Half a Century After 'đi B', Memories of War and a Priceless Record Emerge

Hoang Gia Duc, 77, a former civilian cadre sent to the southern battlefields during the Vietnam War under the 'đi B' program, has received detailed records from his service half a century later, reflecting on the turbulent times. The 'đi B' program involved dispatching tens of thousands of civilian cadres from the North to the southern front, including Party members, medical personnel, teachers, journalists, and cultural workers. Their mission was to strengthen revolutionary movements in liberated zones, maintain social and cultural life, and prepare administrative structures for national reunification. To ensure absolute secrecy during transit, all personal records and belongings were left behind in the North. In 1973, Duc, then a film technician, was assigned by the Ministry of Culture to form a task force for the Propaganda and Training Department of Zone 6 in the South. A few days before his departure, his first daughter was born, but he was prepared for the possibility of a long separation or no return. He cherishes the limited time he had with his family. Upon arriving in the South, Duc witnessed the brutal realities of war, including bombings, casualties, and jungle malaria. "I thought I might not make it back, but I told myself I had to push forward and fulfill my duty to the country," he recalled. Their tasks included organizing and managing film projection teams to prepare for peace. Screenings were held near the border between liberated and enemy-controlled areas, using compact 16mm projectors. They also engaged in agricultural work to ensure self-sufficiency. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, Duc continued to work in military administration and cultural management in the South. Completing his five-year mission, he returned to his hometown in Quang Ninh province in 1978. He later worked in film distribution and the provincial Department of Culture until his retirement. Many 'đi B' veterans, he noted, chose to return to their families for a peaceful life, despite potential incentives to stay. Despite working for the state for many years and living near the provincial administrative center, Duc was unaware that his 'đi B' records were stored at the Quang Ninh Provincial Historical Archives. Recently, through an acquaintance, he learned of their existence and received a copy. "I don't have any valuable mementos, but seeing the handwriting and photos in the records brings back memories of that time. This is a priceless gift," he said with emotion. Source: VnExpress