It is the courage and resolve of soldiers of the Vietnam People’s Army that contributed to the victory of the northern border defence war in Vietnam 40 years ago (February 17), said Russian Major General Viktor Demyanenko. (Photo: VNA)Moscow (VNA) – It is the courage and resolve of soldiers of the VietnamPeople’s Army that contributed to the victory of the northern border defencewar in Vietnam 40 years ago (February 17),said Russian Major General Viktor Demyanenko.
Demyanenko was among 21 officers of the former Soviet Union (present-dayRussia) sent to Vietnam to help the country during the struggle to defence itsnorthern border in 1979.
The 90-year-old Major General told a Vietnam News Agency’s correspondent thathe is proud to be one of the three people who advised then Party GeneralSecretary Le Duan to withdraw a major army corp from the southwestern border toassist the northern border.
The corp, together with the BM-21 rocket artillery unit, created a shieldprotecting Hanoi capital city, he recalled.
Demyanenko lauded courage of local forces, especially civil defence force,during the struggle, saying Vietnamese people followed President Ho Chi Minh’s teachingthat “nothing is more precious than independence and freedom.”
He highlighted the tactics characterised by surprise attacks used by theVietnamese army given a range of difficulties facing the country at that time.
Demyanenk, who worked for the military sector for 45 years, stressed that apartfrom a strong army, modern equipment and contributions of different forces, thestrength is in patriotism and courage.
The Major General said he had always tried his best to protect Vietnam as hishome country, and expressed his love for the Southeast Asian nation.-VNA
VNA
