60th Anniversary of the First Victory: A Glorious Epic of the Vietnam People's Navy
Exactly 60 years ago, on August 2 and 5, 1964, the Vietnam People's Navy, after 9 years of peaceful development, courageously and resolutely fought in its first combat operation, successfully driving away the destroyer USS Maddox of the US imperialists from our territorial waters. Together with the armed forces and people of North Vietnam, fighting heroically, they shot down 8 modern US aircraft, damaged many others, and captured the first US pilot alive in the waters and skies of North Vietnam, achieving the first victory of the Vietnam People's Navy and contributing to the first victory of the armed forces and people of North Vietnam against the US imperialists' air and naval warfare of destruction.
The first victory on August 2 and 5, 1964 was a glorious milestone in the history of the Vietnam People's Navy, marking the beginning of the heroic epic of the Vietnam People's Navy. Under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnam People's Navy demonstrated a brave and steadfast spirit, fighting for national independence and sovereignty. This victory marked the remarkable maturity of the young naval force after 9 years of establishment.
The Central Military Commission discusses the plan to fight the Americans and build
armed forces to defend North Vietnam in 1963
On August 2, 1964, the USS Maddox destroyer of the US Navy advanced deep into Vietnamese territorial waters with the purpose of provocation and intimidation. The Navy Command quickly directed Battalion 135 to organize a formation of 3 torpedo boats to attack. The ship formation of Squadron 3 courageously attacked and drove the Maddox out of Vietnamese waters. This combat achievement affirmed the determination to dare to fight, resolve to fight, and know how to win of the Vietnam People's Navy.
Destroyer Maddox 731 of Task Force 77, US 7th Fleet violated North Vietnam's territorial waters
On August 5, 1964: The US conducted a large-scale attack called Operation "Pierce Arrow" on economic and military targets in North Vietnam, with the participation of 40 modern fighter and attack aircraft, launching over 100 sorties from two aircraft carriers in 3 waves, suddenly attacking economic targets and most naval bases, warehouses, and berths of our Navy along the entire coastline from Song Gianh (Quang Binh) to Bai Chay (Quang Ninh), intending to destroy our naval forces. The Vietnam People's Navy, together with air defense forces and local people, courageously fought back, shooting down 8 US aircraft and inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. This victory not only affirmed the strength and combat capability of the Vietnam People's Navy but also served as great encouragement for the armed forces and people throughout the country.
Naval vessels fought US aircraft at Hon Gai - Quang Ninh on August 5, 1964.
Naval combat vessels fought US aircraft at Lach Truong – Thanh Hoa on August 5, 1964
The first victory of the Vietnam People's Navy has immense historical significance, not only for the naval forces but also for all armed forces and people of North Vietnam. It affirmed the steadfast determination, courage, and wisdom of the Vietnamese nation in the resistance war against the Americans to save the country. This victory inspired the entire nation and created momentum for subsequent resounding victories.
The victory on August 2, 1964, affirmed the combat capability of the Vietnam People's Navy and its readiness to defend the national maritime sovereignty. This was the first military achievement of the naval forces after 9 years of establishment, opening the way for glorious victories in the history of the Vietnam People's Navy.
The victory on August 5, 1964, saw the Vietnam People's Navy, together with air defense forces and the people of North Vietnam, defeat the large-scale attack by US air forces, shooting down 8 aircraft and inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. This victory opened a glorious and heroic chapter in the history of the Vietnam People's Navy, contributing to the cause of liberating the South and reunifying the country.
The first victory left many valuable lessons for the Vietnam People's Navy. These are lessons about vigilance, self-reliance, and close coordination between forces. These lessons remain valuable and continue to be promoted in the work of building and defending the Fatherland.
The first victory affirmed the importance of always maintaining high vigilance, firmly grasping the situation, and being ready to fight in all circumstances. This is the decisive factor that helped the Vietnam People's Navy achieve important victories in subsequent battles.
The victory on August 5 is clear evidence of close and effective coordination between the Vietnam People's Navy, air defense forces, and local people. This unity and cooperation created a combined strength, helping our armed forces and people defeat all invasion plots and actions of the enemy.
Quang Ninh militia fought US aircraft on August 5, 1964.
The first victory affirmed the role of flexible leadership and command, tight organization, and strict discipline. These are important factors that helped the Vietnam People's Navy achieve high effectiveness in combat.
President Ho Chi Minh with comrade Nguyen Ba Phat and comrade Phung The Tai at the ceremony to honor
the merits of the units
Over 60 years of building and development, the Vietnam People's Navy has always promoted the glorious tradition of the first victory, overcoming all difficulties and hardships, and achieving many outstanding accomplishments. The Navy has continuously modernized, enhanced combat readiness, protected maritime sovereignty, and performed noble international duties.
Throughout the two wars of destruction against North Vietnam by the US imperialists, the Vietnam People's Navy fought 716 battles, shot down 118 aircraft, and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. The Navy affirmed its core role in defending the national maritime sovereignty.
The Vietnam People's Navy opened the Ho Chi Minh Trail at sea, transporting hundreds of thousands of tons of weapons, equipment, and tens of thousands of people to support battlefields in the South. The Navy overcame all difficulties and hardships with ingenuity and creativity to excellently complete the mission of supporting the South.
The Vietnam People's Navy courageously fought to defend the integrity of the southwestern waters and islands of the Fatherland. At the same time, the Navy excellently fulfilled international duties, joining with the armed forces and people of Cambodia to liberate that country from genocide.
The Vietnam People's Navy is revolutionary, regular, elite, and modern (Photo: dantri.com.vn)
The first victory on August 2 and 5, 1964 opened glorious and heroic chapters in the history of the Vietnam People's Navy. It is a symbol of Vietnamese determination, courage, and wisdom, and a great source of encouragement for our armed forces and people in the resistance war against the Americans to save the country. Over 60 years of building and development, the Vietnam People's Navy has continued to promote its glorious traditions, defend the national maritime sovereignty, and contribute to the cause of building and defending the Fatherland./.
Hai Au (July 30, 2024)