(BGO) – Recently, I have met Colonel, wounded soldier also Hero of the People’s Armed Forces Nguyen Thai Giam and known more interesting stories about his severe but proud period in the battlefield.
He was born in 1942 in Ngo Da villae, Viet Ngoc commune, Tan Yen district (Bac Giang province). At high age, he still bears in mind the old glory day. He was admitted to the army in February 18, 1964. After the basic traning time, the young man was voted excellent individual with letter of commendation sent to home then assigned to take part in car driving course.
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Colonel Nguyen Thai Giam. |
Completing the course, he was appointed to Unit C4, D32 of Logistics Department of Military Zone 4. From 1965 to 1975, Giam was in charge of transporting soldiers, weapons, food and neccesities for the battlefield. He safely drove over 110,000 km during 1965 – 1973 period.
Sharing about deep memories in war time, Colonel Nguyen Thai Giam said: “There are so many memories. Typically in February 1966 when I was transporting commodity to the battlefield, the truck ahead was broken and bursted into flames. Suddendly I took personal mosquito net and blanket to extinguish the fire so timely save the car, goods and ensure smooth road for all people”.
On his way back, the fleed carried special goods with urgent transport time. Passing half of the distance, the trucks encountered a section with many time bombs. Then the colonel and comrades decided to cut down the trees and open by-pass so the fleet got through the key point after two hours and delivered the commodities to the destination on time.
Another time in 1968 when his unit received food, neccesities and medicines in Nghe An province to urgently deliver to Vinh Linh (Quang Tri province), the fleets got congestion at Dong Loc T-junction due to active magnesium bombs. He proposed Company Commander Phan Ba Tho and Section Chief Ho Van Dai to allow him and soldier Pham Thuc Ky to open the path.
Then, he turned on the lights, floored the gas pedal to speed up the truck. The bombs exploded behind making the truck sagged down on the road side and two persons dizzy. After few minutes, they continued the journey and completed the assigned task.
In 1972, the American army used B52 aircraft to bomb Hanoi. Our military won big victory in the Southern battleground. The enermy increased to attack all regions from the North to the South to stop the aid from the North. The demand for food, food stuff, weapons and medicine was so urgent.
At that time, his unit was in difficult condition when many trucks were damaged. While the fleet passed “Victory low water bridge” in Laos, a key point under severe attack, he proposed recovery solution to the commander. He directed 4 soldiers to bring tools and foods for 10 days to the site in order to excavate the material and part of damaged trucks to reuse.
Even, they found a truck covered by soil and rock then brought it back for repairation and operation with name “Victory”. Now, it is displayed at the Museum of Military Zone 4.
 My soldier life is closely attached to dear and heroic comrades. It was my honor to be admitted to the Party on May 20, 1966 and awarded with Hero of the People’s Armed Forces title on September 3, 1973 Colonel Nguyen Thai Giam. |
And he never forgets the journey to Quang Tri battlefield on September 29, 1972. When the trucks arrived Gianh ferry in Quang Binh province, they were detected and bombed by US aircraft. He was wounded by a bomb fragment in his head.
The memories follow Colonel Nguyen Thai Giam till present. He keeps thinking that: “My soldier life is closely attached to dear and heroic comrades. It was my honor to be admitted to the Party on May 20, 1966 and awarded with Hero of the People’s Armed Forces title on September 3, 1973”.
After 1975, the Colonel, 2/4 wounded solder, Hero of the People’s Armed Forces Nguyen Thai Giam was assigned to study at cultural school in Lang Son province. Later he was appointed to join the official training course at campaign and strategic level.
Completing the courses, he was assigned to be Vice Headmaster of Driving College at Military Zone 1 and Vice Political Chairman of Technical Department, Head of Regiment 157. He retired in 2000 with Colonel badge.
Coming to normal life, Colonel Nguyen Thai Giam firmly keeps and promotes the nature of “Uncle Ho’s soldier”. He regularly encourages offspring to study, work and actively participate in local movements as the bright model for all people, especially the young generation.
