The ultimate mission: Recapture Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam

Veteran soldier Le Van Tinh spoke candidly with Economic & Urban reporters at his home on Nguyen Ngoc Nai Street in Thanh Xuan District about his experiences fighting through the years and his return to help liberate Hanoi. Photo: Hong Thai/The Hanoi Times

As the capital celebrated the 70th anniversary of its liberation, the Economic and Urban Newspaper's journalists paid a visit to Le Van Tinh, a former member of Company 238 of the Capital Regiment (Division 308), one of the soldiers who marched into Hanoi seventy years ago, to listen to his story.

As Le Van Tinh recalled, after the earth-shattering victory at Dien Bien Phu, he and his company commander, Nguyen Dinh Phong, met President Ho Chi Minh at the Temple of the Hung Kings. It was there, in a moment that left a lasting impression on Tinh, that President Ho entrusted Division 308 with the mission of "recapturing Hanoi".

Tinh's first meeting with Uncle Ho was a deeply moving experience. He spoke of the leader as robust, healthy, and humble in his plain brown clothes on a chilly day. "Do you know where we are?" President Ho questioned the soldiers as he gave them a cordial greeting. The reply from some of the troops was: "Uncle, this is the Temple of the Hung Kings." Uncle Ho grinned and said: "That's right. This country was founded by the Hung Kings and we must defend it now." He stressed that the Party and the government had given them the honorable task of retaking the capital.

"As you enter Hanoi, you must be vigilant against enemy sabotage and protect the city's vital services - electricity, water, hospitals, schools, housing, and roads - for our future," President Ho warned them of the obstacles ahead. "You have three things to maintain: unity, discipline, and your revolutionary virtues. In addition, you must educate the people about government regulations and Party policies, and help debunk the enemy's propaganda."

Secretary of the Thanh Xuan District Party Committee, Bui Huyen Mai, visits and presents gifts to veteran Le Van Tinh.

"When you enter the city, will you complete your mission?" President Ho asked before leaving.  The soldiers stood up and assured him that they would.  "Good. If you want me to stay healthy and live a long life, you must complete the tasks I've set for you," President Ho replied, smiling warmly. The soldiers burst into applause, cheering their beloved leader.

Le Van Tinh recalled how President Ho's words were forever etched in his memory. "Following his orders, we had a short time to prepare, but we worked urgently, seriously, and accurately. We received new uniforms and underwent thorough training, memorizing instructions on how to behave in the liberated areas and how to follow military administrative guidelines. Everyone was excited, eagerly awaiting the day we would enter Hanoi."

At 5 a.m. on October 10, 1954, Hanoi was filled with waving flags and flowers celebrating the historic moment. Soldiers from the Capital Regiment, along with other units from Division 308, proudly marched into the capital to a warm welcome from the citizens.

"At 5 a.m. on October 10, 1954, we set out from Phung Village and marched in formation along Route 32 toward Hanoi. As we crossed the Dien Bridge, we were met by a sea of flags, flowers, and banners, the most striking of which read 'Long Live President Ho Chi Minh,'" Le Van Tinh said.

"As we passed, people cheered and waved flags in the streets. Their hands seemed to embrace us after all these years of separation, and some of them had tears in their eyes. For those of us who had fought for 60 days and nights to defend Hanoi before having to retreat at the beginning of the resistance, it was a very emotional time. We were finally coming home."

As they made their way through the streets toward Hoan Kiem Lake and Dong Xuan Market, the city was still under curfew, but every door was open and cheering citizens greeted the soldiers. "We entered through Dong Gate and gathered at the Flag Tower later that afternoon. At 3 PM, the siren of the Hanoi Opera House sounded a long blast. The national anthem was played and the national flag was raised high on the Flag Tower. Division Commander Vuong Thua Vu read President Ho's letter to the people of the capital, and we listened with deep emotion," Tinh recalled.

"A military administration was set up soon after, and life soon returned to normal," Le Van Tinh recalled. In the early days, groups of three soldiers visited each household to inquire about their needs, explain government policies, and address any concerns. People welcomed us warmly. We organized nighttime musical performances in public places, which were enthusiastically embraced by the locals. Following President Ho's instructions, we completed our mission and were praised for our efforts. I, along with several other officers and troops of the Capital Regiment, had the honor of receiving medals from President Ho Chi Minh.

A life of dedication and service

Years after that historic day, Le Van Tinh is still deeply moved when autumn arrives in Hanoi. After liberation, he continued his military service until his retirement in 1991. Today, he continues to be involved in the life of the capital and the country, living by the principle of "live joyfully, live healthily, and live a life of contribution."

Soldier Le Van Tinh speaks at a meeting in honor of war veterans. Photo: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

Despite his age, Tinh is committed to being a role model for his family and community, always encouraging them to follow the Party's leadership and the government's regulations. True to the qualities of "Uncle Ho's Soldiers," he remains loyal to the Party and dedicated to the people. He continues to lead by example, always grateful for the support he has received from the Party, the government, the military, and the local authorities, especially the neighborhood Party committee. With their support, he has led a full life and remains an exemplary Party member and citizen of the capital.