopters with flashing lights flying by, seemingly connected in a formation. Initially, some thought it was our own air force conducting maneuvers. However, a moment later, when the roar of jet engines was heard, everyone understood the signals of unusuality.
On November 24, the Command Committee received an urgent message from comrade Phung The Tai: "Previously, you poured water in, now get ready to scoop water out." Though the content of the telegram was concise, the Command Committee understood the order: prepare to move Uncle Ho’s body!
The next day, comrades Phung The Tai and Kinh Chi directly visited the unit to announce the decision to relocate Uncle Ho’s body to Hanoi. Only then did people realize that the so-called "air force exercise" was, in fact, the adventurous night of the American special forces attempting to rescue their captured pilots in a prisoner of war camp. However, their mission failed as they found nothing after a fruitless search, and the prison camp was empty; the enemy forces retreated with complete failures.
Following this incident, the Political Bureau and the Central Military Command concluded that although K84 was in a remote location, its hilly terrain was highly suitable for American air raids. Moreover, the advanced electronic reconnaissance capabilities of the U.S. air force, combined with internal espionage, could easily discover this area. Although it was established that a rapid airborne assault like the one at Son Tay could not successfully seize Uncle Ho’s body, the potential clashes could severely impact the preservation efforts. Therefore, the Political Bureau decided to move Uncle Ho back to Hanoi. In Hanoi, regardless of their audacity, the U.S. air force could not conduct a sudden airborne assault as they did on November 20.
Receiving the urgent order, the Party Committee and the Command Committee convened and deployed tasks to each unit, assigning people to leave or stay behind. The unit left behind to safeguard the base's infrastructure was entrusted to comrade Vu Van Quan.
On the night of December 03, the officers and soldiers of Regiment 144 were ordered to deploy forces to protect the marching route. Two days earlier, some Soviet experts and specific healthcare officers had also set off for Route 75A to welcome Uncle Ho.
At 10 PM, the special convoy quietly left the base. The night was clear, and the wind gently swirled over the empty hills. In sections with potholes and damaged bridges, the faint figures of soldiers guarding with shovels, torches, and baskets could be seen. As the convoy passed, they silently watched as if bidding farewell to Uncle Ho and then hastily erased any traces of the move. Having gained experience from the previous relocation, this time everything proceeded swiftly and efficiently.
At 3 AM on December 04, the convoy arrived back in Hanoi. The city was deeply immersed in sleep; the biting wind felt like needles pricking into achy joints. Dry leaves curled up on the sidewalks rustled as the cold wind stirred them. When the Zin car stopped in front of Structure 75A, the Soviet experts immediately checked the two gauze pieces covering Uncle Ho's hands. The gauze remained in its original position. Everyone sighed in relief. This meant that Uncle Ho’s body had been absolutely protected during the march.
Moving from the mountainous forest area to the city center, the soldiers of Unit 69, as well as the Command Committee, felt worried-free in their tasks. Life in the capital was more convenient, with better service conditions and fewer shortages. However, just like at K84, strict secrecy must be maintained. Even comrades in the Command Committee or experts, whenever they worked on medication for Uncle Ho, had to sit in tightly sealed vehicles, and all letters sent home had to remain unsealed. Movement was highly restricted. Despite this, no one felt frustrated or uncomfortable. Everyone adhered to these regulations seriously and voluntarily, understanding that their sacrifice served a noble mission. They didn't feel deprived because Uncle Ho was always with them, in their hearts and emotions.
In the capital, the spring and summer of 1971 passed peacefully. The soldiers of Unit 69 who accompanied Uncle Ho to Hanoi continued their quiet and tense life beside his body. Those who remained at the base continued to increase production, maintain machinery, and build a solid infrastructure to get ready for Uncle Ho's return.
Life continued to quietly pass by. The citizens of the capital had no idea that Uncle Ho was so close to them. Uncle Ho was still being protected and preserved, just as when he was alive, and one day, they would have the opportunity to visit him again, as they did in early September 1969, unforgettable days in the lives of each citizen of the city.
Until the autumn of that year, another incident occurred, disrupting all the activities of the soldiers assigned to protect Uncle Ho.
During this time, Nixon announced a complete cessation of bombing in the North. The plot to sabotage the North through air and naval forces remained unchanged. They used chemicals to manipulate nature, causing floods to cut off the North's supply lines.
In the autumn of that year, the U.S. conducted 277 flights, releasing 8,312 units of chemicals over the skies of Hanoi and the mountainous regions along the Red River and Da River basins. This created strange catalytic clouds in the atmosphere, resulting in heavy, persistent rain. According to U.S. data, the water level in 1971 rose to 16 feet. Of this, 7 feet were attributed to the "Operation Popeye" chemical attacks, while the remaining 9 feet were due to the natural rainfall.
The vehicle Zin 157, was again, on duty to carry the body of Uncle Ho.
The White House believed that with such heavy rainfall, the Red River and Da River would flood, damaging dikes, submerging villages, cities, and important transportation routes. This would force our government to reduce offensives on the battlefield and make concessions in the ongoing negotiations in Paris.
In the past 50 years, the sky of the North had unprecedentedly experienced such heavy and prolonged rain. On August 18, the Dyke of the Duong River collapsed at Thon culvert, causing severe floods in the provinces of Ha Bac and Hai Hung. A densely populated area, rich in agriculture, was submerged in floodwaters, and the water level in the Red River continued to rise to a record level: 14.10m in Hanoi. During those days, the river became vast and turbid, rushing with a relentless current, carrying away many makeshift boats, bamboo rafts, and wooden debris under the Long Bien Bridge, flowing downstream. Hanoi was under threat. Many streets were flooded, water entered homes and offices. The Central Anti-Flood Committee had to consider evacuating people from the city.
Given the situation, the Command Board and the Party Committee of Unit 69 held an urgent meeting, deciding to propose to the Military Command to move President Ho Chi Minh’s body back to the base. This was because if floods occurred in Hanoi, the conditions to protect President Ho Chi Minh’s body would not be sufficient. While waiting for the decision from above, the Command Committee had to prepare for both things to come: relocating and flood prevention. During these days, Comrade Kinh Chi frequently stayed at 75A. Many officials were dispatched to survey and search for top areas in the city to move President Ho Chi Minh if the Hanoi Red River dike broke. Others prepared for the option of moving President Ho Chi Minh to high buildings at the hospital in the most urgent situation. The telephone in the Command Committee's office rang continuously, bringing reports on the water level of the Red River, the amount of rain measured during the day, and the weather forecast for the upcoming days.
On August 16, the sky remained heavy, rain continued as dogs and cats. The water level of the Red River continued to rise. The need for flood control was bustling throughout the city. Throughout the whole day, the officers and soldiers of Unit 69 were restless, continuously sending people to the Red River dike, checking for the water level. The faces of these individuals were worn out and pale from being soaked in water. No one worried about themselves, only about President Ho Chi Minh instead. They cannot imagine what would happen and how President Ho Chi Minh’s body would be if the water level of the Red River continued to rise, unexpectedly breaking the dike and flooding into the city.
- 4 -
At noon of August 18, the rain continued to pour heavily, and standing on the riverbank, the Red River became fierce. All houses and roads in the riverside area were submerged in water. On the dike, makeshift tents and beds were set up. Wet-haired children sat huddled with pillows in front of the doors.
At 1 PM, Comrade Phung The Tai personally announced the decision of the Military Command to relocate President Ho Chi Minh’s body back to the base. An emergency meeting was immediately convened, and thereafter, everyone rushed to prepare throughout the night of the 18th. As this was the third relocation, everything went smoothly. However, due to the heavy workload, it was just at the moment when two tons of ice were loaded onto the Zin 157 truck, the sun turned shine afterwards.
At 8 AM on the 19th, Comrade Kinh Chi disseminated the marching orders and, along with some officers and soldiers of Unit 69 headed to K84 in advance. During this time, Comrade Party Secretary Nguyen Van Hanh was working in the Soviet Union, so Comrade Kinh Chi had to be frequently on duty at the Unit, directly supervising the most specific tasks. At 11 AM that day, the convoy was ordered to leave construction site 75A. This relocation was implemented during the day, so all vehicles displayed emergency flags and had permits to travel on all restricted roads. Unlike previous relocations, due to many flooded areas, an amphibious vehicle that allowed the convoys to travel on both roads and sea was added to the marching formation. This time, Comrade Nguyen Gia Quyen was also assigned to sit on the vehicle carrying President Ho Chi Minh’s body. Comrades Tran Quoc Hoan, Phung The Tai also set their foot print on the convoy.
The convoy traveled in the cold rain, with city roads submerged in water. Along the marching route, rice fields were submerged as well. The atmosphere of flood prevention was urgent everywhere. The sound of bomb explosions, the splash of water from shovels echoed in the thunder, and the rain poured incessantly.
The most challenging part was still the final stretch of the journey. The road was slippery, muddy, and the convoy had to move at a very slow speed. Sitting in the vehicle carrying President Ho Chi Minh’s body, Comrade Nguyen Gia Quyen seemed unable to keep staying in the cold, and his voice through the phone was intermittent and faint. To help this, Comrade Phung The Tai decided to stop the convoy for a while to let everyone take a rest.
At 5 PM, the convoy arrived at base K84 There had been less rain, but the road leading into the base was still flooded. The Zin truck could not pass through, and Dr. Nguyen Van Chau, who was sent ahead with some other officers for industrial hygiene and prepared for President Ho Chi Minh arrival, was always present on this flooded road section. Every forty minutes, Dr. Chau waded down to measure the water level and promptly reported to Hanoi. However, when the convoy carrying President Ho Chi Minh’s body stopped on the other side of the road, the river water continued to overflow, turning the hill area into an island.
Knowing that they couldn't wait for the water to recede, the Command Committee decided to transfer President Ho Chi Minh’s body from the Zin truck to the red hearse, then transfer the entire red hearse to the amphibious vehicle. This is the only way that could work out in such a flooding area. According to the pre-planned schedule, two small rails were set up as a bridge for the amphibious vehicle to crawl onto the Páp vehicle. At the same time, the amphibious vehicle used a winch to pull while starting its engine, crawling along the two iron bars onto the truck bed. It was a stressful task because President Ho Chi Minh’s body were inside the vehicle. Only a small error could lead to serious unexpected results. Comrade Nguyen Van Suong was a driver of the red hearse that day. The cold weather did not stop Comrade Suong's forehead from sweating. Only when the red hearse lay securely on the amphibious vehicle, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The amphibious vehicle stopped for a while, taking a break, and then slowly crawled down underwater. Around the vehicle, water rushed. The vehicle resembled a boat crossing the river. Everyone hurried onto the amphibious vehicle to enter the base area.
When the amphibious vehicle stopped, its engine turned off in front of the glass house, and two iron bars were again set up parallel behind the truck cabin. Another tense moment ensued; lifting the vehicle was already difficult, but lowering it proved even more challenging. The Red hearse’s engine started. Its rear wheels, followed by the front wheels, clung to the two rails and slowly descended. All four wheels lay neatly on the two iron bars at a 30-degree slope. Below was an empty space. Suddenly, everything fell silent, and everyone seemed to hold their breath. No one could hear the sound of the wind rushing through the pine forest. The atmosphere was filled only with the engine’s sound; the four wheels rolled slowly on the two iron bars. And when the red hearse balanced with all four wheels on the ground, everyone expressed a sense of happiness. Due to the intense tension of the duty, Comrade Suong fainted on the steering wheel.
After eight months of separation, returning to K84 this time, everyone couldn't help but marvel at the changes in the base. Although only a small group of soldiers remained in the area, the infrastructure had developed massively. To celebrate the success of the relocation, the Command Committee organized a homemade party using ingredients made from soldiers' farms.
The next day, for safety reasons, the Unit organized camouflage and dug trenches in the open spaces. Three 14.5mm anti-aircraft guns from the Engineer Brigade 20, Division 361, Air Defense - Air Force Command were also brought in to supplement the Unit, positioned on three hills around the base, forming a solid defensive stance. Additionally, in the following days, the General Staff sent another infantry company from the Division 144 to stand on the outer perimeter, willing to defend the invading enemy.
Comrade Phung The Tai remained worried still, additionally ordered the construction of bunkers around the glass house. However, the Command Committee suggested replacing the bunkers with three tanks. While the tanks served as bunkers, they offered higher mobility. The Unit's proposal was approved by the General Staff, and three T34 tanks equipped with DKZ84 cannons from the Armored Officer School were deployed in the Unit's combat formation.
With so many subordinate units, the strength of the Unit surged, but ensuring an adequate food supply faced numerous challenges. Most officers and soldiers from the newly arrived units had to sleep in hammocks. The wide standing area and concentrated dining areas made transportation and meals challenging, requiring some to travel long distances to fetch food.
In response to this situation, the Party Committee and the Command Committee focused on two simultaneous tasks: ensuring the proper preservation of President Ho Chi Minh’s body and addressing accommodation and food for each unit, especially the newly arrived ones.
Thanks to the dynamic efforts of officers and soldiers in the Unit, after a short period, all dilapidated houses were repaired, and many new houses were constructed. Luxury was not a key, but these houses were incredibly sufficient enough for the activities and work of the units.
After accommodation and food issues were solved, the Command Committee faced another difficulty: a sense of discouragement and lack of clarity regarding the tasks, especially in some newly arrived units, notably in the artillery units. Many comrades in this unit, mostly enlisted in 1962 and 1963, had undergone numerous challenges and achieved significant accomplishments, yet their ranks remained low, with no substantial resolution of political rights.
This frustration stemmed from the fact that many soldiers did not understand their purpose in being there. Thrown into active combat, they suddenly found themselves isolated in a corner of the forest, feeling idle and disconnected from the local population. They felt as if they were being punished from misconducting the discipline.
The Command Committee understood that if the soldiers in the artillery units, especially the high-altitude artillery, were clearly informed that they had an honored mission to protect President Ho Chi Minh’s body, they would be willing to overcome difficulty or even sacrifice without minding. However, principles must be strictly obeyed. Moreover, security measures of information were always a top priority, considering it the most crucial factor in accomplishing the mission. In response, the Command Committee actively encouraged and reassured the soldiers while advising the General Staff to address all issues in policies. The unit delved into the thoughts and feelings of the soldiers, addressing each specific issue. In a short period, the artillery unit became a strong and cohesive part of the Unit.
Sharing the hardships with the officers and soldiers in the Unit were Soviet experts. The primary task of these comrades was to prepare medications for President Ho Chi Minh. They were given priority in a separate area, right next to the glass house where President Ho Chi Minh’s body were kept. Regular interactions were limited to comrades within the Command Committee and the foreign affairs department. Aware that these comrades had left their families and homeland to live in this remote and challenging mountainous region for a noble duty, the Command Committee, along with the foreign affairs department, tried their best to alleviate the shortages of materials and home cares they were enduring. Being informed that Comrade Debop, the head of the expert delegation, was passionate about raising birds, the Unit assigned a man to go to Hanoi, buying a nice cage and a parrot. Comrade Debop showed his cheerful enjoyment of the gift. He would spend his whole free time, sitting in front of the birdcage, squinting his eyes, and softly whistling a tune. One night, due to preparing medication for President Ho Chi Minh until late, Debop went to bed at midnight. The next morning, when Dr. Nguyen Gia Quyen went to Debop's room, he discovered that the parrot had chewed through the cage's wire and flown away. Knowing that Debop would sleep until 10 AM, Dr. Quyen arranged for someone to go to Hanoi to buy another parrot and, simultaneously, organized the team to search in the forest. Searching for a bird in the vast forest was like "looking for a needle in a haystack." However, miraculously, just 15 minutes later, the guards found the parrot perched on a reed near a pond and skillfully caught it, bringing it back while Comrade Debop was still asleep. This small story demonstrated the heartfelt consideration officers and soldiers in the Unit towards the Soviet comrades.
In response to our kindness, the Soviet comrades, who were experts, worked tirelessly, meeting all requirements from Vietnamese colleagues. They not only carried out their duties but also shared their experiences and lessons. After each day's work, they showed up at the volleyball or table tennis court, or enjoyed a refreshing walk under the tall, golden pine trees bathed in the sunset glow behind the majestic mountain ranges.
Time passed quietly on the picturesque and tranquil hills. The river, which had swelled dramatically during the flood season, now peacefully meandered between the banks adorned with lush green reeds. Then Tet (Lunar new year) was just around the corner, a peaceful Tet indeed. People enjoyed the spring alongside blooming peach blossoms and stacks of green square glutinous rice cakes. It was a complete and undisturbed spring, the least tumultuous for the soldiers of Unit 69 since its establishment. It was the third spring without Uncle Ho for our country and our people.
- 5 -
In the summer of 1972, a fiery and blood-soaked season unfolded on the South battlefields. Following intense battles in Quang Tri, the Military Region 5, the Central Highlands and Binh Long, and elsewhere, power between us and the enemy remained unbalanced. The Liberation Army had completely taken control of many towns and urban areas, and crucial strategic roads had been damaged, disconnecting areas. The "change the color of the corpse's skin" strategy by Nixon suffered a severe blow, almost impossible to recover.
The shifts of power in battlefields led to changes in the diplomatic arena at the Paris Peace Accords. It was a high chance of signing a ceasefire agreement. However, like a wounded beast, Nixon madly threatened to bomb North Vietnam again. On the other hand, Nguyen Van Thieu, the puppet president of Saigon, clamored for the reoccupation of liberated areas. Throughout that autumn and winter, protracted battles for every inch of land took place across key battlegrounds.
Simultaneously intensifying military activities in the South, Nixon recklessly used B-52 bombers to strike back in the North, deploying naval mines to block the sea, hoping to gain an advantage before any ceasefire agreement could be signed.
All Nixon’s military plans had been well anticipated and prepared for in advance by the Central Military Committee and the Central Party Committee. Since mid-May, when news of numerous victories reached Hanoi, the Political Bureau had planned to evacuate the population and institutions in the city, suburbs, and some large industrial zones further to the countryside and mountainous bases.
During this stressful time, an atmosphere of anxiety engulfed the base. Every time the sound of airplanes traversed the skies above the base, and the distant rumbling of bombs echoed from the capital and surrounding areas, people's hearts sank, filled with unease and restlessness.
Anticipating the high chance of U.S. planes indiscriminately bombing the base, the Command decided to move Uncle Ho’s body from the glasshouse to a bunker. While transporting Uncle Ho’s body down was not too difficult due to the existing rail system, moving the glass coffin posed a considerable challenge.
After much struggle and exploration, the guard soldiers found a surprisingly simple solution: they placed a single bed sheet on top of the coffin. A wooden board with foam padding was placed underneath the coffin, tightly secured with ropes. The coffin was then tilted and lowered into the underground chamber. With this method, just 20 minutes later, the coffin had been safely relocated to the central safety chamber. In the silent efforts of the soldiers, even the smallest attempts could be considered significant achievements. It demanded not only physical strength and intelligence but also courage and responsibility in the face of an error-prone task with no room for mistakes and no time to correct them.
However, relocating Uncle Ho’s body to an underground chamber, given the escalating U.S. bombings in the North, was only a temporary measure. Although K84 was far from Hanoi, it was still within the flight pathway of U.S. planes. To guard against the possibility of a fierce retaliation, the Command decided to move Uncle Ho’s body to a safer location before July 15, 1972.
But the question of where to move Uncle Ho was a major concern for the Unit 69 Command. In late June, a delegation of officials, led by comrade Kinh Chi, undertook a challenging terrain survey. Using small boats along the riverbanks and trekking through forests and mountains, the delegation examined a series of existing structures.
After careful consideration, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of each structure, the Command ultimately decided on K2, a large cave located along the riverbank, 15 km north of K84. This structure had been developed and used for evacuating the Combat engineer headquarters offices when needed since 1966.
Viewed from the outside, the entire area of K2 was a large valley nestled deep among lush green trees, extending from the foothills to the mountain peaks. Not far from the cave were residential houses and fields of peanuts and cassava. The people in this area were simple and hardworking. The large, highly resistant cave was conveniently located for transportation due to its proximity to the road. Nevertheless, the structure also had some drawbacks: high humidity inside the cave, continuous groundwater causing water leaks in the old cave structure, and the difficulty of maintaining secrecy due to its proximity to the road and residents.
After the survey team returned with their report, the Command decided to renovate K2 as the location to preserve Uncle Ho’s body. This task was assigned to the Combat engineer headquarters with an extremely short deadline of 20 days and nights, covering surveys, design, and renovations. Although the workload was massive, the executing unit would be well-supplied to meet all technical material requirements.
On June 15, 1972, the command staff of the Combat engineer headquarters, led by comrade Bui Danh Chieu, set off in advance, and three days later, the Company 2 of the Battalion 3, and the Engineer Brigade 259's direct construction forces arrived at K2. During this period, the mountainous weather was unusually unpredictable. After each rain, the mountain air became damp and mosquitoes and leeches proliferated.
Similar to the renovation of the K84 facility, the soldiers of the Battalion 3 worked tirelessly day and night at K2. If K84 had a "light club," then K2 had a "torch club." At night, torches illuminated the cave's ceiling. The sound of stone breaking echoed amidst the sound of pouring rain. After 20 days and nights, the soldiers of the Combat engineer headquarters completed a colossal amount of work. They excavated 70m³ of earth and rock, built a 25m³ well, constructed, and renovated five rooms and three water reservoirs inside the cave, installed all the equipment for the electrical station and pump station, supplied power, water, and ensured that the construction met technical standards. Regarding the central chamber, after inspection, the experts highly appreciated the efforts to ensure ventilation and temperature. Alongside the construction, acquiring equipment and supplies also proved to be incredibly complex. Comrades retrieving machines from the Dong Anh warehouse faced U.S. bombs in the warehouse area, with their vehicle damaged severely on the way back the next day.
Those days were extremely tense, with the constant attack of U.S. planes in the sky and the thunderous roar of bombs echoing in the minds of officers and soldiers, creating a sense of anxiety.
While the engineering soldiers were busy renovating K2, the soldiers of the Division 144 focused on repairing roads and engaging in training exercises.
After the floods in 1971, the Central Military Command assigned the task of converting the amphibious truck to the General Logistics Directorate to transport Uncle Ho’s body whenever needed. The requirements for the truck conversion were extremely high, demanding maximum utilization of space, ensuring a lying bed, a seat for the commander, two rows of cabinets to contain chemical containers, and additional installations such as air conditioning, ventilation, and a telephone. Importantly, the truck had to guarantee off-road capability, high water traversal, adaptability to all terrains and weather conditions, and absolute safety during use.
After a year of research and work, the military personnel of the General Logistics Directorate produced an amphibious truck that met all the specified requirements and handed it over to Unit 69. Later, when they learned that the truck they had modified was used to transport Uncle Ho’s body during fierce wartime, the soldiers of the General Logistics Directorate felt deeply touched. Such a special honor was beyond their expectation.
For information security, training marches both by air and by roads were conducted at night. Many nights, Comrade Kinh Chi sat directly in the amphibious truck with a large bag of colored powder. Wherever the road was rough, he would pour the powder down, indicating areas that were in need of repair for the soldiers of the Division 144. After each night of such inspections, Comrade Kinh Chi's clothes and face would be covered in colored powder. Tiring, yet delighted, as with each inspection, the amount of powder scattered decreased, and the road became smoother under the amphibious truck's solid and smooth wheels.
Unlike previous marching movements, this relocation involved crossing a river. Therefore, the riverbank had to be modified accordingly.
Training nights for river crossing were exceptionally tense and exhausting. Once, as the amphibious truck crawled onto the riverbank on the downstream side, the winch hook broke. A winch pulley had to be used in conjunction because the river's current was strong, preventing the truck from reaching the riverbank. The broken winch hook pushed the amphibious truck into a "dead" state. The front of the truck was on the bank, while the rear half was submerged in water, presenting a dilemma. At that moment, a nearby civilian led a military unit conducting exercises nearby to borrow a bulldozer to help. Although they had a bulldozer, they lacked a winch. So, they had to rush to a forestry station to borrow a winch. Busy and challenging, but there was no time to delay because dawn was approaching, the movement route could be exposed, and the amphibious truck might become a target for enemy aircraft attacks.
After the aforementioned incident, Comrade Ngach, the Regiment Commander of the Regiment 144, decided to dig a large pool on the downstream riverbank, called a "boat bed," making it easier for the amphibious truck to climb up.
Another time, after completing an exercise at K84, the amphibious truck, smoothly crawling up, suddenly slid down completely under the water's surface due to the high and slippery slope. While everyone was still panicking, the amphibious truck slowly resurfaced like a submerged submarine and continued to cling to the bank. Fortunately, it was just a training session.
Through the hardships of road repairs and training exercises, almost no one thought about themselves but rather focused on a single concern: how to safely transport Uncle Ho. Therefore, until Uncle Ho was successfully moved to K2, training had to continue to ensure complete familiarity with the route and the landing site.
The amphibious truck carrying Uncle Ho’s body.
In mid-July, as the renovation of K2 under the codename H21 entered its final stages, the night exercises were temporarily halted, and preparations for the move began. On the night of the July 09, Uncle Ho’s body were carefully placed in a glass coffin. By 9:00 PM on the July 11, the convoy carrying Uncle Ho’s body received the order to depart from K84. The convoy slowly crawled through rolling hills, scattered villages, desolate on both sides of the road. The sky was dotted with constellations, and the night was somewhat silvery. The road ahead of the vehicles appeared crimson. Below, the river seemed faint, like a soft ribbon. When the convoy reached the pier, three K61 amphibious vehicles were already waiting. Despite extensive training, when the amphibious truck slowly descended towards the river, everyone's hearts beat with worry. That night, the river flowed swiftly, and frothy bubbles surged at the front and sides of the vehicles. The headlight beams swept across the river's surface, sparkling. The convoy quietly left the dock, following the swiftly flowing river. In less than half an hour, the convoy successively reached the downstream bank. Thanks to dedicated training, the river crossing went smoothly. At 12:15 AM on the July 12, the convoy arrived at K2. The vast forest suddenly fell silent for a moment, as if it was peacefully welcoming Uncle Ho’s arrival.
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Returning Uncle Ho to K2, the activities of the unit became scattered. The unit had to be divided into three parts: one stayed in Hanoi to maintain scientific research and preserve the 75A facility; one remained at K84, while the majority of the forces moved up to K2.
For discipline maintenance, the Command decided to establish the K84 section, led by comrade Le Quang Cham. The Party Committee of the unit also proposed the formation of a K84 cell, with comrade Cham serving as the cell secretary.
Life and activities at K2 faced numerous challenges for the soldiers of Unit 69. Most sections started from scratch. Fulfilling the professional tasks and engaging in building camps at the same time, so within a short time, daily activities
To overcome food shortages, the Command sent officers to liaise with local authorities to request land for growing vegetables. Simultaneously, they maintained the available supply at K84. The livestock at K84, including chickens and pigs, gradually increased in numbers and were shared with K2.
A notable aspect was the prevalence of snakes at K2. Snakes lurked in the forest and caves, sometimes slithering under the soldiers' feet while they were sleeping or in meetings. However, after some time, snakes became a significant food source, though not everyone could trap them.
Preserving Uncle Ho’s body at K2 was more complex and arduous, especially for the medical team. Without clothes drying facility, after making medicines, team members had to carry loads of clothes through the forest and across the river to K84 for washing and drying. This routine occurred twice a week for seven months.
The soldiers assigned to foreign affairs duties also faced considerable challenges. Due to the lack of facilities and the risk of exposure at K2, specialists had to be stationed in Hanoi. Every two weeks, during the medicine-making sessions, the unit had to send vehicles to Hanoi to pick up the specialists. The transportation from K2 to Hanoi at night was difficult and demanding. Nevertheless, the dedicated specialists were committed and loyal.
In December 1972, during intensified American bombings of Hanoi, transportation of the specialists faced obstacles. The Command suggested that the specialists remain at K84 since, despite challenges, it was safer than Hanoi.
In early 1973, after significant upheavals, the life of the officers and soldiers of Unit 69 at K2 gradually stabilized. Vegetable gardens and cassava fields in the valley turned green. The hardships became familiar to the soldiers. Just when they were committed to preserving Uncle Ho’s body at K2, the Paris Peace Accords - the agreement for which countless lives were sacrificed-were signed. Nixon was forced to declare the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from South Vietnam.
Half of Uncle Ho's wish, "Drive the Americans out, defeat the puppet regime," had been realized. This event touched the hearts of the people and soldiers across the country. Like in all other mountainous regions, news of the signing of the Paris Peace Accords quickly reached K2. Peace, those two words became incredibly sacred. While everyone simultaneously thought that Uncle Ho would no longer have to endure hardships, there would be no more B-52s, F-4s, or F-5s flying overhead, Uncle Ho would no longer have to lie in a cave, it had become a silent pain for every officer and soldier over the past year.
With the sensitivity of soldiers, the unit's commanders immediately recognized that the unit left behind was facing a new relocation. Working conditions at K2 were too difficult, and the transportation of specialists had many disadvantages. However, whether to move to K84 or 75A, no one could predict in advance.
It was approaching the end of the lunar year, and the weather was warming up. The first spring of peace was faintly returning.
On January 27, 1973, Political Commissar Nguyen Van Hanh received orders to return to Hanoi to prepare for the unit to organize the return of Uncle Ho to K84. It was just before Tet. While officials and workers in various agencies and factories were returning home for Tet with their families, the soldiers of Unit 69 were quietly preparing for a new journey. The relocation plan remained the same as before, using old means of transportation and following the old route.
After seven or eight months of disuse, the old silted-up dock was filled. Therefore, the soldiers of Regiment 144 received orders to quickly build a new dock and research the improvement of the road up the hill. The soldiers promptly began working tirelessly, day and night. After three days, the new dock was completed, and the road was opened from the riverbank to the red dirt road at the foot of K84. This road ensured that Uncle Ho’s body would be kept stable and balanced, with the slope reduced to the lowest possible level.
On the afternoon of the 30th day of Tet, all road and dock systems were completed, but there was still no order to move. Meanwhile, the unit's commander received orders to return to Hanoi to welcome the new Soviet expert delegation from Moscow. Everyone thought that if Uncle Ho’s body were to be moved to K84, it would be after Tet, at least a week later. Due to this anticipation, many units allowed officers and soldiers from nearby areas to return home for Tet.
That night, in the palm leaf-covered range at the foot of the mountain, people gathered around a cherry blossom branch to celebrate the Lunar New Year, listening to Uncle Ton’s wishes. Comrade Nguyen Van Hanh, representing the Party Committee and the Command, announced the decision to commend the teams and individuals who had excellently fulfilled their tasks in the past year. At the same time, he disseminated decisions and assigned tasks to each unit. On the morning of the first day of the new year, the cave door was broken, preparing to welcome Uncle Ho back to K84.
At that moment, everyone in the unit realized, to their amazement, that the remaining personnel, including the Command and the soldiers nurturing the unit, totaled only 25 people. 25 people faced an immense workload. Nevertheless, on the morning of the first day of the new year, 25 officers and soldiers enthusiastically and energetically engaged in their work, and by noon, the cave door was opened, and the Pap truck could enter to pick up Uncle Ho.
On the fourth day of Tet, which was February 06, 1973, after Soviet experts and the command conducted a thorough examination and review of the management of Uncle Ho’s body, the official order for relocation was announced. At 9:00 PM, the convoy left the cave for the riverbank. It seemed that until then, the local residents became aware of the honor entrusted to their homeland. They quietly lined up on both sides of the road. The glimmer in their eyes, the raised hands waving goodbye, and the hesitant smiles spoke volumes about their sentiments toward Uncle Ho and the soldiers of Unit 69.
The convoy smoothly left the riverbank, following the current and crossing to the other side where lights served as signals. The river flowed gently in the spring, and a thin layer of mist covered both sides, resembling a gigantic, ethereal voile. As the Pap truck arrived at K84, all officers and soldiers were present under the riverbank to receive Uncle Ho. Silently, they carried His body out of the vehicle, carefully advancing on the cleared and improved path. The "guard soldiers" respectfully and solemnly shouldered Uncle Ho’s body. That night, the sky was filled with bright stars. The forest leaves and wildflowers fell along the path, occasionally releasing a few soft petals onto Uncle Ho’s body. The forest exuded the fragrance of spring. This was the first time in four years that the soldiers of Unit 69 had shouldered Uncle Ho’s body on a long journey like this.
When everyone emerged from the glass house where Uncle Ho’s body were kept, domestic and wild chickens began to crow. The relocation task was completed, marking the fifth relocation of Uncle Ho’s body. In the future, when the country is fully unified, comrade Vu Ky recounted the arduous journeys, crossing rivers, mountains, staying in forests, and caves with Uncle Ho’s body after His passing. Many people couldn't hold back their tears upon hearing these stories.
Meanwhile, in the morning of the day after Tet, the officers and soldiers of Unit 69, having completed their task in the fifth relocation, immediately thought about the sixth relocation, which was sure to be the final one: welcoming Uncle Ho back to the capital, back to his eternal home, now being finalized by architects through the last design drafts, and construction forces gearing up for the groundbreaking ceremony.
IV. PREPARATIONS OF THE MAUSOLEUM CONSTRUCTION
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After President Ho Chi Minh passed away, the construction of the Mausoleum became a pressing issue. People and soldiers nationwide desired a final resting place for him, reflecting his contributions and great achievements for the country, which allowed future generations to visit and learn from the pathway by the Party and President Ho Chi Minh. Visitors from various places had the opportunity to visit the Mausoleum to pay respects to President Ho Chi Minh – the outstanding revolutionary leader of the national liberation, the global communist movement, and the working class movement.
Immediately after the well-organized and solemn funeral ceremonies for President Ho Chi Minh, the Planning Committee A, consisting of comrades Nguyen Luong Bang, Tran Quoc Hoan, Phung The Tai, etc., studied the zoning plan for preserving President Ho Chi Minh’s body and building his Mausoleum.
In the meeting on the morning of November 29, 1969, the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee discussed and decided:
- With infinite love and eternal gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh, we must try our best to preserve his body and build his Mausoleum. All efforts must be made for timely completion of construction, allowing visitors to enter the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh in 1971.
- All activities related to President Ho Chi Minh’s body must comply with his style: purity and simplicity, and distance-free to the citizens.
Therefore, his pillow and mattress should be white, and the clothing made of khaki fabric, following the style he wore while alive. A thin blanket should cover him from the abdomen to the end of both feet, using either a fabric or light-colored wool blanket, with both hands placed on the blanket. Nothing else should be placed in the coffin. His shoes should be placed in a separate small glass case.
III. It is a must to comprehend and meet the following requirements when designing the Mausoleum:
- Ensure the long-term preservation of President Ho Chi Minh’s body, protecting against harmful climate and weather changes, with anticipated plans for safety, defense against war and sabotage, etc.
- Modernity and solemnity yet simplicity must go along with the national traditions.
- Ensure convenience for people, officials, and foreign visitors, with a continuous and durable structure.
- Place President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum in the historic area of Ba Dinh.
- Promote negotiations with the Soviet Union for their assistance in the long-term preservation of President Ho Chi Minh’s body and the construction of his Mausoleum.
The Political Bureau also decided:
The Planning Committee A would continue to monitor and take care of the assigned general tasks.
The Central Military Commission would be responsible for the long-term protection of President Ho Chi Minh’s body.
The Ministry of Architecture would play a primary role in the construction of the Mausoleum, ensuring a well-executed and prompt design process, urgently initiating tasks so that the Political Bureau can approve the design proposal, the Mausoleum model, and the construction plan early.
From January 09 to January 23, 1970, the Soviet Government sent a delegation to Vietnam to discuss the design of President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. The delegation, led by Comrade KZhukov, the economic liaison representative with foreign countries under the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union, consisted of seven members, including representatives from the Institute of Design Research of the Moscow Construction Organization, the Institute of Sanitary Engineering, the Institute of Refrigeration Engineering, etc.
The Vietnamese delegation, consisting of 12 comrades from the Ministry of Architecture and the Combat engineer headquarters, included four military officers:
- Senior Lieutenant Colonel Tran Ba Dang, Deputy Commander of the Engineer Corps.
- Lieutenant Colonel Luong Soan, Head of the Construction Department of the General Department of Engineers.
- Captain Nguyen Trong Quyen, Head of the Design Department of the Construction Division.
- Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Gia Quyen, military doctor, in charge of preserving President Ho Chi Minh’s body.
Our delegation informed the Soviet about the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee’s decision to construct President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi. The requirements for this project were outlined in the draft "design mission" prepared by Vietnam.
Soviet experts shared the decision of the Soviet Government to provide technical assistance in the design, construction, and equipment of President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. An agreement between the two governments on Soviet assistance to Vietnam in building the Mausoleum would be signed in Moscow, as agreed between the two countries.
During the discussions, Soviet experts meticulously studied the sketches and models of the Mausoleum, addressing each aspect outlined in the draft "design mission" prepared by Vietnam. The practical experiences gained through the construction and preservation of Lenin's Mausoleum in the Soviet Union were generously shared by Soviet experts with our officials, contributing valuable insights to enhance and complete the draft "design mission" for President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum.
In just a short week, Soviet and Vietnamese experts jointly drafted the "Draft Design Mission for President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum." On October 19, 1970, this draft was approved at a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee, marking the first historic milestone in the design preparation phase of the Mausoleum.
The content of the "design mission" met the requirements set by the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee: The Mausoleum, the Square, and the Memorial Area for President Ho Chi Minh within the Presidential Palace compound constitute a unified historical architectural ensemble, with the Mausoleum being the centerpiece. The architectural sketch of the Mausoleum reflected national characteristics, modernity, solemnity, and simplicity.
The grandeur, solemnity, and eternity of the project would somewhat fulfill the aspirations of the people and friends for the contributions and great career of President Ho Chi Minh.
However, with the desire for President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum to be a perfect work, expressing reverence for him and the enduring friendship between the Vietnamese and Soviet peoples, both sides agreed that the relevant Soviet design agencies could make necessary additions to the "design mission." Subsequently, they would communicate and reach an agreement with the Vietnamese side. Original data necessary for the design from Vietnam would be promptly collected and sent to Moscow within two weeks after the Soviet delegation left Hanoi. Vietnam would also send some architects and engineers from key technical sectors to the Soviet Union to participate in technical design.
Both sides agreed to undertake the construction of President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum using the combined efforts of Vietnamese technical officials and workers, with technical support from Soviet experts in construction, installation, and adjustment, tasks that Vietnam was not fully equipped to handle.
Vietnam would provide the liberated and cleared construction site, electricity and water supply, construction machinery, transportation, and domestically available materials.
The first meeting and collaboration between the two delegations left a positive impression, fostering a deep sense of camaraderie between the two Parties and the peoples of both nations towards the beloved President Ho Chi Minh. This initial outcome also provided favorable conditions for future collaboration.
Before the Soviet delegation departed, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong met and conversed with them. The Prime Minister inquired about the health of the delegation leader and its members, emphasizing the great significance of preserving President Ho Chi Minh’s body and constructing his Mausoleum. He expressed gratitude for the readiness of the Soviet Party, State, and people to assist Vietnam in realizing these aspirations, welcoming the positive results achieved during their collaboration.
On January 23, 1970, the working minutes between the two delegations were signed.
Following the directive of Comrade Do Muoi, the Ministry of Architecture was tasked with continuing the study and improvement of the Mausoleum's design, the layout plan, searching for and determining domestically available construction materials, and preparing for the organization of exploitation to meet the construction schedule. The military was assigned to participate in the architectural design, especially proposing technical requirements to ensure the absolute safety of the body in all situations.
Through extraordinary efforts from architects, engineers, technical officials, and close guidance from leaders at all levels, just over a month later, the "comprehensive design" plan for the Mausoleum was completed and approved by the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee.
From March 19 to May 06, 1970, a delegation of three architects from Vietnam was sent to the Soviet Union to continue working with their counterparts. The delegation was allowed to bring the preliminary approved design plan.
Upon arrival in Moscow, they were informed that five alternative plans for the overall arrangement of the Mausoleum had been prepared. These plans closely resembled the one brought by the Vietnamese delegation. The tremendous amount of work done by the Soviet side not only demonstrated a serious and advanced scientific and technical approach but also reflected the special sentiments of the Soviet people towards the beloved Ho Chi Minh.
Based on the existing plans from both delegations, a joint plan was developed, enhancing technical solutions suitable for Vietnam's tropical climate. According to this plan, the central air conditioning system's room size increased from 400m2 to 750m2. The main machinery within the Mausoleum had a reserve capacity of over 100%, ensuring continuous operation 24/7 under any circumstances.
The "preliminary design" of the "Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum" project was given the code name "Construction Site 75808." This document would be printed for approval by the Party Central Committee and the Vietnamese Government.
From May 15 to May 28, 1970, a presentation and defense of the "preliminary design" plan by the authors took place in Hanoi. The Soviet delegation, led by Comrade Xa Mo-din, the representative of the Economic Liaison Committee, the Soviet Union's foreign representative in Vietnam, headed the delegation. The delegation also included Comrade Lxacovich, chief architect of the project, and Baco, chief engineer of the project.
Comrade Bui Quang Tao, a Central Committee member, Minister of Architecture responsible for reviewing and evaluating the design plans, is to report to the Political Bureau and the Council of Ministers.
The military delegation participating in the discussions includes comrades:
- Phung The Tai, Deputy Chief of General Staff.
- Kinh Chi, representing the General Political Department.
- Tran Ba Dang, Combat engineer headquarters and other assisting officers.
The working minutes of the two delegations clearly state that the "preliminary design" has been presented with high professional competence, quality, and alignment with the "design mission" approved on January 19, 1970. Particularly, Vietnam supports option 4 as the best choice.
This assessment is a significant reward for the collective efforts of Soviet and Vietnamese authors after many nights of diligent, intelligent, and serious labor. People are eagerly awaiting the approval of the Central Committee of our Party.
During this time, news of the Central Committee's decision to build the Mausoleum for President Ho Chi Minh has quickly spread to all layers of the population across the country. Every Vietnamese person wishes to have the opportunity to physically visit the resting place of Uncle Ho. Many letters from different regions, from both North and South Vietnam, and even from countless overseas Vietnamese express their willingness to contribute in any small way to fulfill this noble purpose.
In response to the people's wishes, the Central Committee decided to delay the approval of the "preliminary design" for four to five months to organize a creative session for designing different models of the Mausoleum and display these models for public input. Option 4, approved by the Central Committee, is displayed along with other options for the public to choose.
The campaign to create designs for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum received widespread support from all layers of the domestic population and the Vietnamese diaspora, overseas students, and Vietnamese officials working abroad. In just three months, from late May 1970 to the end of August 1970, the organizing committee received over 200 different design proposals from 16 units, sectors, and many individuals. The organizing committee formed a preliminary selection council and chose 24 designs with the most advantages to be displayed for public input.
To facilitate the public, officials, and soldiers in visiting the exhibition and providing feedback, the organizing committee simultaneously held displays in five locations in the North: Hanoi, Hai Phong, Thai Nguyen, Son La, and Nghe An.
In Hanoi, the exhibition hall at Trang Tien Information House opened on September 02, 1970, marking the 25th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh reading the Declaration of Independence and the end of October 30, 1970. Despite continuous opening for two months, the exhibition was crowded with visitors until the last days.
By the closing moment, the number of visitors reached 462,499, with 22,518 people providing feedback. People from different professions, educational backgrounds, and ages all showed great respect and attentiveness, eagerly listening to the presentations of each design. Everyone hoped to contribute some ideas to make the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum more beautiful and better.
In Nghe An, President Ho Chi Minh's hometown, the exhibition opened from September 03 to October 30, 1970, attracting 23,766 visitors and receiving 1,526 opinions. The atmosphere in Sen Village during those days was unusually lively, with people from all over coming to visit. Even elderly people with silver hair, who were once members of the "Red Scarf" youth organization, walked with canes to the exhibition hall. Some military units, before heading to the front line, considered the opportunity to visit the Mausoleum a reward for crossing the "heaven's gate," traversing the Truong Son to fulfill Uncle Ho's command "Fight to shut down Americans, fight to collapse the puppet South government."
In Thai Nguyen, from October 01 to November 05, 1970, the exhibition welcomed 66,084 visitors from various ethnic groups in the autonomous region of Viet Bac, with 2,864 opinions.
The exhibition in Son La opened from October 01 to November 01, 1970, attracting 26,623 visitors from the Northwestern ethnic groups, with 1,069 people providing feedback. People from the Northwest expressed their sincere and emotional feelings. Many people entering the exhibition hall burst into tears. They spoke briefly: "The Thai, Meo people are looking forward to fulfilling the wishes, seeing a timely and wonderful construction of the Mausoleum"
The exhibition in the city of Hai Phong opened the latest (on October 02, 1970) and closed the latest (on November 08, 1970). In the days of opening, it welcomed 164,565 visitors, officials, and soldiers from the Port City and the Coastal Region who came to visit. There were 6,035 opinions contributing.
The exhibition and selection of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum model achieved excellent results. It attracted 745,487 visitors, and 34,022 people provided feedback. Among them were 5,477 opinions from officers and soldiers of the People's Army. This also reflects a special sentiment of our officers, soldiers, and people towards Uncle Ho - the beloved Father of our armed forces.
During the design selection phase for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, our military only participated with two design models. These were among the top five designs with the highest votes in the exhibitions: option 1 from the Civil Design Institute under the Ministry of Architecture (preliminarily approved by the leadership); option 10 from the Planning Design Institute of Urban and Rural Areas under the Ministry of Architecture; option 13 by some officials from the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Metallurgy, and the University of Construction as "co-authors"; and options 15 and 16 from the military.
Every nation has its unique way of commemorating its heroes and generals, reflected in distinctive memorial architectural structures that symbolize the historical figure's role and position in society. For nearly 5,000 years, people still marvel at the Egyptian Pyramids - the tombs of the Pharaohs' dynasty. The Great Pyramid of Khufu was built with over two million stones, each weighing over two tons. The pyramid is 148 meters tall and remains the tallest structure in the world. It was not until 1889 that the Eiffel Tower of France broke this record.
At the beginning of the 20th century, in Rome, a monument commemorating the first emperor of unified Italy was inaugurated after 25 years of construction. It had large dimensions, featuring a huge colonnade with 60 columns and a wide staircase leading up. A few years later, in Washington, D.C, a monument honoring Abraham Lincoln was built in the form of an ancient Greek temple, surrounded by 36 large columns.
Lenin's Mausoleum attracted the attention of designers. The main part of the Mausoleum is a symbolic square representing eternity. On top of the Mausoleum is a three-tiered pyramid. The overall form is still a stepped pyramid. The top is arranged in the form of a coffin placed on black wooden columns. The layout completes the main block, expressing the idea of eternal remembrance.
Option 1, with its distinctive features, has been chosen for the construction of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. The main structure of the Mausoleum is placed on a three-step stair, which is familiar in Vietnamese architectural style. The body of the Mausoleum resembles a simple five-sided house. The three-step stairs are reiterated in the roof of the Mausoleum. The sloping roof suggests the familiarity of the village communal house or the shrines of national heroes.
In option 10, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is conceived as an architectural complex, serving as a gate and also as a ceremonial platform for major events. Visitors coming to pay respects to Ho Chi Minh will enter through the gate, passing through a garden, a lake, and scenic trees before reaching the resting place of Ho Chi Minh. According to the author's argument, this option would add more solemnity to the Mausoleum, aligning with the customs and traditions of Vietnam. Overall, the architectural lines reflect the characteristics of East Asia, with many ornate decorations removed to stay true to the ancestral heritage.
Option 13 draws inspiration from a folk verse: "Thap Muoi is the most picturesque lotus flower fields" connecting Ho Chi Minh's birthplace in Sen Village, Nghe An Province.
The Mausoleum is depicted as a stylized lotus flower in the middle of a lotus pond. Some argue against this option, stating that using the lotus as a symbol for Ho Chi Minh's life might not be entirely accurate, as the lotus has strong associations with Buddhism. The abstract and decorative nature of the lotus is not immediately recognizable to many.
Option 15, proposed by the Military Commanders' group, includes the architectural ensemble of the Mausoleum, the gate, and the garden. The main part of the Mausoleum, where Ho Chi Minh rests, takes the form of a three-sectioned house with a three-tiered pedestal. In particular, the military designers have created two sloping paths for the entrance to facilitate comrades and veterans using wheelchairs to visit Ho Chi Minh.
Option 16, from the Basic Design Bureau of the General Department of Logistics, presents a unique idea. In the area of Ba Dinh, a man-made mountain (about 1,000,000 m³ of soil) is built to construct Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum on top. The design resembles a traditional tower on the mountain. Surrounding the Mausoleum are a lake and trees. Many people agree with this option, believing it aligns with the ancestral temples (like the Temple of the Hung Kings) in our country. Every year, people will come here to plant trees in remembrance of Ho Chi Minh. From a distance, people can already see Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. The tower design evokes the scenery of Ho Chi Minh at work and in life. Some dissenting opinions argue that the tower looks like the "Constellation of Literature pavilion," and the delicate lines do not match the modernity of the structure below. Perhaps when Ho Chi Minh was alive, composing poetry in a simple and natural environment, it was more appropriate.
"Moonlight in the window, where’s the poem? Soldiers are on tasks, poems will be added soon”
On the other hand, creating a mountain in the heart of the capital is challenging which minimizes the chance of visiting for the elderly, young children, and handicaps."
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In addition to specific contributions to the presented options, there are also 6,627 general opinions. Some individuals are not satisfied with any of the displayed options, believing that further research is needed, and the design competition for Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum should continue. There are diverse opinions regarding the location of the Mausoleum. Some suggest placing it in the Presidential Garden near the stilt house, while others propose positioning it in front of the Presidential Palace, close to the former military academy. Some opinions suggest building the Mausoleum near Tam Dao, close to the Hung Temple, or in Ho Chi Minh's hometown. Several voices advocate preserving the old Ba Dinh Square as a commemorative site. Others propose separating the main block of the Mausoleum from the square to enhance its solemnity. Some recommend orienting the Mausoleum to the south, in line with Vietnamese house-building customs and reflecting Ho Chi Minh's affection for the people in the southern part of the country.
Letters from compatriots, soldiers from various armed forces, and overseas Vietnamese – those who did not have the opportunity to view the Mausoleum models – have been sent to the Exhibition Organizing Committee, providing diverse perspectives:
Comrade Nguyen Trong Hiep, a military officer with postal address 47-170-OR, suggests constructing the "Uncle Ho’s Mountain." He writes, "Uncle Ho's life is intertwined with the nation's history and the struggle of those oppressed worldwide. Propose creating the “Uncle Ho’s Mountain” as a unique work of our nation and a unique work globally."
The concept involves carving a mountain into a sculpture of Ho Chi Minh using calculated explosions. The design features simple lines to represent Bac's style, creating a unique sculpture that turns the area into a scenic spot in Vietnam, incorporating various artworks with political and historical significance, reflecting the Party's struggle, the nation's history, and the international communist movement.
Mr. Kim Cuc, a retired official in Hamlet I, Lao Cai town, despite facing serious illness, suggests his idea in an emotionally touching letter: "The South is forever in Uncle Ho’s heart, so the facade of the Mausoleum should look toward the South. Uncle Ho set out to travel across the five continents and four oceans, seeking ways of salvaging the nation. Therefore, the Mausoleum of Uncle Ho should be designed as a global home, gathering colored bricks forming a world map. The Mausoleum's entrance should be adorned with various types of flowers, it’s essential to plant flowers of “life plant” symbolizing the everlasting career of Uncle Ho."
Mr. Dinh Lenh, 40 years old, a member of the Rang Dong handicraft cooperative in Quang Yen town, after being informed about the Mausoleum model exhibition in Hai Phong, reflected on the suggestions made by local residents. On November 10, 1970, he wrote a letter to the Central Executive Committee and the Government Council. In his letter, he questioned, "What can we do to appreciate the dedication of Uncle Ho and the Party, fullfilling our little wishes?" After a month of contemplation, he sketched several models of houses, carefully selecting trees suitable for Bac's character. He wanted to submit this proposal to the Central Party and the Government for consideration. He said, "If it is not accepted, I will keep it at home as a form of worship. Uncle Ho will forever be in our family's soul."
Mr. Tran Nhat Thong, an official at the Directorate of Fisheries, sent his Mausoleum design to the office of the first Secretary of the Central Executive Committee on October 20, 1970. According to him, the models in the exhibition need to reflect the deep national and solemn characteristics, which are the two main requirements for Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. The author suggested supplementing the Mausoleum's construction philosophy with historical significance.
He analyzed Uncle’s life and proposed modeling the Mausoleum after the Pac Bo cave to build it with a simple but profound design. He referred to four meaningful lines from Uncle Ho's poetry:
"Mountains distant, waters wide,
Vastness defines this scenic pride.
Lenin's stream, and Mac's grand height,
Two hands unite, a majestic sight."
He emphasized the need to incorporate this compact landscape into the Mausoleum to enrich its meaning and enhance its majestic solemnity.
In his proposal, there is a group of statues with the significance that Bac Ho is always close to and leads all layers of the population – "Unity - Combat - Production - Learning." These statues encourage all generations of Vietnamese people to continue striving for the revolutionary cause that Uncle Ho outlined.
Mrs. Phung Thi Cuc, a Vietnamese expatriate in Paris, sent a letter and a model of the Mausoleum for the organizing committee's review. In her model, a sword without a blade is placed above all. On the left side, a child hugs a coffin, and on the right side, another child rests their head on a pile of books. The model represents the idea that President Ho Chi Minh favored peace and loved children.
Mr. Dang Dau, a student in the architecture department in Sofia (Bulgaria), wrote a letter from abroad, providing detailed descriptions of the Dimitrov Mausoleum for reference at home.
International fellows have shown considerable interest in the exhibition of Mausoleum models. The director of the Novosti News Agency (Soviet Union) in Hanoi wrote a letter requesting a meeting with the exhibition's leadership to gather information.
The Mausoleum model exhibition has been remarkably successful. The decision to mobilize the public to participate in designing and displaying to gather people's opinions is both appropriate and insightful. The multitude of opinions and suggestions reflects the immense, diverse, and rich wisdom of the people. A significant number of opinions favor the selection of design option 1, with 1,326 suggestions proposing to incorporate the essence of other options to complement and modify this design. The Political Bureau has instructed designers to seriously study and incorporate these public opinions to improve the preliminary design. However, the time for collecting public opinions is limited for a project of such historical significance, not fully satisfying everyone's expectations. Many proposals and alternative designs are still emerging, requiring additional investment and time for development. Yet, the desire to complete the Mausoleum project promptly is a significant demand from the public. Time cannot be prolonged further.
On August 14, 1970, the Government Council convened and issued a resolution establishing the Committee in charge of constructing Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, with Comrade Do Muoi, Deputy Prime Minister, directly overseeing all necessary tasks.
Just ten days after the Mausoleum model exhibition ended, a Vietnamese delegation, carrying the "preliminary design," synthesized with public opinions, traveled to the Soviet Union to work with their counterparts. The delegation, led by Comrade Nguyen Ngoc Chan, the Head of the Civil Design Institute at the Ministry of Architecture, included Captain Nguyen Trong Quyen, a military design officer and one of the authors of the "preliminary design."
After three weeks of lively and urgent discussions between the two sides, the "preliminary design" proposed by the Vietnamese delegation was accepted. However, with professional experience and economic senses, the Soviet side suggested various improvements: making the Mausoleum's roof lighter and more elegant, balancing the proportions of the main block, and separating the two secondary platforms to enhance the Mausoleum's solemnity. In Moscow, the delegation received a telegram from Vietnam informing them that the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee had agreed to your proposed improvements.
The military suggested the need for an additional power source for the Mausoleum and reinforced security measures through technical means. They recommended placing the staircase to the medicine room in the rear hall more discreetly. The delegation reported this, and your approval was obtained to include the creation of a "special chamber" in the design task. This special chamber ensures that, in wartime situations, the body remain intact, withstand various types of bombs, and resist vibrations caused by explosions on the ground. The delegation requested equipment that has been tropicalized and standardized for ease of maintenance and replacement. They also asked you to ensure clear visibility of the body, with the coffin glass capable of withstanding high mechanical stresses, preventing any unforeseen circumstances while ensuring absolute safety.
All the delegation's requests and additions were agreed upon by you. The results of these discussions were reported to the governments of Vietnam and the Soviet Union. This paved the way for both countries to sign a legally binding agreement aimed at expediting the preparation and construction of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum.
On February 09, 1971, in Moscow, the "Agreement between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Soviet Socialist Republics in Soviet Technical Assistance to Vietnam in Preserving the body of President Ho Chi Minh and Building His Mausoleum" was officially signed by Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Nghi and Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Novikov.
The agreement stated, "Through relevant Soviet organizations, the Government of the Soviet Union, the signatory party, will provide dedicated priceless technical assistance to the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in preserving the body of President Ho Chi Minh and constructing his Mausoleum in Hanoi, with the specified mass and time limits detailed in the attached appendix to this Agreement."
"Through relevant Vietnamese organizations, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam will ensure the implementation of the construction of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, with the technical assistance of Soviet experts."
From then until the official release of the preliminary and technical design, it was an elaborate, enduring, and highly responsible process for both the Vietnamese and Soviet delegations. Each time the Vietnamese delegation went to the Soviet Union for further work, they found their counterparts deeply immersed in their tasks, and the unexpected and touching achievements were visible. Every document, no matter how small, was meticulously discussed. The Soviet Party, Government, and people devoted their intellect and talents to this work, assigning leading officials and talented experts, such as architect Isaakovich Gavron, a renowned architect who had received a national award, to lead the design team. The Soviet Construction Company in Moscow took charge of design organization, construction, and assigned experts to assist the Vietnamese. A reputable specialized institute took responsibility for the design of the fire protection system. The Soviet Engineer Corps undertook special protective measures. The Space Research Institute designed and manufactured the coffin equipment, and so on.
With utmost respect and gratitude towards President Ho Chi Minh, the Party, Government, and people of Vietnam selected outstanding officials, soldiers, and workers for the monumental task of building the Mausoleum.
On November 03, 1971, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong signed an official decision to establish the Steering Committee for the construction of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. The committee consisted of:
- Comrade Do Muoi, Deputy Prime Minister: Head of the Committee.
- Comrade Bui Quang Tao, Minister of Architecture: Deputy Head of the Committee.
- Comrade Phung The Tai, Deputy Chief of General Staff: Member.
On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Do Muoi signed a decision establishing the Commanding Committee for the construction of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (with the code name Construction Site 75808), led by architect Vuong Quoc My, Deputy Minister of Architecture. According to this decision, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Tran Ba Dang, Combat engineer, was appointed as the first deputy commander of the construction site, and Lieutenant Colonel Luong Soan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Engineer Corps, was appointed as the deputy commander of the construction site.
From December 03, 1971, to December 31, 1971, in Hanoi, an official review of the technical design of the Mausoleum took place. The Soviet delegation, led by comrade Vodochinhin, the authorized representative of the General Technical Directorate and the Economic and Foreign Relations Liaison Committee of the Soviet Union, headed the review. The Vietnamese delegation, consisting of 14 comrades led by Comrade Nguyen Ngoc Chan, with Comrades Luong Soan (deputy head), Nguyen Tu So, Nguyen Trong Quyen, Bui Danh Chieu, Nguyen Trung Thanh, Tran Quoc Dan as military officers participating. The delegation's task was to review the technical design presented, provide additional comments before submitting it to the Political Bureau.
Both sides confirmed that the technical design was based on the previously approved design tasks and preliminary designs by the Communist Party and the Government of Vietnam. They also agreed to make specific amendments to ensure appropriateness.
The Soviet Union would provide construction drawings for the project within 12 months and supply equipment and materials within 27 months from the date the Communist Party and Government of Vietnam approved this technical design.
Vietnam affirmed that the preparation for construction would be completed by August 1972, and construction would commence in September 1972.
On December 31, 1971, approved by the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee, the Standing Committee of the Council of Ministers signed a decision endorsing the aforementioned technical design.
After two years of preparation, the intelligence of the leadership, the serious and enthusiastic spirit of the collective of Vietnamese-Soviet scientists and engineers, along with the profound contributions of the general public, resulted in a fundamental technical document for Uncle Ho's Mausoleum. It set the direction for all future work.
The construction management board of the Mausoleum also affirmed its determination to inaugurate the Mausoleum on September 02, 1973. The Combat engineer headquarters was assigned the task of being the "A" party of the project (the managing party after completion) and responsible for assembling all interior equipment. This was a high level of trust and a significant task assigned by the Party and the State to the military.
The Combat engineer headquarters assigned the Combat engineer headquarters to organize the construction force, coordinate with the Ministry's agencies to select outstanding officers, soldiers, and technical workers from various services and branches across the military.
With the approval of the General Staff, the Combat engineer headquarters decided to immediately establish a medium-sized framework battalion for the assembly unit, named Engineer Brigade 259B. The initial officers of the unit came from Engineer Brigade 259 - a reliable construction engineer battalion of the engineering branch - which had previously built top-secret projects for the Party, Government, and the military during the war. Comrades Nguyen Van Ty, battalion commander; Van Dinh Khanh, political commissar; Ngo Van Hien, Political Committee chairman; Nguyen Trong Quyen, Chief of Staff; and comrades Nguyen Duc Nghi, Ma Van Loc, Nguyen Trung Thanh, Bui Danh Chieu, Tran Quoc Dan were among the first officers of Engineer Brigade 259B.
The most urgent and challenging task was to coordinate with the Ministry's agencies such as the Personnel Department and the Security Department to immediately select officers (especially technical officers) from various services and branches to supplement the unit. The selection process was extremely strict, considering the political background, integrity, qualities, and capabilities of the candidates for this new, heavy, and sacred task.
Initially, the organizers had to meet with the prospective applicants in person. Meeting in person took a significant amount of time. From December 1971 to April 1972, an additional eight officials for the Department of Intelligence and the Air Defense - Air Force were chosen. A handful of non-commissioned officers and soldiers were also recruited to serve in the agency.
On February 28, 1972, Engineer Brigade 259B - the unit responsible for assembling the Mausoleum's machinery - was officially established, also known as the Ba Dinh Unit because it was established to carry out a sacred mission on Ba Dinh Square.
The selected officers here were fully aware of their responsibilities and honors. Many comrades, before coming to the new unit, only knew they were assigned to a special mission. The total number of officers at this time was only 20 comrades. Although few in number, their workload was extensive and unprecedented. They researched the technical design sent by the Soviet Union, calculated the workload, discussed construction solutions, planned the necessary construction equipment, estimated the labor force, organized the workforce, and repaired the barracks. These first officers worked with enthusiasm and excitement, preparing the necessary conditions for themselves and future comrades to complete the upcoming mission.
On February 05, 1972, the Prime Minister issued an official decision assigning tasks to officers, departments, and localities participating in the construction of Project 75808, with the key forces being the Ministry of Architecture and the Ministry of National Defense.
The assigned forces quickly arrived at the square to arrange all tasks according to their functions. Ba Dinh Square was unusually lively. From postal workers and park employees to architectural engineers with white caps, and engineers in military uniforms, everyone enthusiastically met, mingled, and cooperated to create the most favorable conditions for each other to complete the mission.
At Engineer Brigade 259B, even during meals and breaks, discussions about work were ongoing. Night after night, heads gathered for calculations and worries. News of victorious battles from the South poured in, inspiring officers and soldiers, urging them to use every available moment to ensure that the people of the South could visit Uncle Ho.
However, amid these events, an unexpected incident occurred that left them stunned and angry. Despite suffering a devastating defeat in the war, facing strong condemnation from the progressive forces worldwide, and deep internal divisions, the United States imperialists sought to find a way out through bombing in Vietnam. On April 16, 1972, Nixon ordered the resumption of bombing in the North, causing severe damage to Hai Phong and Hanoi. Subsequently, they blockaded the ports of Hai Phong and other northern seaports.
After reviewing all aspects, the Political Bureau decided to temporarily halt the construction of the Mausoleum according to the schedule. Our government also informed the Soviet government of this decision, bringing all ongoing work to a halt. Our country once again faced new challenges: the war spreading across the country. The people of the North concentrated their efforts to defeat the destructive air and naval warfare by the United States, increasing human and material support for the battlefield. The Southern troops and people continued launching significant campaigns against the escalating enemy offensive.
The extremely brave fight of the troops and people of both North and South to fulfill the sacred call of Uncle Ho - "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom... Hanoi, Hai Phong... may be destroyed... but our people are determined not to be afraid. On the day of victory, our people will build our country more dignified and beautiful."
The officers and soldiers of the unit constructing Uncle Ho's Mausoleum during these days were restless and uneasy. What to do, while the entire nation was boiling with excitement? How long should they wait? Some suggested disbanding the unit. Some requested to go to the front line, and others wanted to return to their previous units. Faced with this situation, the Central Military Commission still decided to maintain this core force, continuing preparations so that when the time came, there would be a force to act immediately. This was a very wise and visionary directive. The reality, about eight months later, proved the correctness of this decision. Without this "cushion" force, it would have been impossible to smoothly continue the construction of the Mausoleum after the signing of the Paris Agreement.
The work after the decision to postpone the construction of the Mausoleum was also urgent and complex. The unit initiated a brief political activity, defined tasks, and stabilized the ideology for all officers and soldiers. Subsequently, there were days of urgently digging trenches, practicing firefighting, and ensuring the safety of the camp. The unit continued to study the technical design, discussing construction options right inside the tunnels. The alarm sirens of the city mingled with the roar of enemy planes, the sounds of gunfire from both sides, urging the determination to complete the unit's mission. During 12 intensive days of "Dien Bien Phu in the air" campaign in Hanoi, the unit faced fierce battles. To ensure the absolute safety of the troops, the higher-ups ordered the unit to evacuate. However, in the evacuation area, officers and soldiers continued to work diligently.
The second U.S attack on the North was just a temporary disruption of the schedule for building the Mausoleum, but it was impossible to interrupt the preparation efforts of the officers and soldiers of the Ba Dinh Unit. Their motto during this time was: "Difficulties are ways to upgrade," preparing thoroughly to shorten the construction time.
On October 25, 1972, Comrade Le Quang Dao, representing the Central Military Commission and the General Political Department, met with the officials in charge of building the Mausoleum. After recalling the tasks assigned to our military in constructing President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Comrade Le Quang Dao emphasized: The military must, together with the Ministry of Construction, propose issues in the design, making it suitable for our construction conditions, usage, and storage. Combine this with the construction task to train a team of skilled officers, technical workers to serve in the long run within the military. Comrade Le Quang Dao stressed: "President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is a special project, so the organization must be special. Officers, workers, and technical personnel involved in building the Mausoleum must have high political quality, excellent technical skills, health, and cultural qualifications to quickly absorb scientific knowledge and serve for the long term." Comrade Le Quang Dao's encouragement made everyone excited, understanding the heavy responsibility ahead but also the glory. Their determination was reinforced to overcome the challenges and obstacles.
During the first bombing raid in April 1972 in Hanoi, the U.S. air force indiscriminately bombed both military and civilian targets. A missile hit the Presidential Palace, causing some damage. This made the leaders think about protecting President Ho Chi Minh's stilt house. On April 18, 1972, comrades Hoang Van Thai, Kinh Chi, Tran Ba Dang assigned the Engineer Brigade 259B the task of implementing measures to ensure the safety of Uncle Ho's stilt house. On April 20, 1972, the unit began construction, and they performed this task with deep respect for Uncle Ho, completing it excellently.
During the B-52 bombings in Hanoi at the end of 1972, the traffic situation in the capital was extremely tense. Many roads into the city were bombed, making them impassable. There were bomb craters scattered around, remnants of delayed-action bombs from the enemy. Military officers and soldiers proficient in bomb disposal from the Engineer Brigade 259B were mobilized to participate in the campaign to clear traffic, ready to rescue and clear the road, defuse delayed-action bombs. The hardworking, intelligent, and brave labor of these soldiers gained the admiration of the people in the capital and especially the officers and workers of the railway.
The officers and soldiers assigned to the Engineer Brigade 259B for the construction of the Mausoleum during this time faced a period of many fluctuations and obstacles. However, it was precisely through this that their courage was tested and tempered. In every situation and place, they proved to be firm and reliable, deserving to be the "core" force, the "support" for the preparation and construction of the Mausoleum later on. A strength had been formed in them to seize the most favorable opportunity that would come to them, to the whole people, and the entire army throughout the country. It was at the time when our enemies had exhausted all their cunning and most brutal schemes but still couldn't find a way out, forcing them to sign the Paris Agreement.
V. A TYPICAL DAY ON BA DINH SQUARE
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On January 28, 1973, the news of the signing of the Paris Agreement was announced on the Voice of Vietnam radio. In the evacuation area, the officers and soldiers of the Ba Dinh Unit could not hold up from being touched. Some jumped for joy, some rushed to hug their comrades, some held the transistor radio, listening repeatedly to the announcer's words, choked with tears... Alongside the national good news of the nation, the comrades also had their own wordless emotions. After countless sleepless nights, looking at Hanoi with scenes of bombs exploding, fires burning, the roar of enemy planes, everyone's hearts seemed to tighten, and everyone wanted to share the fire with their compatriots and comrades. Everyone wanted to return to Hanoi soon to continue their unfinished work. Wishes have been finally satisfied.
At exactly 10AM, the unit received orders to urgently return to the capital. Along the way, on trees, rooftops, lamp posts... the national flags, in half-green and half-red fluttered, numerous flags were hung on cars and bicycles along the road.
The committee in charge of the Mausoleum’s construction held an emergency meeting on the evening of January 29, 1973. Comrade Do Muoi, after conveying the directives of Comrade Truong Chinh, reminded the construction forces: "No rest and no delays are allowed." The preparation of forces was extremely urgent. In addition to the workforce from the Ministry of Construction, the state would mobilize additional personnel from various sectors and localities. The installation of machinery and equipment would be undertaken by the Combat engineer headquarters, and if there was a shortage of personnel, they could be mobilized from other sectors and localities. The state would send a letter requesting the Soviet Union to resume all construction work on the Mausoleum as previously agreed.
In the atmosphere of outstanding victory, the whole system was restarted in a hurry. Everyone started working with their best, aiming at high productivity to compensate for the previous time.
The first deployment of the Ba Dinh Unit was to participate in maintaining Uncle Ho's stilt house. Despite the enemy's repeated bombing of Hanoi, the stilt house was in safe hands. Uncle Ton, comrades Truong Chinh, Hoang Quoc Viet, Vo Nguyen Giap... visited the construction site and encouraged the unit's officers and soldiers. With a relaxed demeanor and a radiant smile, Comrade Truong Chinh said: "This meaningful task you are performing truly adds a 'landmark' in your life." Officers and soldiers felt touched by the dedication of the leaders.
The selection of personnel from various military branches was elevated. The Combat engineer headquarters assigned targets to each military branch, ensuring that selection adhered to the specified standards.
Those comrades selected to participate in building Uncle Ho's Mausoleum were indeed the pride of the unit. They were deeply touched by the dedication of the unit's officers and soldiers. The farewell parties, the words of advice and guidance from commanding officers and leaders, the camaraderie... were truly memorable and encouraging moments for them, embarking on the new struggle they were honored to participate in. Until now, many officers and soldiers still recall those unforgettable and sacred moments. Soldiers of 4th Military zone will never forget the incense-offering ceremony at Uncle Ho's residence before heading to Hanoi. Viet Bac Military zone organized a trip to the local revolutionary museum as a reminder of a place once called the "cradle of the revolution." Countless touching moments were still untold!
For our military, the signing of the Paris Agreement did not eliminate the burden on the shoulders of the armed forces. The armed forces in the North still had to maintain high vigilance and firmly hold their weapons. The task of liberating the South, achieving independence, national reunification, and territorial integrity for the homeland remained the top political priority of the military. Therefore, despite consistent efforts, the military still was unable to provide the required number of skilled workers. With the agreement of the state, a significant number of technical workers from various civilian sectors were "detached" to the military to participate in the construction and assembly of the Mausoleum project. 90 highly skilled technical workers from sectors such as Electricity, Coal, Metallurgy, Light Industry, Transportation, Food Industry, Supplies, Chemicals, Fisheries, and cities like Hanoi, Hai Phong... were carefully selected to supplement the Ba Dinh Unit. By the end of 1973, the workforce for assembling equipment at the Mausoleum had reached 484 people.
The construction team, closely linked to the machinery installation, also quickly established. The Architecture Department identified Construction Site 57 as the core. Localities were eager to contribute to the construction of Uncle Ho's Mausoleum. To meet this desire, the Construction Committee sent a letter to provinces, cities, and centrally governed municipalities, mobilizing 1,200 construction workers. Just a month later, all localities had dispatched their outstanding citizens to take on the mission. Hanoi and Hai Phong had the honor and responsibility of contributing the most, each sending 100 people; Vinh Phu, the homeland of Hung Kings, contributed 50 people; Nghe An, Uncle Ho's hometown, contributed 90 people; and Vinh Linh, a land of fire, also sent skilled workers to participate in the construction of the Mausoleum.
With the sacred aspirations and unanimous determination of the Vietnamese people during these days, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong decided to commence construction on September 02, 1973. The completion date for the project was set for September 02, 1975.
The decision also stated, "Alongside completing the construction of the Mausoleum, the renovation of Ba Dinh Square and the flower garden adjacent to the Mausoleum must be completed before September 02, 1975."
Simultaneously with domestic preparations, the Construction Committee urgently sent a delegation of officials to the Soviet Union to discuss with relevant Soviet agencies regarding the design and construction of the Mausoleum, the adjacent flower garden, and Ba Dinh Square according to the planned commencement and completion dates. To facilitate the working delegation, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Nghi wrote a letter to Comrade Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union Novikov, requesting continued assistance from the Soviet Union in the construction of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. However, the process faced considerable difficulties. Previously, we informed the Soviet to temporarily suspend construction without a specified timeframe. The Soviet plan in 1973 did not include this work, so adjusting the plan encountered many challenges, especially in terms of materials and equipment.
To mobilize the highest efforts from both sides for the project, Comrade Vuong Quoc My, the envoy of the Construction Committee, was sent to the Soviet Union to convey the committee's opinions and work further with Soviet counterparts. Deputy Prime Minister Do Muoi telegraphed Ambassador Vo Thuc Dong to sign a memorandum between the two countries.
The memorandum explicitly stated, "Considering the need for urgent construction of the Mausoleum, if necessary, Vietnam will use certain materials and equipment supplied by the Soviet Union in 1973 to commence construction..." "The Soviet Union will return these materials and equipment to Vietnam soon."
The most challenging issue was the installation equipment inside the Mausoleum. Regardless of the difficulties, efforts would be made to overcome them. However, for some advanced types of equipment that the Soviet Union were manufacturing in certain countries, the completion time will depend on the producers in these countries.
The memorandum dated June 07, 1973, once again demonstrated the profound friendship and sincere comradeship between the two parties and the peoples of Vietnam and the Soviet Union. The Soviet people deeply embraced the international proletarian spirit of the great Lenin, surpassing all difficulties, and creating favorable conditions for our people to fulfill our sacred aspirations that had been disrupted by the enemy over a year ago. This memorandum laid a solid foundation for the Mausoleum project to commence on schedule.
The entire Construction Site 75808 was vibrant with the slogan "All for the groundbreaking day." Despite the hectic schedule, Party and State leaders provided constant guidance to the construction site, directly addressing issues that exceeded the capabilities of the Construction Committee. On May 11, 1973, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Nghi sent a telegram to Ambassador Vo Thuc Dong, urgently requesting the swift delivery of steel pile foundations by proposing that Soviet comrades include a transit plan through China. Discussions would also be initiated with China on this matter within the country.
Comrade Do Muoi also telegraphed Comrade Vo Thuc Dong, requesting the urgent dispatch of specialists for pile driving and the construction design for pile driving no later than the beginning of July 1973. This was to ensure early construction, taking advantage of pouring the foundation concrete before the upcoming rainy season. Comrade Do Muoi also telegraphed the Acting Embassy of Vietnam in the Soviet Union, urging them to transport water pumps for pit drainage by rail and to expedite the transportation of steel pile foundations from the Odessa port to the construction site. The dedicated guidance and attention of Party and State leaders truly helped overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
June 18, 1973, was an unforgettable day to the soldiers and workers on the construction site. At 8 AM that day, Comrades Truong Chinh, Pham Van Dong, Hoang Quoc Viet, Vo Nguyen Giap, along with representatives of officers, soldiers, and construction workers, carried out the dismantling of the old Ba Dinh Square podium. Comrade Truong Chinh, moved by the memories of President Ho Chi Minh's immense contributions, emphasized the significance of building the Mausoleum and reminded all those involved to be worthy of the trust and aspirations of the entire nation. In a solemn atmosphere, the Party and State leaders, loyal disciples and close associates of Uncle Ho, removed pieces of concrete where Uncle Ho had presided over significant national events.
At the same time, everyone was with the same thought about the bygone years when Uncle Ho's figure gracefully stood on the square, waving and smiling to the people and comrades. In this place, on the podium, Uncle Ho's footprints seemed to retain warmth, his words echoed across mountains and rivers, inspiring our military and people to overcome numerous challenges in the resistance war for national salvation and the construction of socialism. Uncle Ho's dream of a "national reunification, the people of North and South reunited under the same roof" came true.
The concrete block where Uncle Ho often stood on the podium, this precious relic, was preserved for future generations and would contribute to capturing an era of the nation - the era of Ho Chi Minh.
At exactly 10 PM. that night, the entire construction site area was securely enclosed with protective fences. Hundreds of military officers, soldiers, and construction workers had completed the first mobilization maneuver at dawn, to the surprise and delight of the people. The news spread quickly, and the inhabitants of Hanoi and visitors to the capital happily shared the information. Ba Dinh Square was driving public attention with a sense of anticipation and deep trust.
It can be said that June 18, 1973, marked the end of a preparatory period and the beginning of phase one - the construction phase of the Mausoleum.
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From September 1973, the organizational model of the military machinery installation force stabilized and became effective. The Party Committee and the Head of the Command of the Engineer Corps decided to establish the "Machinery Installation Command" consisting of comrades Tran Ba Dang, Luong Soan, Nguyen Van Ty.
A specialized agency was set up, which not only aided the Machinery Installation Command but also assisted the Construction Committee and Construction Site 75808. The military deployed 32 officers to participate in the professional agencies under the Construction Committee, with many comrades appointed to lead planning, political, technical, and supply departments. Additionally, 31 military officers joined the agencies supporting the Construction Committee, such as the expert departments, quality supervision department, and the office of the Construction Committee.
At its peak, the specialized agency was reinforced with 90 officers, with Comrade Luong Soan assigned to lead the agency.
The Engineer Brigade 259B - Ba Dinh Brigade - the force directly responsible for assembling the Mausoleum's equipment, had now stabilized its organizational operation. The Command Committee included comrades Nguyen Van Ty, the Battalion Commander, and Dinh Van Khanh, the Political Commissar. Engineering officers such as Nguyen Van Tuong, Nguyen Que, Le Han... served as deputy commanders, supervising aspects like strategy, engineering, and logistics.
Agencies of the battalion have established various committees for consultation, politics, equipment, and administrative management, creating a multitude of public opinion and management board across all sectors.
The direct construction team comprises machine installation teams (C7), installation teams (C8), construction teams (C9), machining teams (C10), and transportation teams (C11).
On behalf of the Party committee, Standing Party Committee of the Army Corps of Engineers has decided to form a Party Steering Committee, with comrades Tran Ba Dang, Luru Cong Tien, Luong Soan, Van Dinh Khanh, and Nguyen Van Ty, to comprehensively lead all aspects of the committee's work at Uncle Ho's Mausoleum.
Short-term expenses for officers, soldiers, and workers are meticulously managed, with the elite tablet effectively coordinating efforts. Hundreds of officers from various professions, generals, and soldiers swiftly overcame challenges, fostering collaboration not only in mission but also in friendship, influencing work methods and lifestyles.
Officers from all branches within the unit undergo rotations to enhance their qualifications in factories, assembly centers, and scientific research departments.
A significant upgrade in the leadership and professional skill, and technical management allows the easy access to advanced construction methods. The skills of 22 majors, honed through field training, have rapidly matured, proving effective in the construction and assembly of Mausoleum equipment.
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After the war left roads and bridges in ruins, ferry bridges faced imminent danger. The loading capacity of Hai Phong port remained incomplete, leading to ships waiting for months to enter. Despite these challenges, officers and soldiers involved in supplying and repairing materials refused to succumb to difficulties, consistently collaborating to fulfill their tasks.
Thousands of cargos accumulated at airports, train stations, and makeshift stretchers were swiftly transported to the construction site using various means, ranging from rudimentary to modern. The supply source for the project, including weapons and materials, was efficiently managed, ensuring timely delivery, proper preservation, and readiness for use in accordance with the construction progress. Acknowledgment is due to the enthusiastic assistance from relevant sectors and localities. Hai Phong Port prioritized unloading ships carrying cargoes for Uncle Ho's Mausoleum promptly. The railway industry reserved the best train carriages, strictly safeguarding goods for construction along the route.
Despite the army's best efforts in securing supplies, only 40% of the needs could be met. While the country was still grappling with poverty and the aftermath of war, localities and industries willingly invested all they had in the Uncle Ho's Mausoleum project. An example of this commitment was the Ninh Binh Administrative Committee withdrawing a machine from a provincial factory to store impregnated steel for the Mausoleum project. Construction site at Gia Sang steel-rolling factory joined their hands in processing the entire aluminum shell for insulating water pipes and provided loaned equipment such as pulleys, winches, rust removers, and pipe benders. The Air Defense-Air Force Command loaned various types of electronic measuring devices. The Tu Son factory, the electric and mechanical cinema factory, and the X10 military workshop manufactured tens of thousands of high-quality bolts and screws to connect the steam and water pipes of the project.
The process of driving the steel piles to form the steel wall around the foundation pit of the construction is complete. However, the steel piles provided by the Soviet Union have not arrived on time. Understanding the Soviet Union’s difficulties, the construction site temporarily borrowed 200 steel piles from Hai Phong port. Officials from the construction site, along with officials from the Ministries of Transport and Materials, traveled to various locations (Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Ha Bac, Hanoi, etc.) to collect and transport 1,237 tons of steel piles to the construction site before your shipment arrived at Hai Phong port. The water hammer from the Hai Phong Port Authority was also urgently dispatched to Ba Dinh.
On August 09, 1973, the first steel pile was driven into the ground. The steam hammer from the Construction Machinery Company of the Ministry of Construction was also brought for additional support. Both hammers had weathered rain and shine on various construction sites. Though old and well-used, at this moment, they seemed to rejuvenate, like a young man waking up with extraordinary strength. Day and night, whether in pouring rain or under the scorching midday sun, the sound of pile-driving hammers continued diligently and consistently. A new productivity record for pile-driving was set at this location. On average, each hammer drove 18 piles per day. There were exceptional days with the steam hammer driving 34 piles and the diesel hammer driving 21 piles. Despite the high productivity, quality was still ensured, confirming the stability of the construction.
On October 20, 1973, the 1,200th steel pile - the last pile for the construction - was driven into place, completing the steel wall around the foundation prior to the due dates.
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In August, heavy rainstorms remained regularly. The incessant downpours turned the Hanoi sky into a dark gray haze. The wet ground formed puddles in many places. Those present at the construction site truly experienced the hardships and toils of the officers, soldiers, and workers during these days. The rain persisted, yet the sound of the pile-driving hammers continued. Wet clothes, wet faces, water streaming on hair, and around the eyes showing signs of fatigue and lack of sleep. During these times, the leaders of the Construction Management Board for the Mausoleum, the Construction Command Committee, took turns being present at the site, enduring the rain and wading through water like true manual laborers.
The overarching concern was the sources of construction materials. Failing to complete the underground concrete section before the upcoming rainy season might lead to the disruption of the planned inauguration of the Mausoleum. The Construction Management Committee decided to urgently send two comrades from the Ministry of Construction and one military officer to the Soviet Union to expedite the design and construction process. Not entirely reassured, the committee also sent another comrade, the deputy in charge of materials from the Ba Dinh Brigade, along with an interpreter, to "guard" in Moscow, monitoring and urging the shipment of equipment from the Soviet Union to Vietnam.
Comrade Do Muoi continuously telegraphed our embassy in Moscow, requesting all necessary conditions be created to expedite the shipment of equipment. He suggested organizing a train in September 1973 to transport the cargo to Hanoi, using specially designated trains. Comrade Do Muoi also recommended increasing the number of construction experts for the project. The firm and closely monitored guidance of Comrade Truong, the head of the Construction Management Board, acted as a driving force, keeping the workflow on track.
The rainy season and floods showed no signs of abating.
The Construction Management Committee decided to carry out simultaneous construction, excavating the foundation pit while proceeding with the steel pile-driving process. It was a bold decision. Sudden rain storms could nullify the efforts of thousands of people, turning the foundation pit into a water hole. However, there were no choices; the completion of the project within the set time frame was the driving force. Sixty thousand cubic meters of soil needed to be excavated and moved to other locations, a substantial amount. If manual labor were used, 300 people would need eight months to complete the task. The task was assigned to the Construction Machinery Company of the Ministry of Construction. Military forces and some other units were assigned to support manual laborers.
On September 02, 1973, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Mausoleum took place at the construction site. The night before, a heavy rainstorm lingered ominously. On the morning of the ceremony, the rain temporarily subsided. All eyes were on Comrades Truong Chinh, Nguyen Luong Bang, Vo Nguyen Giap, and Do Muoi - the leaders presiding over the event. The rain stopped, and the Ba Dinh Square sky suddenly lifted, revealing pure early morning sunshine that reflected on the excited faces of the crowd. A sea of flags fluttered in the sunshine, brightening the eager eyes awaiting the ceremony. A convoy of people and 20 "buffalo carts" adorned with red flags lined up next to the area where the foundation pit would be dug. At exactly 8 AM, the E.652 excavator received the command, clenching its bucket into the first mound of soil. The skilled driver, renowned for productivity and labor safety, had the honor of accepting the first bucket of soil. The soil spilled out of the excavator's bucket, filling up the truck beds. The trucks, in succession, moved into place. The convoy of loaded trucks drove towards Giang Vo, turning onto a small road. Here, the soil was dumped into a pond, a marshy area in the Lang Trung region. The Construction Management Committee decided to allocate the entire 60,000 cubic meters of soil in this area for a meaningful project: raising the foundation for the future "Vietnam-Sweden Children's Hospital."
During lunchtime, a storm swept in. The wind howled, and rain blanketed the sky. Despite the weather, excavators were business as usual, and trucks kept moving the soils. The ground turned into a watery expanse, making transportation routes slippery. The labor force struggled against the storm to ensure the construction progress, and they emerged victorious. In the following days, they not only worked one shift but often doubled it even without weekends off. Their collective effort contributed to the creation of a home for peaceful sleep for President Ho Chi Minh, without minding what they had been suffering.
The Construction Management Committee spearheaded efforts to mobilize various organizations, enterprises, schools, and armed forces units in Hanoi to volunteer during holidays, pushing the construction progress forward. Almost every segment of the population eagerly awaited this. Many senior leaders from Party, State, and military forces, despite their heavy workloads, joined the labor force. Professors and students from universities, vocational schools, and high schools enthusiastically participated in socialist labor. Officers and soldiers from the Combat engineer headquarters and various military branches, as well as personnel from ministries, departments, and factories, took turns contributing their labor to the construction site.
The construction site had limited space, unable to accommodate too many people simultaneously. Many organizations arranged for their staff to participate in labor during regular working hours.
For nearly 60 consecutive days and nights, with resilient and innovative labor from thousands of workers, soldiers, and support from various sectors of society, the foundation excavation phase of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was excellently completed.
On October 29, 1973, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong visited the construction site and personally operated the last scoop of soil, concluding the foundation excavation phase 16 days ahead of schedule.
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During these days, Ba Dinh Square had been driving the public attention. Everyone wished for the completion of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum as soon as possible. Units, sectors, and localities all desired to contribute their manpower to the project. At the Hai Phong cement plant, technical experts focused their efforts and intelligence on researching a special type of cement for the construction. Though it was a high-strength cement the plant had never produced, the prospect of its use in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum excited everyone. Leaders Le Thanh Nghi and Do Muoi personally visited the plant to assign tasks and encourage workers to overcome difficulties successfully. The plant had just experienced two wars of destruction by the enemy, with nearly 20,000 tons of bombs dropped here. The process of repairing the damage caused by bombs was just beginning. But thinking of President Ho Chi Minh, everyone was determined to produce the best cement for building His Mausoleum. Furnaces and grinders were restored, and the production process was thoroughly researched. The selection of high-quality raw materials was actively discussed.
The first material to be selected was stone. Trang Kenh stone was renowned for its quality, but given the plant's requirements, the Trang Kenh stone quarry workers went to Ang Vang and Ang Thi to meticulously select the precise type of stone needed by the plant. The stone boats were sent to the cement plant, carrying the heartfelt dedication of skilled and revolutionary artisans for President Ho Chi Minh.
The second raw material, used as an additive to produce cement, was soil from the Co Phap region (Thuy Nguyen) – an "ideal" quality soil. Local people often used this type of soil to build durable and famous walls. This soil was also selected for cement production for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
From the careful selection of good-quality raw materials to the production of cement that met the requirements, a complex technological chain was formed by the intellect and skillful hands of the collective of officials and workers at the Hai Phong Cement Plant – a plant with a heroic tradition in the Port land. The first batch of 50 tons of cement was put to strict testing and examination. The excellent results went beyond expectations. Not only did the cement meet high standards, but it also fulfilled other criteria related to setting time, heat evolution, and hardening time. After the first batch, numerous others were produced. Female workers in the plant took advantage of Sundays – "President Ho's Gratitude Day" – to produce packaging. The packaging, with the inscription "Everlasting gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh," was manufactured by these women.
Tens of thousands of tons of special cement, contained in such packaging, were transported to the construction site. With outstanding labor achievements, the Hai Phong Cement Plant not only quickly restored production but also reached new heights. New progress in technology and the ability to produce high-quality cement propelled the plant to a solid and secure ascent, realizing President Ho Chi Minh's desire: "After our victory, we will do 10 times better"
For the construction project, crushed stone was also needed in quantities of tens of thousands of cubic meters. Xuan Hoa crushed stone was usually considered of high quality, suitable for permanent concrete structures. Technicians came here to study diligently, and when the proportion of flat particles remained high, only a small part could be used. Technicians turned to Thac Ba, where the stone was more advantageous. The leadership decided to choose the Hoang Thi stone quarry in the Thac Ba area for exploitation. The people of Yen Bai's ethnic groups were elated to receive the task of supplying stone for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The Ministry of Transport arranged for the transportation of stone by all means from the quarry to the construction site. The Ministry of Public Security ensured safety, and the Material Testing Institute organized on-site quality inspections at the exploitation site. The Hoang Thi construction site came alive with an unprecedented strength. In addition to the production teams of the construction site, hundreds of young men and women from the Kinh, Dao, Nung, Cao Lan ethnic groups contributed their efforts. The sound of drilling machines, explosions, the striking of hammers on stones, the rich and vibrant tunes of ethnic songs, and the diverse and colorful costumes turned the construction site into a festival for voluntary labor. In less than a month, thousands of cubic meters of Thac Ba stone were loaded onto trucks, train cars, or carried by boat downstream on the Lo River and Hong River to Ba Dinh.
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Our country is blessed with abundant streams, rivers, and a plentiful supply of sand for construction sites. However, the type of sand used for this eternal structure is meticulously selected. During the French colonial period, a research project explicitly stated, "The golden sand from the Lo River is the best." We have used this golden sand for many construction projects in the North. Still, construction experts were not entirely satisfied as this sand contained a small proportion of impurities. Through extensive searches, Kim Boi golden sand from Hoa Binh was discovered. This type of sand, derived from fragmented rocks, is robust, clean, virtually free of impurities, and has a shiny golden color. Kim Boi golden sand was chosen for the construction of the Mausoleum. The entire extraction process was managed by local residents. The people of the Hoa Binh region, who once lived in poverty and endured oppression, have contributed to the construction of the Mausoleum. Their lives gradually improved after the success of the August Revolution, thanks to the Party and Uncle Ho, bringing abundance to them like the forest and streams. Contributing to the construction of the Mausoleum, they found unmatched joy. Thousands of green and silver-haired heads from various regions of Hoa Binh flocked to Kim Boi. Sand from the mountain springs was dredged onto boats and transported to a central transfer station. The sand was piled up like radiant golden hills. Busy convoys of trucks transported the sand to Hanoi day and night. The people of Hoa Binh's ethnic groups expressed their infinite gratitude to Uncle Ho through every grain of sand. Besides Kim Boi sand, sand from Thanh Xuyen (Bac Thai) was also extracted for filling the foundation pit and renovating the square.
The final calendars of October 1973 are passing, signaling the end of the rainy season in the Hanoi region. The steel sheet pile wall has been completed, and the foundation pit has been expanded. Nature, the land, and the people are combining their strengths for the construction site to move on to the crucial phase of pouring reinforced concrete to form the frame of the Mausoleum - an immensely important stage.
On October 27, 1973, the construction site officially poured the first batch of reinforced concrete at the foundation level. The stipulated deadline required completing the pouring of the underground part of the project before the 1974 flood season.
After a short period of time, a series of obstacles emerged, making many think that the plan might not be completed on schedule.
Despite the tireless dedication of our officers, workers, and specialists to the site, the concrete pouring schedule was still unmet. The progress was increasingly delayed, and the risk of not completing the plan before the 1974 flood season became more apparent. Difficulties in obtaining raw materials, technical issues, construction solutions—leadership and coordination in a large construction site involving various forces revealed many weaknesses. Challenges arising from simultaneous design and construction sometimes led to work stoppages for weeks, waiting for discussions among our officials. For instance, when newly poured concrete had been curing for two weeks, the economic protection agency discovered that the types of rocks being used exceeded the permissible radiation levels. This was a critical finding that required precise conclusions for timely guidance from the leadership. Comrade Tran Dai Nghia, Head of the State Science and Technology Committee, proposed sending rock samples to the Soviet Union for modern testing and conclusions. Comrade Nguyen Trong Quyen was assigned to handle this task, taking rock samples and domestic test results to the Soviet Union for examination. Comrades Vo Thuc Dong and Nguyen Tu were also instructed by Comrade Do Muoi to contact the embassy for cooperation in this matter, ensuring swift resolution without affecting the construction pace.
During challenging times, the invaluable assistance from our Soviet friends shone brightly. The Soviets considered the challenges faced in building the Mausoleum as their own difficulties in significant matters, thus seeking every expedient measure to aid and resolve them. On November 19, 1973, our rock samples were tested at the All-Union Mineral Resources Research Institute. The results showed that our rocks had technical specifications suitable for use in essential construction projects. Nevertheless, from the time the problem was identified to the official conclusion, the construction site had to wait for two weeks.
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The machinery installation work has become the burning issue for the entire construction site. The delayed construction affected the machinery installation progress. The machine installation command unit was restless day and night. The agreement of February 09, 1971, clearly stated that Vietnam was responsible for the construction and installation. With such a colossal and technically complex project, our officers and soldiers encountered it for the first time, and time was extremely limited. Comrade Phung The Tai had two meetings with the Soviet economic counselor and comrade Kuznetsov, the representative of the Soviet Technical General Directorate in Hanoi. Sympathizing with our difficulties, the two comrades sent letters proposing specific solutions. The central air conditioning system, considered the "lungs" of the project, was already designed, and an order had been placed with another country for production in 1974. The installation and adjustment time clearly indicated it was too late. This delay would affect the installation of other technical systems. Other equipment, also the Soviet indicated, would only arrive at the site by the end of 1974. To complete the machinery installation for the Mausoleum inauguration on September 02, 1975, how much should the technical workforce and other infrastructure be increased? Is there a better way to address this?
After considering all aspects, the machinery installation command unit determined its course of action: closely following the Soviet Union, adhering to their schedule to quickly receive equipment and do what can be done in the installation process. On the other hand, proposing to the Soviet Union and upper-level authorities to allow working on a backup plan with specialists. According to this plan, the Soviet would be responsible for installing complex equipment and providing technical guidance for Vietnam to install the remaining equipment. The Soviet Union needed to send 59 engineers and some technical workers to Vietnam. If the Soviet Unions were to install all the equipment, they would need to send 169 engineers and some technical workers to Vietnam, while our officials and workers would only assist and learn for future operations. Comrade Kuznetsov sent this draft plan to the Soviet Union for feedback.
The construction committee believed it necessary to send a senior delegation with sufficient authority to resolve issues directly with the Soviet Union. The delegation, led by Comrade Phung The Tai, was received by comrade Novikov, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union. He reaffirmed the determination of the Party, Government, and people of the Soviet Union to assist the people of Vietnam in completing the construction of President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum by September 02, 1975.
The construction committee highly appreciated the noble assistance and sincere sentiments of the Soviet people. However, it also regularly educated the officers, soldiers, and entire construction site to enhance self-reliance and self-sufficiency. At this time, time is a force. The upcoming rainy season, if the pouring of the underground part of the project is not completed, will delay construction and installation until the next dry season.
Since the end of 1973, the specialized agencies of the Machine Installation Command and the Supervision Committee had foreseen and reported to the leadership about the possibility of not meeting the construction schedule. The forecasts were confirmed during November, December 1973, and January 1974.
The Construction Supervision Committee considered the option of mobilizing additional military forces to support the construction and tasked the specialized agency with drafting plans for implementing this strategy.
The Central Military Commission Department underlined a crucial principle: commanders must be prepared to serve as members if the Central Government makes a request and the army has the capabilities. The army despatched an elite squad of troops from the Hung Vuong Engineering Corps to Ba Dinh in response to a request for reinforcements from the school's command board. Despite the fact that it was the 28th day of the Lunar New Year, these soldiers quickly donned backpacks and protective gear, leaving behind the festivities and family gatherings. The bright atmosphere of Tet celebrations couldn't dissuade their determination as they made their way to Ba Dinh via peach and kumquat woods. The convoy, which moved quickly through Hanoi's bustling Tet preparations, brought a determined mood to the construction site. These soldiers marched out on the 30th night of Tet, as pots of Chung Cake echoed in homes and firecrackers echoed through the streets. The unit developed a dedicated iron group to execute the final plan for the construction site, overseeing a construction item from start to finish, completing all given responsibilities, and transmitting information throughout the entire construction site. The soldiers celebrated the Year of Tiger among their fellow comrades on the grounds of Uncle Ho's Mausoleum. Mr. Ton lavishly honored the Mechanical Engineering team with a basket of flowers.
The Construction Supervision Committee requested military support for additional 120 ironworkers. Two large units from Division 2, Hung Vuong Division, were redeployed to merge with the Battalion 34 into a battalion. This battalion was responsible for laying the foundation for the central area. By mid-March 1974, the military alone had laid 920 tons of steel, achieving an average productivity of 121 kg per person, more than twice the standard.
The strengthened military force and the results achieved opened up a new possibility: if the military participated more extensively in the critical stages of the project, the construction progress could be completed on time. Pouring concrete became a key focus, and the military's involvement in this task contributed significantly to accelerating the construction of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
At this point, the delegation from the Construction Supervision Committee, led by Comrade Phung The Tai, returned from the Soviet Union with the overall construction progress schedule. An agreement was reached that the pouring of the basement concrete for the central area had to be completed by April 30, 1974. However, with a substantial amount of work remaining, time was running out.
At the request of the Construction Supervision Committee, the Military Central Committee was officially asked to involve military forces in pouring the basement concrete.
On March 08, 1974, Comrade Phung The Tai briefed the Party Committee and the Construction Supervision Committee on the decision to use military forces for filling concrete. That same evening, he assigned the task to the Hung Vuong Construction Battalion. In addition, comrade Van Tien Dung also allow the contribution of Bac Son Battalion (Engineer Brigade 289). Military force would be responsible for the whole center area (underground part).
On March 11, 1974, the Hung Vuong Construction Battalion was fully present at the assembly point. Just two days later, after thorough preparations, thousands of people had completed their tasks. On the morning of March 15, they poured the first batch of concrete, initiating days of hard work under the scorching sun, struggling with sand, gravel, cement, and racing against time. A few days later, thousands of soldiers from the Bac Son Division also arrived at the construction site. After a mobilization ceremony, they deployed their operational formation and poured the first batch of concrete in the special basement area.
From this point forward, the construction site of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum gained new momentum. Military camps sprang up along the paths around the construction site, forming a "battlefield" of soldiers. The construction site was filled with the colorful uniforms of soldiers, echoing with the sounds of hammers, machinery, laughter, and singing.
Both Hung Vuong and Bac Son battalions were placed directly under the command of the Machine Installation Command and received operational guidance from the functional agencies under the Construction Supervision Committee. It is challenging to fully capture the bustling, urgent, and highly tense working atmosphere at the construction site during these days. To facilitate the military in performing their tasks, the construction site deployed two carpentry teams, one steel framing team, one welding team, one scaffolding team, and two surveying teams working in coordination with the military forces. Additionally, construction workers were assigned tasks at the two auxiliary platforms of the Mausoleum. The Ministry of Construction also mobilized production teams from various localities to support the construction, such as the ironworking team from Ba Waterfall, Ha Bac. Deputy Minister Vu Quy was also dispatched to assist the construction as an advisor.
Both construction fronts, military and civilian, embarked on this decisive "battle" with new forces and organizational structures. However, the central focus remained on the central area of the Mausoleum, where the military forces played a crucial role.
From all corners of the country, people turned their attention to Hanoi, to Ba Dinh Square, eagerly awaiting news about the construction of the Mausoleum. People nationwide enthusiastically contributed special local materials to the project. The construction site became vibrant and deeply moving when trucks carrying wood from the Southern Liberation Army planted half-green, half-red flags sparkling under the afternoon sun, slowly rolling into the construction site. Officers and soldiers rushed to surround those wearing slouch hats, gathering around the dusty vehicles. These were the vehicles of the people from the Southeast, where vast bamboo forests and precious wood abound. The people of the Southeast selected the finest agarwood trees, known for their renowned quality and attractive colors, to contribute to the construction of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Agarwood is not only famous for its quality but also for its appealing color. In the cross-section of agarwood, there is bright yellow in the middle, surrounded by dark brown, with graceful wood grain lines and twisted corners resembling flying clouds and undulating waves. The journey of transporting this precious wood from Loc Ninh to the construction site of the Mausoleum took 20 challenging days. During the reception ceremony for the precious wood from the South, Comrade Nguyen Thi Dinh, Deputy Commander of the Liberation Army, expressed the heartfelt sentiments of the people and soldiers of the South, saying, "The precious agarwood trees have endured for centuries in the Eastern base, symbolizing the resilient and indomitable vitality of the people. With boundless loyalty, the people and soldiers of the South offer these to Uncle Ho, immortalizing the endless gratitude to our beloved Father of the nation." These affectionate words from the frontlines deeply moved every officer, soldier, and worker at the construction site, inspiring them to advance in their respective tasks, living up to the expectations of their comrades from the South.
In the following weeks, officers, soldiers, and workers at the construction site continued to receive wood from the Central Highlands, the resilient Central Quang Nam - Da Nang, and the land of heros - Quang Tri. The Truong Son troops also sent durable ironwood to contribute to the construction of the Mausoleum, with plans to use ironwood for the main entrance gate. Perhaps the soldiers who once bravely forged paths along the Ho Chi Minh Trail harbored a desire to extend their hearts through this ironwood as they slept. The designers may have listened to these silent desires, recognizing and acknowledging them, as evidenced by dedicating ironwood to creating enduring gates for "Uncle's House."
The Hung Vuong and Bac Son battalions, experienced in constructing national defense projects over the years, found themselves less familiar with mechanized construction at such a scale, with strict technological processes and demanding contractual requirements. The commanding officers from division level downwards for both units, due to time constraints and lack of thorough study of the design and construction plan, faced challenges in their command and control, making errors more likely. The specialized agency proposed to the Construction Supervision Committee a suitable construction plan: both units would be under the guidance of specialized departments but would need to take initiative in planning and self-managing personnel according to the military regulations.
The specialized agency also outlined specific requirements and targets to guide both units. The Construction Supervision Committee considered the practical conditions at the construction site, agreeing to a concrete pouring rate of 400m3/day and setting the deadline for completing the concrete pouring by May 19, 1974.
The entire workforce, including officers, soldiers, and workers at the construction site, along with the military forces participating in the construction of the Mausoleum, launched a "campaign" to pour the basement concrete, achieving a milestone on Uncle Ho's birthday.
The mass construction compaign was implemented in a sense of urgengy, with a meaningful impact. Filling concrete for the whole undergound part signaled the completion was comming to an end. The surface part was now ready for futher construction once the undergound part had been already completed. The tasks of furnishing, crowning and assembling, etc were about to be done. Considering building the Mausoleum as a war fight, this stage was a decision maker whether can we win or fail.
Well-noted the tasks, soldiers of Hung Vuong and Bac Son Battalions made their best efforts on predicting upcoming situations, ensuring the victory for our team. Amount of concrete was exactly filled at the right place and the right time, based on the building structure.
The news of Military force joining this stage had been driving the public attraction with lots of grorifying. On the other hands, numerous doubts about their capability. Some argued : “ It was filled by 560m3 concrete per year at Thac Ba constuction site, this area is different but no ways to fill 200m3 per day.” Others commented: “Let’s wait for how work is done within the first week.”
At 8 AM on March 15, 1974, construction commenced. The work proceeded simultaneously and remarkably smoothly. Numerous concrete blocks were efficiently poured within a specific timeframe, with machines handling the task seamlessly. Trucks lined up continuously, transporting concrete from the mixer to the designated areas. Tower cranes, resembling giant arms, extended from the gathering point, delivering concrete to each block. Additionally, backup cranes mounted on trucks were strategically ready for use. "Bridges" constructed from available construction site materials such as scaffolding, steel beams, and wooden planks were erected from the concrete mortar gathering point to the poured blocks, facilitating the movement of long vehicles. Drawing on the experience of "placing artillery close to the enemy's bunker, aiming, and direct shooting," our officers and soldiers strategically positioned tire-wheel cranes on the special tunnel cover to pour concrete on the roof of the underground section in the middle area. Despite the scorching sun, the overpowering scent of concrete, and the continuous noise of engines, cars, and footsteps, continuously carry out the mission. The officers, soldiers, and workers, with their hunched backs, bulging muscles, and sweaty faces, appeared as a comittment to their resilience against the challenging weather conditions and tight deadlines.
Simultaneously with the reinforced concrete pouring stage, the officers and soldiers responsible for the installation work of the Ba Dinh Group meticulously assembled dozens of tons of components that needed to be embedded in the concrete in advance. In the special tunnel area, within 12 consecutive days of construction, the entire "heavy door" system was assembled into position as scheduled, meeting all technical requirements. This intricate and precision-demanding task was successfully completed before the team moved on to installing and completing other "light door" systems.
The successful construction of the raft foundation laid the solid foundation for the subsequent phase of wall construction, which were much more complex. The thin structure and limited construction area posed challenges for concrete pouring. Buoyed by the positive results of the first phase, officers and soldiers diligently continued construction along the entire route, ensuring a continuous, careful, meticulous, and safe approach.
The final stage of the campaign posed considerable challenges, testing the endurance of all involved. The rallying cry among officers and soldiers on the construction site echoed: "All efforts must be made to complete the construction on Uncle Ho's birthday."
Our officers and soldiers maximized the use of mechanized construction. An innovative idea to build bridges for basic vehicles along the shortest route was widely implemented. The military also carefully placed tire rollers on the floors of distant concrete blocks that needed tower cranes for filling the concrete.
The intense struggle in this final phase unfolded vigorously. Construction units had to save every minute, with the support staff delivering meals and water directly to the edge of the foundation pit. The crucial aspect for everyone at this point was to complete the work on the specified date and time. Their remarkable efforts yielded excellent results, and on May 19, 1974, the units successfully completed seven large concrete pouring blocks.
Throughout all three phases of the pouring campaign, our officers and soldiers adhered to the assigned plan, completing the mission on schedule. The steel reinforcement was correctly and beautifully placed, earning praise from experts. The concrete ensured enduring strength. From large to small blocks, from thick slabs to thin ones a few hundred millimeters, under urgent construction conditions, complex contract coordination, and challenging working postures, everything met the requirements splendidly.
The success of the underground concrete pouring campaign in the central area held significant meaning, but its deepest significance lay in the path to completing the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which would be inaugurated on September 02, 1975.
On May 18, 1974, Mr. Ton visited the construction site, inspecting the work and stopping at places where officers and soldiers were completing the final tasks of the campaign. His gentle eyes looked affectionately at the personnel. Moved, he inquired, praised, and encouraged everyone. He expressed hope that officers, soldiers, and workers throughout the construction site would work even more diligently and efficiently to complete the Mausoleum on time for people from across the country and around the world to visit Uncle Ho. On May 19, Mr. Ton spent time receiving a comprehensive report on the construction site's status. He was pleased and ordered rewards for the entire construction site, including a visit to Uncle Ho's stilt house within the Presidential Palace.
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Officers and soldiers from the Hung Vuong and Bac Son units withdrew when the construction site had completed a significant and crucial part of the work: the completion of the underground concrete pouring.
The Battalion 2 of the Hung Vuong Regiment stayed behind at the request of the Supervision Committee to continue providing support to the construction site and take responsibility for placing the reinforcement for the elevated part of the structure.
While pouring concrete for the underground part required speed and strength, deploying forces for the elevated part was not as straightforward. The construction area was narrow and at a height, demanding both artistic and technical precision. Horizontal and vertical walls stacked and crossed each other, creating architecturally intricate patterns, making manual methods impractical. However, they entered the new construction phase with optimism, drawing from rich experiences gained in the previous campaign. Over ninety days and nights of continuous labor, they, along with construction workers, successfully completed their assigned tasks. On October 30, 1974, a memorable day arrived when the construction site celebrated completing the final concrete batch for the roof of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
The Mausoleum is a cultural and artistic work, and the decorative and finishing work accounted for more than half of the construction time. More than any other phase, this work required high levels of technical and artistic expertise.
Even tasks like plastering and painting were unlike many other construction projects, involving complex technological processes. However, the officers, soldiers, and workers, working and learning simultaneously, completed the work exceptionally well.
Viewed from the outside and entering into its interior, one could easily observe that the entire Mausoleum was predominantly adorned with stone. Indeed, stone processing for the Mausoleum's construction exceeded the capacity initially calculated by the personnel. Initially, self-sufficiency was considered for stone processing, given the abundance of stone and precious stones in the country. However, during the processing, they realized that obtaining large, precisely cut, and shiny stone pieces with such quality was not an easy task.
Producing a quantity of stone like this required considerable time and specialized machinery at a certain level of sophistication. The Soviet Union, the Party, the State, and the people of the Soviet Union were incredibly understanding. Twenty thousand pieces of polished agate and jade traveled halfway around the world to reach the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
However, that quantity was just a part of the puzzle. The An Duong Stone Processing Factory staff, in collaboration with the General Department of Geology and officers from the Ministry of Construction, explored various regions of the country to find precious stones. These types of stones were mined by local residents and transported to the An Duong factory. At the factory, cutting and polishing the stones was an equally novel task, and the Soviet Union sent trainers to provide on-the-spot training.
On November 01, 1974, the ceremony for the first stone veneer in the B2 living room was conducted. Comrade Do Muoi presided over the event, with everyone in the room attentively observing the first colored stone being respectfully placed on the wall. The crucial aspect of stone veneering was not only to make each stone flat and straight but also to ensure that the joints between stones were very tight, giving the impression that there was no mortar binding them, but rather, each stone adhered to the other naturally. After the first stone was veneered in the living room, other walls were adorned with stones, each room and wall following different specifications, creating a diverse and harmonious layout suitable for light, color, and overall composition. The exterior of the Mausoleum was veneered with granite, a type of stone considered third or fourth after diamond in hardness. This stone with dark gray color and elegant veining met the challenge of time, weather, and the harsh tropical temperatures of the region. The large stone slabs with sophisticated patterns exuded a sense of solemnity and reverence for the Mausoleum. The inscription "President Ho Chi Minh" on the roof of the Mausoleum was crafted from Cao Bang jade. The main entrance of the Mausoleum was veneered with glossy black stone, and those who passed through seemingly had a glimmering reflection from the inside.
Both the living rooms and the path to the ceremonial platform, the floors, and the staircase steps were paved with granite. All the walls and columns were veneered with Ha Tay jade, a softer but smoother and more beautiful stone. The main wall of the front hall's façade was veneered with pink agate, providing a backdrop for the inscription "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom" and Uncle Ho's signature, with the letters and signature gilded in bright gold.
The President's room used Ha Tay jade, but the rectangular-shaped stones, arranged vertically from the wall's base to the ceiling, gave the impression of wooden planks of Uncle Ho's stilt house. There was a sense of warmth and tranquility in the room. As if by magic, every time one had the opportunity to visit Uncle Ho, a subconscious message whispered, "Tread lightly - Uncle is resting peacefully. Preserve His tranquil sleep." Uncle Ho's head faced a large wall adorned with two massive flags - the Party flag and the National flag. The people of Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa, tirelessly searched for this type of pink jade in their nearby mountains and sent it to the Mausoleum. The 4,000 pieces of this stone were assembled into two large bright red flags. The hammer and sickle and the five stars were crafted from veins of gold and bright yellow inlaid on jade.
The decoration and completion phase of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum also included the construction of 200 sets of doors and all types of wood used in the Mausoleum. To minimize the waste of wood from the people, soldiers from the South, skilled in woodwork, sent out handmade wooden planks. The construction site command assigned this task to 20 pairs of skilled craftsmen from Nam Ha. The Bach Dang Wood Factory was responsible for soaking the wood to prevent termite damage, and modern drying kilns were used. Highly skilled carpenters from Nam Ha, Ha Bac, and Nghe An gathered to showcase their craftsmanship. Notably, two skilled carpenters from Gia Hoa village, renowned for their expertise in door construction, joined the effort. They were the sixth generation in their family dedicated to carpentry. These craftsmen crafted the doors leading to the embalming room, featuring intricate and dreamy designs. The doors had dual locks, eliminating the need for additional bolts, and their seamless joints were difficult to distinguish. The artistry in these doors showcased the golden hands of Vietnamese carpenters, acknowledged by Soviet experts as "Golden Hands." The doors leading to the ceremonial platform were veneered with stone, and those exposed to sunlight were coated with crack-resistant resin. In addition to wood, various metals were used for decoration within the Mausoleum, including aluminum ceilings, brass railings, wrought iron grilles, decorative doors, barriers, and copper handrails.
The decorating work was highly ranked by the Mausoleum Oversight Committee, the construction site command, and experts. Rigorous material quality checks were conducted through meticulous testing. Prior to official construction, prototypes were examined by the Technical Council. Some models were directly approved by the Political Bureau. The cautiousness, thoroughness, and efforts of the personnel in charge contributed to the completion of a beautifully finished Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
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While the construction site was bustling with activity, the military-led installation site was also diligently preparing for its "fight." This complex project required various modern machinery to ensure the long-term preservation of Uncle Ho’s body. Military leaders constantly reminded their officers and soldiers: "Be cautious, be detail-oriented, and make no mistakes." Those directly involved in the installation comprehended the weight of their responsibility and prepared thoroughly to "launch a campaign for victory."
Starting from September 1973, a team of technical officers in electricity, water supply, ventilation, air conditioning, and mechanics was sent to the Soviet Union to participate in the design and installation planning.
Although Vietnamese and Soviet experts worked diligently and utilized all their energy, intellect, and research, the official design for the electrical and water systems was only completed by March 1974. And the design for ventilation and air conditioning system were officially completed in April
The meticulous design process was particularly delayed for the air conditioning system, as it was manufactured in another country, requiring the factory there to provide technical specifications before the design could proceed.
Assembling was implemented later than constructing, workers were about to start their job with a sense of urgengy. The supply of quipments and facilities were quite sufficient at the very first stage, as every team was well prepared in advance for upcoming activities.
According to the agreement, equipments for assembling part was our duty. So every soldiers and workers tried their best to ensure sufficient sources, no matter we can borrow or self-produce.
The Soviet Union design the whole ventilation system, which required a strong orientation to deitals following the technial drawing made by ourselves. Welding part was a decision maker of success, neccessitating the need for high skilled welders with profound training.
In the scorching early summer days, officers and soldiers, almost every day, achieved 100% attendance. The sound of machines echoed, and people moved about the site energetically. The welding sparks glowed brightly, and smoke billowed. Competing between teams, challenging themselves not only to produce the best quality but also to achieve the highest productivity. Lai Van Cuong, a skilled welder with a 3/7 rank, significantly increased his welding productivity from 16m/hour to 47m/hour after training. The installation site became vibrant with increasing productivity figures, and many exemplary laborers emerged. Alongside pipe fabrication, the installation site also had to insulate necessary pipe sections. A special focus was on fabricating electrical installation components such as cable distribution boxes and hooks. These items were not manufactured locally, so the installation team had to design and organize the production of these components.
The quality of the "waiting steel" determined the accuracy of equipment placement, and it also influenced the construction speed of both the building and the installation. Placing steel reinforcements in the concrete for later attachment of electrical conduits to walls and ceilings was a complex task, with up to 10,000 waiting steel pieces of different load capacities. Due to unforeseen challenges in initial calculations, the waiting steel pieces were insufficient. The installation team came up with the idea of welding the waiting steel pieces onto the reinforcing steel mesh of the construction team. This innovation resolved issues related to concrete drilling, accelerated the work, and ensured the structure's integrity without compromising its aesthetics. Technical officers divided into teams, directly participating in production alongside the workers. The installation site organized a comprehensive technical team consisting of engineers, technical officers in ventilation, air conditioning, electricity, mechanics, water supply, and surveying. This team not only researched the installation design but also studied the construction design to come up with the most rational execution plan.
Due to the massive workload and challenging construction conditions, the installation site faced difficulty in coordinating the various tasks. The pipe networks for steam, water, and electricity were both heavy and cumbersome, sometimes located high above and other times deep below ground. The working conditions were cramped, and different tasks intertwined within the same confined space. The construction site is currently bustling with activities such as tiling, plastering, and painting. Within the confined space, various installers, masons, tools, and equipment coexist. While builders are completing the wall and ceiling decorations, electricians stand by, ready to install the electrical system on the ceiling. Seizing the opportunity presented by the newly erected scaffolding and vehicles, the machine installation workers have organized additional shifts and crews. Just last night, the room belongs to the construction company; by the next morning, steam pipes, water pipes, and electricity were completely installed.
Despite the tight schedule and the need for extra shifts, the emphasis on job satisfaction remains a top priority. The current motto of the construction company is "Quality is the boundless spirit of the heart" and "Quality is loyalty to Party and Uncle Ho." "Unanimous efforts and unity are the strengh for collective success." "Building team supports for installation team, installation team help construction team, and deploy the entire line." "Strive for higher productivity today than yesterday."
The working atmosphere is lively, with a passion and discipline of the soldiers, with workers motivated by familiar songs and chants, facilitating them to overcome all challenges. The more challenging, the more unitary the team were. In the ventilation trench, stretching 21 meters from the underground floor to the technical floor, there are not only five large steam pipes but also the location for the electric elevator. With the pipes being long and vertical, closely located with no space for insulation and joint tightness handling, the challenge was how to install them safely. The ventilation and air conditioning engineering team devised a solution: they segmented the pipe into several sections, with each segment combining two to three tubes. Using a winch, they pulled each pipe segment into place, connecting them one by one until the final piece was installed. This approach resulted in the quick, high-quality installation of all five steam pipes, ensuring safety for both people and equipment.
Amid the constant emergence of initiatives, examples of selfless dedication are common among officers, soldiers, and construction site workers. Le Van Duyet, an electric welder in the electrical installation team, was fervently welding on a ladder at a height of 2.5 meters when he suddenly fainted. Everyone hurried to assist Duyet down, and after 30 minutes of emergency treatment, he regained consciousness and earnestly requested to return to his position. Working tirelessly for 12 hours every day, he insisted on doing so for weeks to expedite the site clearance work for the construction team. His determination knows no bounds.
Throughout his life, our beloved Uncle Ho sacrificed his personal benefits and dedicated all his efforts to our social community. Could it be that those soldiers from the military, whom Uncle Ho had always cared for and educated, were now exemplifying his spirit during these days?
By the end of December 1974, the soldiers, officers, and workers at the installation site had essentially completed the installation of the technical system.
During this time, comrade Truong Chinh visited the installation site. While examining the construction progress, he suddenly pointed out a section of poorly welded pipe. With genuine concern, he reminded everyone, "The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is an eternal solemn monument; comrades must strive for the best quality and beauty." He didn't say much, but the next day, the team requested to cut and replace that section of the pipe with a straighter and more beautiful one. Since then, a deeper awareness of quality and aesthetics pervaded the soldiers, officers, and workers at the installation site.
The first task for the installation workers was to complete the electrical substation and various electrical distribution panels. Skilled engineers, technical officers, and air conditioning technicians were mobilized to install the 3 x 1000kVA transformer substation. This system was considered the heart of the project. Before the installation, teams studied the design, procedures, and technical regulations thoroughly. The Soviet experts were always present, guiding Vietnamese technical officers in moving and installing equipment while dealing with complex situations. People moved in and out of the Mausoleum, busy and urgent. From the deep underground chambers in the center, left, and right to the heights of 19m, soldiers, officers, and workers clung to ladders and panel racks of various types. Interspersed with the electrical panel installers were those installing lighting. Lights on the ceiling, lights on the walls, lights in hidden and hard-to-reach places - all had specific purposes and meanings, following strict technical and artistic requirements. During the lighting installation, the electricians improved light block plans and adjusted brightness levels to enhance the effectiveness of the light for visitors paying respects to Uncle Ho.
In the deep underground chambers, on the floor, and in precarious high positions, hundreds of electric motors ranging from 0.6kW to 2,000kW were being precisely placed by the hands of diligent soldiers and workers. In the central control room, teams silently installed control panels and tested the air conditioning system. The work wasn't physically strenuous, but it was tense. These control panels would soon replace human manual labor with automated systems, displaying numbers and detecting deviations.
In another room, a 100-line telephone switchboard and an industrial television system were also meticulously assembled. Hundreds of large and small components, seemingly tangled, were skillfully connected by agile hands and sharp minds to form a complete system. Adjacent to this, a group of workers simultaneously installed and tested the protective signal and fire alarm systems. Any small error in these machine components could cause disruption, potentially leading to damages to the project if these signals did not ensure accurate sensitivity in urgent conditions.
While some sections worked quietly under tension, the power cable pulling team emerged with lively shouts and bustling activity. Large and small cross-sectional cables were being carefully pulled into position with soldiers exerting their strength as if pulling cannons into place. The cable route twisted and turned, with up to forty people involved, facing challenges but persistently tackling the demanding task. Many lacked proper protective gloves, resulting in swollen and blistered hands, yet no one gave up or complained.
The most labor-intensive and crucial task during this period was the installation of the ventilation and air conditioning system. By the end of February 1975, these machine parts arrived in Hai Phong, causing a buzz of excitement throughout the construction site. In just one week, 240 tons of cargo were unloaded and transported to the site.
On March 01, 1975, the installation command decided to launch the "40 days to complete the air conditioning system" campaign. This system, considered the most basic and highly automated technological equipment in the Mausoleum, aimed to create a pure environment with suitable humidity and temperature for preserving the body. Additionally, it served the public visiting Uncle Ho and the staff operating the facility. The air conditioning system also had the task of preventing mold in the structure. On March 02, 1975, after just one day of the vibrant campaign, a surprising honor came to the officers and soldiers: General Vo Nguyen Giap visited to encourage the unit.
The installation of the air conditioning system posed a completely new challenge to the officers, soldiers, and workers of the installation team. Though designed by the Soviet Union, the machines were manufactured in various countries, and their components, modules, and parts came from Japan, the United States, Italy, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, etc. The entire air conditioning system, including four central air conditioners, weighed 160 tons, boasting modernity unprecedented in Vietnam. Complementing the central air conditioning system were local cooling units, local fan coil units, and hanging air conditioning units. More than 80,000m3 of air per hour circulated through over twenty fan units. Besides the intricate pipe system, workers installed various individual components like sound insulation, air valves, motors, suction grids, blowers, and a refrigeration plant with six air-cooled units having a total capacity of over two and a half million kilocalories per hour, all assembled to serve the air conditioning system.
Bringing such a massive amount of machinery into the Mausoleum was undeniably challenging. The installation team not only mobilized other teams to assist in force but also continuously displayed ingenuity during the work process. Initially, they used the "jacking" method to lift the seven-ton refrigeration station onto its platform. However, after a few attempts, they found this method too time-consuming and physically demanding while compromising safety. The team proposed fixing the winch to an iron frame above the platform to bring the machine into position. Thanks to this improvement, productivity increased by 200%, ensuring absolute safety when installing the machine. Significant improvements are also developed by the compressor technicians' team. We typically take 12 hours to adjust one compressor using traditional techniques. The team that adjusted the compressor also contributed noteworthy ideas. By designing a simple lifting device, they reduced the time required to adjust one machine from twelve hours to four. The emphasis on thorough equipment checks and maintenance before assembly was carried out rigorously and meticulously by officers, soldiers, and construction workers.
Alongside the installation of the air conditioning system, the installation team also worked on the water supply and drainage system. In the Mausoleum, there was a technical water system, including a stagnant water cooling system and a chilled water supply system. The water demand for the Mausoleum was substantial, requiring the construction site to establish its own water treatment plant. This plant could supply one hundred thousand cubic meters of water per day. The water supply lines into the Mausoleum were also designed with redundancy, incorporating both a primary and backup line. The water treatment plant included a filtration system to ensure water quality.
Officers, soldiers, and construction workers had to install five water storage tanks with capacities ranging from 10 to 50 cubic meters, over 50 various pump units, more than 450 shut-off valves, and a significant amount of water pipes, totaling up to 5,000 meters. In addition to installing the fundamental machine systems, the team had to set up various mechanical machines. Installing special elevators was one of these tasks. The construction of a protection system, including heavy doors, sealed doors, round doors, shock wave-resistant doors, and a hanging optical system, was also underway.
These machines were designed with unique features, demanding precision in assembly. The protection system could be remotely controlled. The elevators had multiple design solutions to ensure safety. Notable among these intricate machines was the transparent and sealed casket device. This device, designed and assembled by the Soviet specialists, housed a transparent and sealed casket. The lifting and lowering of the casket followed a highly precise movement principle. Twenty types of multi-beam lights, reflecting different colors through numerous lenses and a cooling system, contributed to the operation. The technology and scientific level of this equipment were exceptionally high.
Although the assembly of these intricate machines required a high level of scientific and technical expertise, the officers, soldiers, and construction workers not only completed the task successfully but also contributed many innovative ideas to improve the design and installation. Thanks to their proactive and creative spirit, coupled with the high level of cooperation and solidarity among all officers, soldiers, and construction workers, the 40-day and night machine installation campaign was victorious. It also reflected the deep appreciation of the officers, soldiers, and construction workers for Uncle Ho and the beloved Party.
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In parallel with the design and construction of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, efforts were also directed towards redesigning and reconstructing Ba Dinh Square. On this historic ground, on September 02, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The aim was to make Ba Dinh Square more spacious, dignified, and modern - a collective aspiration of the entire Party, the entire people, and the armed forces. This location was not just a place for our people to commend the forces and express their determination to build and protect their homeland, but it was also a place for our people and future generations, as well as friends from around the world, to gather, pay homage to President Ho, and visit historical sites from Ho Chi Minh's era.
Based on our outline, the Soviet experts developed the design drawing, they crafted the zoning plan for the square, streets, and gardens around Lang. This included the design for various significant areas like Bach Thao garden, the memorial space for President Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace, the Mausoleum, Ba Dinh School Assembly, and more. We are eagerly anticipating the renovation and reconstruction of the Lang front area, with the goal of completing it by the National Day on September 02, 1975.
The Soviet experts sent a delegation headed by Comrade A. Le-op, the Moscow representative, to Vietnam on April 10, 1974. The delegation brought the project design for the renovation of Ba Dinh Square and the adjacent flower garden near the Mausoleum for Vietnam to review and approve.
Deputy Prime Minister Do Muoi convened a conference with representatives from 14 relevant ministries, departments, and localities to assign responsibilities for this mission. Deputy Prime Minister Do Muoi emphasized that each ministry and each department should send capable officials to focus on studying the design proposed by the delegation of experts. They were to provide feedback before the state would consider and approve the plan.
In strict compliance with Deputy Prime Minister Do Muoi's directive, the responsible officials diligently studied and discussed the expert delegation's project. On May 07, 1974, a working session was held between us and the Soviet delegation, and the minutes of this meeting were signed. The results of this discussion were reported to the Political Bureau and the Council of Ministers. Some changes and additions during the discussion process were incorporated into the project to align with the practical conditions.
According to the agreed-upon design, Ba Dinh Square, the adjacent flower garden, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum formed a unified architectural ensemble. The total area for renovation and construction was 14 hectares. The square in front of the Mausoleum, covering an area of 2.8 hectares, could accommodate around 100,000 people. It was divided into 168 grassy squares with a central walkway measuring 1.4 meters wide. Surrounding the square was a 7-meter-wide and 4-meter-high decorated concrete pavement. The total area of this pavement was 7,800 square meters. Below ground level, there was a drainage system to ensure dryness. The roads were also reconstructed to be wider and more robust. Hung Vuong Street, passing in front of the Mausoleum, was made of reinforced concrete, measuring 1,060 meters long and 40 meters wide. The section in front of the Mausoleum was 60 meters wide. Bac Son Street was 280 meters long and 60 meters wide, divided into two lanes, with a central dividing strip 18 meters wide used as a flower garden. Ba Dinh Street was 400 meters long and 18 meters wide. Additionally, there were surrounding roads around the Mausoleum, including sections leading to and from the flower garden on both sides and behind the Mausoleum.
To maintain a dry condition for the square while ensuring the vitality of hundreds of plants, flowers, and grassy squares, the design team paid great attention to the water supply and drainage system. This system had to effectively drain water for an area of 14 hectares, including the Mausoleum, the square, the road system, and the adjacent areas. An underground reinforced concrete drainage pipe system, with a total length of 4,200 meters, was laid under the sidewalks along the roads, connected to the city's drainage network. Below the grassy squares of the square, there were water filter layers, underground pipes, and drainage ditches. Beneath the flower garden areas, there were underground pipes and gutters. In conjunction with the drainage system, a water supply system was established. The main purpose of this water supply system was to irrigate plants and grass. Water supply pipes were arranged on the square areas, behind the Mausoleum, and on Bac Son Street.
The electrical work for the square primarily supplied and distributed energy for all electrical devices illuminating the outside of the Mausoleum, the square, the flower garden, and nearby streets. The square used high-pressure mercury lamps and neon lights installed on tall columns.
The square also had an information system, broadcasting, and television. These facilities ensured communication, broadcasting, recording, and broadcasting of images on-site.
The landscaping, plant, and flower garden work enhanced the beauty of Ba Dinh Square, creating a fresh atmosphere for the Mausoleum and the square. With this project, regions from across the country could send representative trees, plants, and typical flowers to the capital.
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The completion of a massive task following aforementioned design within a short timeframe, coupled with the construction of the Mausoleum, required efficient organization and command to ensure swift execution.
Originally, when the construction site for the Mausoleum was established, the government assigned the task of both building the Mausoleum and renovating Ba Dinh Square to the same construction site. However, by May 1974, the construction of the Mausoleum faced difficulties in meeting its schedule, making it challenging to concurrently handle the renovation of the square. Consequently, on June 05, 1974, the Prime Minister made the decision to delegate this task to various ministries, sectors, and localities.
Following the directives of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense, military technical officers were involved in redesigning Ba Dinh Square and the adjacent flower garden. They prepared organizational plans to assist the Mausoleum Construction Steering Committee in monitoring this project. Two options were considered: establishing a unified Design Committee and a construction site or having multiple specialized construction units. In both scenarios, the military would contribute officers to the Design Committee and deploy additional forces for direct construction if needed.
The Mausoleum Construction Steering Committee discussed with the Combat engineer headquarters the necessity of establishing a capable construction management agency to both fulfill the Design Committee's tasks and provide advisory support. The Committee entrusted the Combat engineer headquarters with organizing the framework of the Ba Dinh Square Design Committee, with the military as the core. On June 29, 1974, the Ba Dinh Square Design Committee was officially formed, under the direct command of the Mausoleum Construction Steering Committee. On the same day, the General Staff issued an instruction determining the structure of the Design Committee, with personnel from the Air Defense Force forming the core.
The Ba Dinh Square Design Committee comprised 75 members, with 85% being military technical officers. Additionally, officers from the Ministry of Supplies, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Construction participated. Nguyen Van Tuong was appointed as the Head of the Ba Dinh Square Design Committee.
On September 01, 1974, the renovation of Ba Dinh Square officially commenced. The news of victories on the battlefront, combined with the urgent construction pace during the final phase, motivated everyone involved in the Mausoleum construction site to support those working on the Ba Dinh Square project. Various ministries, sectors, and Hanoi City were each assigned specific areas or specialized tasks for construction. Despite a shortage of materials, construction units independently resolved this issue, with the government reimbursing them later. Resources and manpower poured into the Square from all directions.
Fourteen companies from different ministries and Hanoi City participated in construction and land clearance. The construction site was always bustling with thousands of workers. Despite the early autumn chill, the atmosphere on Ba Dinh Square felt warm due to the intense labor and urgency displayed by everyone. Sounds of walls being constructed, shovels digging, and cheers filled the air.
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By August 31, 1974, the Soviet Union had sent the basic design but without detailed plans and construction drawings. In response to land clearance, the Mausoleum Construction Steering Committee immediately deployed over 100 officers from 13 specialized design institutes to elaborate on the design.
On November 20, 1974, the construction site transitioned to implementing the new design. Perhaps no construction site had ever seen such a meticulously selected labor force. The entire Square was like a synthesis of specialized forces.
The Ministry of Transport's force, equipped with various types of trucks, transported materials and equipment from different locations to the construction site for all units. Their forces were also spread across the main roads and paths on the Square.
The Ministry of Construction's forces engaged in the extraction, production, and processing of raw materials and precast concrete components for the entire construction site. They were also responsible for tasks such as constructing the Square's facilities, water drainage systems, water supply systems, electrical lighting, and pavement.
The Postal Service's forces executed the entire information system, broadcasting, radio, and television for the construction site.
The forestry division's team is responsible for bringing greenery to the Square, the surrounding paths of the Mausoleum, and Uncle Ho’s Garden. Their initial task involves receiving hundreds of trees, ornamental plants, and various flowers sent by people from all corners of the country. Each flower and plant reflect the heartfelt sentiments of the local communities towards Uncle Ho – despite enduring numerous challenges, the plants remain as vibrant as budding shoots. Those in the forestry sector understand the value of each tree brought here and are committed to planting them in their designated spots according to the design plans and the wishes of the people.
Brown bamboo trees from the home of Hung Vuong have been transported. Designers have envisioned planting these trees along the grandest and most dignified road leading to Uncle Ho's Mausoleum – Hung Vuong Street. These tall, straight, broad-leaved bamboo trees with their deep green hue have been carefully selected to be nearly the same age, size, and height, creating a beautiful, sustainable, and sacred atmosphere along the road.
On both sides of Bac Son Street, two rows of ban flowers border the road, while two rows of water jasmine are planted inside. Ban flowers evoke memories of the heroic struggles in the Northwest, particularly in Dien Bien Phu, a region rich in historical significance for the entire nation. The ethnic groups in the Northwest hold this flower in high regard, sending a type of large, tall, and delicate white flower that blooms from May onward to the construction site. The blossoming ban flowers symbolize the loyal and pure hearts of Vietnamese, a tribute sent to Uncle on his birthdays.
The water oak trees inside symbolize the resilient and indomitable spirit, "acting as a pioneer," clinging to the homeland until the ultimate victory of the people at the southernmost point of Ca Mau.
Beyond the fence, on both sides of Hung Vuong and Bac Son Streets, forestry officials and workers plant rows of the Casuarinas – a species representing endurance against the harshness of sun, rain, and storms. The Casuarina can thrive in various conditions, including the white sandy areas and dry hillsides.
The skilled hands of forestry workers are honored to plant historically significant tree species. Bamboo from Pac Bo grows under the Cac Mac Mountain and along the Lenin stream, having a close connection with Uncle Ho during the tumultuous years of the nation. The Tan Trao banyan tree commemorates the days Uncle Ho visited Tan Trao, the birth of the Vietnam Liberation Propaganda Team. Bamboo trees from Lam Son in Thanh Hoa represent the determined spirit of uprisings led by the national hero Le Loi. Forestry workers also receive precious trees from the central region, such as Tra My cinnamon renowned for its quality and fragrance and the unique tree from Quang Nam - Da Nang, a special tree that sustained officials and soldiers in the intense years of anti-American resistance.
Hundreds of fruit-bearing trees, which Uncle used to care for daily and offer their fruits as gifts to soldiers, children, and people in regions such as star apples, orange, lime, pomelo, are also planned meticulously to continue flourishing around him.
Moreover, young men and women from the capital city are responsible for constructing the entire drainage and sewage system, planting grass, flowers, and ornamental trees. The young ladies from the Parks Company bring square patches of grass to the Square, resilient to sun and rain and remaining green throughout the four seasons. In the adjacent flower garden, they carefully nurture meaningful flowers, including branches of cherry blossoms from the To Hieu cherry tree and vibrant apricot blossoms, typically found in the Southern region.
Behind the Mausoleum, a variety of fragrant flower pots that Uncle Ho favored during his lifetime, such as jasmine, woody scents, and sandalwood, are planted in alternating arrangements. Countless other remarkable flowers in terms of color and fragrance are sent by people from various regions. The people nationwide wish for Uncle to rest amidst the myriad fragrances of flowers and leaves. The foliage represents the collective heart of the people, eager to surround and embrace Uncle Ho.
On both sides of the Mausoleum are white jade orchids, adjacent to fresh pink rose walls, and in front, right next to Mausoleum, are two rows of magnolias. At the base of the Mausoleum stand two trees symbolizing purity and endurance.
In addition to the central agencies and departments, Hanoi city has engaged forces from 14 provinces and municipalities in the construction of the Square. Coordinating and harmonizing to align with the overall schedule and plan has not been an easy task. Additionally, shortages and delays in equipment and materials have presented challenges for the construction site.
The labor force involves participants from various cities, and if the coordination is not well-organized, it can impact labor productivity. Recognizing this, the Square's Design Committee proposed the establishment of a unified command committee to streamline coordination under the leadership of the Chief Designer. In February 1975, this command committee was formed, and indeed, the construction situation improved considerably.
The unified command committee proposed to the oversight committee to mobilize additional support. Officials, workers, and students from central agencies, Hanoi, universities, and vocational high schools enthusiastically joined socialist labor, providing effective support for the construction site. From March to May 1974, this force contributed about seventy thousand days of labor.
By June 1974, the entire construction site had completed approximately 60% of the planned work. The Oversight Committee of the Mausoleum requested additional support from the Combat engineer headquarters. Subsequently, the military mobilized a force comprising two regiments: the Trung Dung regiment from the Red River Delta and the Tan Trao regiment from the Northern Military Region, to the Ba Dinh Square.
These troops served as the mobile force of the Square's Design Committee, being at the forefront in critical areas. Where the road construction team lacked manpower, they provided reinforcements; where the tree-planting team needed hole-digging support, they offered assistance. The military also participated in the construction of information systems, broadcasting, television, and other complex tasks. Whenever difficulties arose, the military was ready to provide support.
While not a technical or specialized force, thanks to strong leadership and coordination, ensuring material and logistical support, the military units involved successfully completed their tasks at every location.
The officers and soldiers from the Trung Dung and Tan Trao regiments set a shining example of selfless labor, demonstrating high productivity and work quality, in line with our military's tradition of " fighting for a victory" Their presence during challenging times facilitated people's confidence, inspiring and encouraging all forces to strive to meet the assigned tasks within the stipulated time frame.
Thus, nearly six years since Uncle Ho bid farewell to us, the officers, soldiers, and workers involved in the construction and renovation of the Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square overcame numerous challenges, challenges that seemed insurmountable at times. Now, they can proudly report to the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army that Uncle Ho's eternal home, Ba Dinh Square where he proclaimed independence long ago, has been beautifully and completely constructed.
Things are all ready to welcome Uncle Ho back into the heart of the homeland!
On August 22, 1975, the military units participating in the construction of the Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square organized a celebration of the successful completion of their mission in an atmosphere filled with joy. The event was attended by leaders of the Party, State, and the military, along with numerous representatives from military regions, branches, services, and relevant ministries and agencies. The leaders expressed their happiness and pride in their beloved soldiers, who kept their promises to the Party and the people. They proved to be outstanding representatives of the armed forces engaged in building Uncle's Mausoleum. They made significant contributions, remarking a significant milestone on history of the People's Army of Vietnam.
VI. MAUSOLEUM WELCOMES UNCLE HO
- 1 -
In the spring of 1975, a season forever etched in the memories of every citizen, every soldier left an indelible mark. The entire nation underwent a transformation during that historic spring. It was also the sixth spring for the soldiers entrusted with a special mission: to preserve and protect President Ho Chi Minh’s body. After six years since the birth of Unit 69, Hill K84 had truly become a garden full of flowers, tranquil and spacious. Following the signing of the Paris Agreement, upon returning from Base K2, the officers and soldiers of Unit 69 urgently reinforced and built their unit.
While construction at Ba Dinh Square, especially the construction of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, was progressing rapidly, at K84, experts along with officers and soldiers of the entire unit were busy with ongoing tasks, training, and preparing for the final move: bringing President Ho Chi Minh to the Mausoleum. Simultaneously with the training activities in 1974-1975, experts and our specialized officers conducted numerous experiments to determine the parameters, temperature, and humidity to be applied at the Mausoleum later.
In the spring of 1974, around mid-February, the Central Southern Bureau delegation led by Comrade Nguyen Van Linh visited K84 before returning to the front to prepare for the General Offensive and Uprising in the Spring of 1975. On that day, the sons and daughters of the Red River Delta, a land forever in the great heart of President Ho, stood silently before his body, silently vowing to fulfill his sacred will. In the transparent glass coffin, President Ho lay peacefully, with a faint smile on his lips and warmth emanating from his body, spreading throughout the forest filled with the fragrance of various flowers. It seemed as if he had just returned from a stroll, and was peacefully sleeping.
In the historic spring of 1975, as the General Offensive and Uprising unfolded like a storm across the Southern battlefields, at Hill K84, Unit 69 soldiers entered their final training sessions. Everyone knew that victory was imminent, the Mausoleum was near completion, and they were about to welcome President Ho Chi Minh to his final resting place. One hundred and fifty officers and soldiers of Regiment 144 received orders to march to a hill in Vinh Phu, establishing a model similar to the Mausoleum for training. Movements like the rifle-bearing standing position, synchronized marching, presenting arms, and guiding guests were practiced repeatedly under the scorching summer sun until mastered. After completing their training, the aforementioned officers and soldiers returned to Hanoi, combining with some officers and soldiers at the divisional headquarters to form Unit 275, primarily responsible for ceremonial guard duties and ensuring the safety of the Mausoleum area. This was also the precursor to the current Unit 275.
Until the final days of April 1975, K84 was in an ecstatic and bustling atmosphere. News of victory poured in like a torrent. Day and night, officers and soldiers of Unit 69 fulfilled their duties while closely monitoring the progress of the war, sharing each victory with one another. Every face was shining, filled with emotions. It was a strange time when people seemed to be both astonished and joyous. The sacrifices and hardships endured by the entire nation over the past 30 years, the pain that had constantly ached in President Ho's great heart, were about to be fully compensated by our army and people.
Soviet experts, comrades, friends who had shared joys and sorrows with Vietnamese colleagues, could not hold back from expressing their joy and emotion. In the bedroom of comrade Cadanxep, there was a map of Vietnam. Cadanxep had made many small red flags. Every time there was news of a city or provincial capital in the South being liberated, he would place a red flag on that area on the map. When the last flag was planted on Saigon's land, the Soviet experts rushed out into the corridor, embracing their Vietnamese colleagues and cheering for victory.
It is wordless to convey the joy and astonishment of the officers and soldiers of Unit 69 upon hearing that the entire South had been completely liberated. It was a peaceful day in early May, the sun shining brightly on the forest branches and the clear windows of Uncle's resting place. Everyone in every department stopped working to embrace and cheer with each other, overwhelmed with joy. It marked the end, the permanent end, to the more than thirty years of pain that the people of the whole country had endured. From now on, Uncle Ho would be able to rest peacefully, free from the scenes of evacuation due to American bombs and bullets. Before long, people across the country would visit the historic Ba Dinh Square to pay their respects to him at the Mausoleum.
On May 26, 1975, The Unit 69 Command Committee has received orders from the Combat engineer headquarters to make thorough preparations for conveying Uncle Ho to the Mausoleum. The unit is now preparing for a new phase and mission. This mission includes the combined responsibilities of keeping and maintaining Uncle Ho's body, supervising activities at Lang, and greeting international guests at Uncle Ho's palace.
On May 27, 1975, the Party Committee of the Unit convened an expanded meeting to discuss and plan the logistics for the upcoming military procession to bring President Ho Chi Minh’s body to the Mausoleum.
The impending procession would be vastly different from previous ones, as peace had been back in the Northern region. To ensure the success of the extended military procession, the Unit promptly sent officers to liaise with localities along the route and the city of Ha Noi. Their task was to coordinate road repairs to ensure security along the entire route. Officers and soldiers within the unit actively inspected and repaired various vehicles to guarantee a smooth procession. An enthusiastic movement emerged throughout the Unit, driven by the combination of the joy of victory and the preparations to welcome President Ho Chi Minh to the Mausoleum. The once serene K84 forest now buzzed with activity, with the wind rustling through the treetops and the sun casting its warm glow amid the melodious bird songs by the river. Nature seemed to be transforming, eagerly preparing for the momentous return of Uncle.
By the last days of June, local reports confirmed the completion of road repairs, and the Unit was requested to conduct a final inspection. Surprisingly, after six years of Uncle's peaceful rest on this land, it was only when Unit 69 officers came for road repairs that local leaders learned about it. They were deeply moved, realizing the honor bestowed upon their region.
In mid-July, all Unit 69 forces converged on K84, fully prepared for their mission. Most of the logistics for the procession had been completed. Vehicles and motorcycles intended for the procession underwent thorough inspections. On the morning of July 15, on behalf of the Central Military Commission and the Combat engineer headquarters, comrades Pham Ngoc Mau, Phung The Tai, and Kinh Chi personally inspected the preparations and officially announced the order: The Political Bureau and the Central Military Commission decided to welcome Uncle Ho to the Mausoleum on July 18, 1975.
On July 16, anticipation filled the Unit as preparations were double-checked, equipment arranged, and tasks assigned to each individual. Everyone understood that it might be a long time before they returned to this sacred forest. Hence, a sense of nostalgia lingered in each heart as they bid farewell to the familiar forest, hills, and rivers that had been their companions for six years.
On July 17, a portion of the Unit, along with three vehicles carrying equipment, left for Hanoi. Exactly at 4 PM the next day, on July 18, the special convoy carrying President Ho Chi Minh’s body received the order to depart from the base. Almost no one in the Unit had slept the night before. Everyone anxiously awaited this sacred moment. As they set off, the sun had dipped, painting a dark red hue on the forest leaves and the winding dirt road through the green trees.
The convoy moved slowly. As they left the forest, the twilight faded away. Saying goodbye to the mountains, rivers, and the beloved Hill K84 that had silently endured and protected Uncle Ho’s body.
Beyond the convoy, the imposing mountain peaks gradually receded, and the dense forest changed its hue to a faint blue, while the river flowed as if bidding farewell, attempting to retain the beautiful memories of the harsh wartime months. Farewell to everything, for today the entire Party and people were eagerly hoping for welcoming Uncle Ho to the Mausoleum.
- 2 -
At 8:00 PM on July 18, the convoy reached Ba Dinh Square. Everyone presented at that moment stood in awe before the grand Mausoleum, illuminated brightly. Many Party and State leaders awaited the most touching moment after six years of hardship – the reception of Uncle Ho at the Mausoleum.
The large door behind the Mausoleum opened, and everyone approached the specially adorned amphibious truck with reverence and solemnity, escorting Uncle Ho to the Mausoleum, welcoming Uncle Ho to the Mausoleum, which serves as his eternal resting place and a site for the future generations to come, pay honor to the greatest hero of a nation that yearns for freedom and justice.
Beside Uncle Ho's coffin, Comrade Nguyen Luong Bang expressed deep gratitude on behalf of our Party and State to the Soviet Party and Government for sending experienced experts to help Vietnam preserve Uncle Ho’s body during the intense six years of war.
He praised the endurance and dedication of the officers and soldiers of Unit 69, who protected and preserved Uncle Ho’s body intact in the face of the country's constant turmoil caused by American bombs and natural disasters.
On August 29, 1975, the inauguration ceremony of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was solemnly held at Ba Dinh Square. In his opening speech, Comrade Truong Chinh, on behalf of the Party Central Committee, the National Assembly, the Government, and the Central Committee of the Fatherland Front of Vietnam, praised the selfless spirit of labor demonstrated by the military and civilian forces of various localities and units, as well as the people and comrades from both the North and the South. He also acknowledged the internationalist spirit of the Soviet experts who, together with the Vietnamese people, completed the Mausoleum on schedule.
A hushed silence fell over the assembly as Comrade Le Duan, representing the Central Committee of the Party, read a speech recalling Uncle Ho's immense contributions to the nation and emphasizing, "His contributions and legacy will shine through generations."
Comrade Solomon K. Kolerov, head of the Soviet delegation attending the inauguration, also delivered a speech praising the thoughts, ethics, and style of Uncle Ho, affirming, "All progressive humanity remembers President Ho Chi Minh. Millions of people in all countries on all continents highly appreciate him, the leader of the Vietnam revolution, a hundred battles, a hundred victories."
"The entire progressive humanity has President Ho Chi Minh in their hearts. Millions of people from all countries and continents appreciate him, the leader of the Vietnam Revolution with a hundred battles and a hundred victories."
When it comes to Uncle's contributions, the memories are endless. However, in that solemn morning, everyone felt a profound longing for Uncle, eager to visit the Mausoleum after six years of his absence. Today, that wish has been fulfilled. After the inauguration ceremony, delegates quietly and respectfully entered the Mausoleum to pay their respects to Uncle Ho. The first fresh floral wreaths were placed at the entrance. Party and State leaders, disciples, and loyal comrades of Uncle Ho stood before his altar with boundless love, reverence, and sorrow.
After the homage, everyone felt a sense of peace, as Uncle Ho was now close to them, always by their side in every challenge, difficulty, and hardship of life.
Nong Van Thanh and Nguyen Van Ri, the honored soldiers standing guard in the first shift in front of the Mausoleum that day, initiated the endless days and nights of the guards protecting Uncle Ho's rest. They stood solemnly, eyes forward, hands firmly gripping their rifles, unmoving in all weather conditions and circumstances. Every 60 minutes, the guard rotation occurred rhythmically, beautifully, and ceremoniously. Before them, a stream of people with pained and sorrowful faces flowed endlessly into the Mausoleum, each leaving as if having gained something from Uncle Ho.
Welcoming Uncle to the Mausoleum, Unit 69 had to undertake a series of tasks, monitoring and preserving Uncle’s body, ensuring the maximum safety of all operational equipment within the Mausoleum, and organizing solemn visits that met the wishes of people nationwide and international friends. These were tasks that Unit 69 alone couldn't handle entirely. Responding to the mission's requirements in the new circumstances, on December 28, 1975, the Central Military Commission issued a resolution on organizing a military unit to protect the Mausoleum.
Implementing the committee's resolution, on May 14, 1976, the Minister of Defense issued a decision to establish the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Guard Command, with the designation Unit 969, commanded by Comrade Kinh Chi, who also served as the Political Commissar.
The tasks of Unit 969 were:
- Directly take care and preserve Uncle’s body.
- Manage and utilize machinery and equipment in the architectural structures around the Mausoleum.
- Organize honor guards and ensure the safety of the Mausoleum area.
- Provide the public guidance to visit Uncle Ho.
With the establishment of Unit 969, Unit 69 concluded a highly significant chapter in its history, fulfilling its noble and sacred mission of safeguarding and preserving Uncle Ho’s body. Over the past six years, the unit had self-reliantly overcome various challenges, completing an exceptional mission entrusted by the Party, the Government, and the people: to preserve Uncle Ho’s body intact under any circumstances.
Immediately after the decision to establish Unit 969, a special medical unit was also formed within the unit, creating Institute 69, led by Comrade Nguyen Gia Quyen as the director. Together within the Unit 969 formation were Unit 275, responsible for honor guard duties and protecting the Mausoleum, Unit 195 overseeing the operation of technical equipment around the Mausoleum, Unit 295 responsible for architectural and construction tasks, and Unit 395 tasked with repairing machinery and equipment.
The establishment of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Guard Command marked a crucial development in the participating forces responsible for protecting and preserving Uncle Ho’s body. Starting from small units, performing specific tasks, the progression to Unit 69 and then the Unit 969 Command was an arduous struggle of officers and soldiers who faithfully served by Uncle's side.
With the formation of Unit 969, the history of these soldiers undertaking the mission of preserving Uncle’s body entered a new chapter, with more honors but also heavier responsibilities.
- 3 –
After 40 years of securing Uncle Ho’s body and 30 years of protecting and running the operation of the Mausoleum, Unit 969 has been excellently completed the missions which assigned by Party, Goverment, and People. The battalion has been reinforced, built, and elevated to the level of a special force, embodying a particular mission. The golden tradition's essence is represented in 16 words: " Unleashing the Power of Filial Piety, Solidarity, Self-Reliance, and Proactive Creativity." These principles are reflected in the unit's distinguishing features:
- Respect and Dedication: Officers, employees, and soldiers within the unit, always guided by profound respect, trust, and understanding for Uncle Ho, consider the task of safeguarding and preserving Uncle Ho's body and his mausoleum, as well as organizing receptions for compatriots and international guests, as a weighty and honorable duty entrusted to them by the Government, State, and the people. Regardless of circumstances, their unwavering loyalty is evident in their commitment to the nation, to the Party, and to the absolute safekeeping and long-term preservation of President Ho Chi Minh's body and mausoleum, all while dedicatedly serving the people.
- Independence and Resilience: Demonstrating a strong will to be independent and self-reliant, the cadre, employees, and leaders within the organization leave their mark daily. Overcoming all difficulties and challenges, they work diligently, maintain balance, and display industriousness, courage, and proactiveness. They are committed to tackling unprecedented specialized scientific tasks in Vietnam, ensuring the successful completion of all assigned missions.
- Discipline and Responsibility: Managing a special project with intricate and complex physical and technical facilities, the unit consistently focuses on building, training, and promoting a strong sense of responsibility among its team of officials, employees, soldiers, and individuals of high integrity. This dedication is aimed at upholding extremely stringent discipline across all areas of work, ensuring the impossibility of any errors.
- Maintain and cultivate a spirit of unity and dedication, ensuring alignment in the people's ideas and deeds under the supervision of the Party Committee and commanders. Encourage unity and solidarity with the broader people by building strong collaboration among various agencies, promoting camaraderie, and effective cooperation. This approach is consistent with the party's and our country's foreign policy.
Over the past 32 years[2], Unit 969 has been honored by the Party and the State with the Ho Chi Minh Medal, 24 various medals, four times awarded the continuous flag of the Ministerial Council, and 902 officers, soldiers, and workers received the titles of Distinguished Soldier for Merit and Distinguished Soldier for Victory. Institute 69 was awarded the Hero of Labor title, Unit 195 was awarded the Hero of the People’s Armed Forces title, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Guard Command was awarded the Hero of the People’s Armed Forces title during the renewal period.
Unit 969 has formed and upheld these good traditions due to the tight leadership of the Central Party, the Government, and the Central Military Party Committee. The correct guidance from the Unit's Party committee and the caring support of the people, various sectors, organizations, and Party and State agencies have played a crucial role. An immensely important factor contributing to the successful preservation of Uncle’s body over the past 30 years and the timely completion of the Mausoleum project is the direct, substantial, and valuable assistance from the Soviet Union, particularly the team of experts who, from the very beginning, worked tirelessly alongside their Vietnamese colleagues during the challenging times of war, moving to any location as needed.
On October 04, 1975, as a gesture of gratitude towards the Soviet Union's Party, Government, and people, our Government awarded the Hero of Labor of Vietnam to three exemplary Soviet experts:
- Dr. Semyon Semyonovich Devyatov, a medical scientist, the director of the Lenin Scientific Research Institute.
- Garon Grigoryevich Isakovitch, an architect in charge of the Mausoleum construction.
- Nikolai Metvedev, the chief construction engineer for the Mausoleum project.
Many other teams and individuals from the expert delegation also received the Labor Medal and Friendship Medal from our Government…
Thirty-two years have passed since the establishment of Unit 969 and 38 years since beloved President Ho Chi Minh bid farewell to us. Until May 19, 2007, a total of 33,492,762 people, including 3,871,051 international visitors, have visited Uncle's Mausoleum, attending 1,265 political and cultural activities held in front of the Mausoleum.
Day by day, people quietly approach Uncle's Mausoleum, seeking a sense of trust, a pure value in the revolutionary soldier's heart, to love what he loved, to aspire for what he aspired, to tread the path he walked throughout his life.
Many new recruits, swearing-in ceremonies of party members, events of cooperative units, schools, etc., have come to the Mausoleum to report the determination of their units in the cause of building and defending our socialist homeland of Vietnam. Many newlywed couples also visit the Mausoleum to express their gratitude. For over thirty years, Uncle has been present in every joy and sorrow of the nation and the country. He still lives a humble life among his people. There have been hundreds of international delegations who, before working with our Party and State, paid tribute by laying wreaths and visiting Uncle's Mausoleum.
In the golden book kept by the Command of Unit 969, countless thoughts from the people, comrades of various ethnic groups across the country, and friends from all continents are recorded.
The delegation of the Front of the Fatherland of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, writes: "We are deeply touched to visit Uncle's Mausoleum," "Uncle Ho forever lives in the hearts of the South People," "The words here will stay forever in the hearts of the people of Ho Chi Minh City. Visiting Uncle's Mausoleum brings immense love for Uncle. We pledge to study and live by Uncle's example."
The cooperative team from Minh Thuan Commune, Vu Ban District, Ha Nam Ninh Province writes: "Our delegation sees that the Central Military Committee, the Party Central Committee, and the Government have built Uncle Ho's final resting place in an exemplary and unprecedented manner. Our delegation sincerely thanks the organizing committee for warmly receiving us and arranging accommodations for our delegation."
Teacher Nguyen Thi Hue, of the Meo ethnic group, writes: "We, the Meo people, are what we are today - well-fed, well-clothed, literate, and progressive - thanks to the Party and Uncle Ho's grace. I and the Meo people are very grateful to Uncle Ho, to the Party. I am committed to trying to teach Meo children for generations to follow the Party, to follow Uncle."
The delegation of the Soviet Truth writes: "This visit to President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum deeply moved us, creating a profound impression that cannot be compared with anything else.
The life and activities of this great man, a passionate revolutionary, an international soldier, a fervent patriot, a tireless worker, embody a miraculous modesty. His Will and Philosophy motivate each of us in the struggle, in labor for a glorious future, for the happiness of the people, for global peace."
The Ethiopian delegation writes: "Visiting Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, we have a deep impression: Ho Chi Minh is not only a great revolutionary figure of the Vietnamese people but also the hope of the African nations as well as other nations struggling to eradicate imperialism from their homelands."
The women's delegation from the United States writes: "We love Vietnam because it has Ho Chi Minh as a leader. His life is the most complete symbol of peace... We consider Ho Chi Minh as the leader of the progressive people of the United States. Unfortunately, in our country, we don't have a leader like your President Ho Chi Minh."
A tourist from Thailand writes: "I have visited President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. The place is beautiful and solemn. It's not just for the Vietnamese people but for all humanity."
Thirty-two years have passed[3]. The sky over Ba Dinh Square always flows with wind and is filled with sunshine. People from all over continue to visit Uncle. Each time, every person feels reassured as Uncle's visage remains rosy and serene, just as when he was alive.
(Reprinted from the 2007 edition)
Inauguration of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
(August 29, 1975)
Party and State leaders visit Uncle's Mausoleum
(August 129, 975)
For a peaceful sleep of Uncle Ho
Publication: Director - Chief of Editor DAU XUAN LUAN
Manuscript: Deputy Director - Deputy Chief of Editor: NGUYEN VAN SAU
Editors: NGUYEN VAN HUNG, NGUYEN THI MINH THUY.
Formatting and proofreading: NGUYEN THU QUYNH
Cover: NGUYEN BAO NGOC - NGUYEN ANH TUAN
People's Army Publishing House
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Printed: 4th Quarter - 2019
Submission for circulation: 4th Quarter - 2019
Book size: 14.5 x 20.5 cm
Number of pages: 216 pages
Quantity: 1,503 copies
Publishing Plan Registration Number: 2828-2019/CXBIPH/6-344/QDND
Publishing Decision Number: 338/QD-NXBQDND, dated October 24, 2019
Type setting: People's Army Publishing House.
Printed and bound by: 1 Army Printing House
Address: 21 Ly Nam De Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
ISBN: 978-604-51-5336-9
Print number: 9673
