Rubber Snorkel Fragment Aids Identification of Two Special Commando Martyrs

In Da Nang, the discovery of a rubber snorkel fragment has provided a crucial clue in identifying the remains of two presumed special commando martyrs (Đặc công) from the Vietnam War. The search and recovery team for martyrs' remains under the Da Nang City Military Command, in coordination with the Military Command of Dien Ban ward, began excavating on August 5th in the Triem Nam hamlet, Dien Ban ward, following information provided by local residents. On the morning of August 6th, at a depth of approximately 1.5 meters, two sets of remains were found lying close to each other. Among the numerous artifacts collected, a standout piece was a rubber tube, about 20 cm long and 2 cm in diameter, identified as a snorkel. This specialized equipment was essential for special commando units, allowing them to dive deep and travel long distances underwater without surfacing to breathe, thus ensuring absolute secrecy when approaching targets. Due to its unique nature as a piece of equipment specifically used by special commandos, the rubber snorkel became a significant marker for identification. According to local witness Truong Dinh Duong, two special commando soldiers on a mission near the Cau Lau bridge lost their lives around 1970. Despite strict enemy control, locals secretly brought their bodies for burial along the Thu Bon River. By 1972, residents discovered another soldier's body drifting from upstream and buried it near the same location. Expanding the excavation area, the team discovered an additional set of remains, bringing the total number of martyrs' remains recovered in this location to three. Accompanying artifacts included a belt and uniform buttons. Authorities will continue with further identification and verification processes to complete the records for these martyrs. Da Nang city has 26,003 unidentified graves in 151 cemeteries, with the number of martyrs whose remains have not yet been found reaching 7,232. During the 500-day campaign to search, collect, and identify martyrs' remains, the city aims to collect DNA samples from all graves and recover at least 390 additional sets of remains. To date, nearly 40 sets of remains have been collected, including 9 at Hang Da Sap cave, 17 in a mass grave at Doi Thi hill, and 3 near the Cau Lau bridge. Source: VnExpress