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| A delegation from A Luoi 2 Commune visiting the A Bia Hill revolutionary historical site |
March 20th, 1975
Company XT4 received orders to leave its base in A Luoi and advance on Hue. As a combat-ready unit, within just a few hours of preparation, they set off in high spirits and determination.
Following newly opened Route 73 connecting to Route 14B, they had assembled at Dong Truoi peak by the afternoon of March 22nd, preparing to attack the strongholds at Nui Bong and Nui Nghe (Phu Loc).
March 23rd, 1975
After a difficult advance, by 5 a.m., the company reached a temporary “stopping” position about 3 km from the foot of Nui Bong. At that moment, the sky seemed torn apart by preparatory artillery fire. Tanks were immediately ordered to charge forward. However, during the assault, they became bogged down. After recovering the vehicles, they were instructed to hold position and support the infantry advance.
By late morning, enemy troops in the stronghold could no longer hold out and began to retreat. Company commander Bui Quang Than requested permission to pursue, but was denied due to heavy mining along Route 14 at the mountain’s foot.
March 25th, 1975
Mine-clearing operations lasted until nearly dawn on March 25th. Once the route was secured, Company XT4 was ordered to transport infantry to attack the La Son sub-sector. Enemy forces fled in panic, allowing tanks to advance along National Highway 1 to seize Phu Bai.
Their momentum was briefly halted since An Nong Bridge had been destroyed, forcing a detour that delayed them until midday. Making up for lost time, they crossed Phu Xuan Bridge and captured Mang Ca Garrison.
They were then ordered to pursue enemy forces toward Thuan An Estuary. Near the port, they encountered a chaotic scene: a vast area littered with abandoned military vehicles – tanks, armored cars, artillery tractors, trucks, jeeps, and civilian cars – some still running, but with no personnel in sight.
Aware that enemy soldiers were hiding nearby, Commander Than improvised a loudspeaker and called for surrender. After several attempts, individuals began emerging from hiding with hands raised, followed by waves of troops surrendering, numbering in the thousands.
March 29th, 1975
At 1 a.m., Company XT4 was ordered to advance on Da Nang. Ready for combat, the unit departed within minutes at high speed. However, their momentum was “disrupted” when Thua Luu Bridge had been destroyed. Taking a risk, they maneuvered their tanks across a nearby railway bridge before continuing their advance towards Da Nang.
The formidable Hai Van Pass, also known as “the most majestic pass in Vietnam”, could not halt their advance. By late afternoon, they had captured Bach Dang Port. Over the next three days, the unit secured central Da Nang and conducted civic outreach to help residents understand the revolutionary government. Once stability was restored, they regrouped at the 3rd Division base in Khanh Son in preparation for the southern campaign.
April 14th, 1975
As part of the main force of the 203rd Tank Brigade, Company XT4 began its southward advance from Khanh Son. After more than ten days overcoming hardships, they reached a staging area just 80 km from Saigon. There, they received orders to join the Ho Chi Minh Campaign as part of the spearhead force tasked with penetrating deep into the city and attacking the Independence Palace.
On the afternoon of April 26th, the opening battles of the campaign began. Battalion XT2 was assigned to breach the outer defensive lines, while the deep-penetration force remained on standby.
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| A delegation from A Luoi 2 Commune visiting the exhibition house at the A Bia Hill victory site |
April 29th, 1975
Unable to wait for outer defenses to be fully “neutralized”, brigade command decided to deploy Company XT4 to assist the infantry in breaking through the Nuoc Trong Base.
At dawn, XT4 opened fire. Drawing on previous combat experience, they used explosive rounds to clear rubber plantations, exposing hidden enemy tanks. After destroying two M48s and one M41, enemy forces began retreating, and the defensive line collapsed.
Seizing the advantage, Company XT4 led the brigade along National Highway 51 toward Saigon. However, their advance was halted when the enemy destroyed the Song Buong Bridge after retreating.
April 30th, 1975
After engineers repaired the bridge past midnight, the brigade resumed its advance. By dawn, leading units reached Vung Tau Junction. Finding no enemy at Dong Nai Bridge but spotting three M113 armored vehicles blocking the way, they immediately opened fire and destroyed all three. Maneuvering through the remaining roadway, the brigade pressed on along the highway toward Saigon. As they passed through Tang Nhon Phu, multiple volleys were fired into the left flank of the formation from Thu Duc Military School. Ignoring the attack and following orders from command, Battalion XT1 continued its rapid advance.
Thanks to special forces, Rach Chiec Bridge remained intact, allowing the spearhead force to maintain its momentum. Saigon Bridge was now right ahead. However, crossing it was far from easy. At the bridgehead, obstacles made of fuel drums and sandbags were arranged in a zigzag pattern, allowing only one vehicle through at a time. Enemy tanks lay in ambush behind them and on the curved bridge itself, taking advantage of the terrain for clear observation and effective firepower. Within minutes of engagement, four tanks from Companies 1 and 3 were destroyed, and Battalion Commander Ngo Van Nho was killed. The advance stalled. The brigade then ordered Company XT4 to lead the assault.
Commander Than directed his tanks to use the terrain to eliminate enemy positions at the bridge. Within minutes, two M48 tanks were destroyed, and the remaining enemy forces fled. Seizing the moment, XT4 accelerated toward the Independence Palace. At exactly 10:45 a.m., tanks numbered 843 and 390 crashed through the palace gates. Commander Bui Quang Than raised the Liberation flag atop the building, marking the moment of total national victory.
From the forests of A Luoi, the tanks of Company XT4 traveled thousands of kilometers, overcoming immense hardship and sacrifice to contribute to a historic triumph. In recognition of these achievements, tanks numbered 390 and 843 have been designated National Treasures, and in April 2013, Company XT4 was awarded the title Hero of the People’s Armed Forces.