Vietnam War: Courage and Sacrifice of Young Student Soldiers - Achievements of Cao Lãnh City Student Biệt Động Unit

The student biệt động unit in Cao Lãnh city (now Đồng Tháp province) etched a story of courage and sacrifice by young patriots during the fierce battles of the Vietnam War. Established in February 1969, the unit was led by the Cao Lãnh City Party Committee and comprised 55 members, most of whom were very young, aged 14 to 17. The unit was organized into two platoons, including direct combatants, reconnaissance personnel, and support and security staff, operating under the motto: "Bold, Secret, Surprise." Their mission was to ensure good academic performance in school while simultaneously destroying enemy key organs and military bases, and depleting enemy forces through a combination of military attacks, soldier persuasion, and political struggle. The aim was to destabilize enemy rear bases and strongholds, strongly supporting the masses' political struggle. The members possessed high revolutionary awareness, courage, and intelligence. Amidst intense repression, many members were arrested and subjected to brutal torture, yet they maintained their revolutionary spirit and absolutely protected the safety of the organization and revolutionary bases. During their operational period, nine student soldiers died in battle or during missions, leaving shining examples for the student struggle movement in Cao Lãnh. The unit engaged in 11 battles until liberation. In their first attack on March 10, 1969, they assaulted two enemy officer dining establishments, killing 27 and wounding dozens. This attack significantly impacted the political and armed struggle movement of the masses in Cao Lãnh city and Kiến Phong province. In 1971, an explosive device at an enemy officers' club killed and wounded numerous officers, shaking public opinion. For this achievement, the Provisional Revolutionary Government awarded the First Class Liberation Order in 1971. The brilliant achievements and revolutionary spirit of the Cao Lãnh city student biệt động unit are expected to inspire today's youth to transform this pride into concrete actions in their studies, labor, and cultivation of character and morality. Source: Nhan Dan