Hero of Vietnam's Armed Forces, La Văn Cầu, dies at 94

Colonel La Văn Cầu, a distinguished Hero of the People's Armed Forces and a veteran with a 71% disability rating, passed away on June 24, 2026, in Hanoi. Born in 1932 in Cao Bằng province, Cầu, who belonged to the Tày ethnic group, joined the army in 1948 and was admitted to the Communist Party in 1950, marking 76 years of Party membership.

Cầu's military career was distinguished by exceptional bravery, particularly during the First Indochina War. He participated in 29 battles, with his most notable act of heroism occurring during the 1950 Battle of Đông Khê. Tasked with destroying an enemy bunker to clear the path for his unit, he was severely wounded in his right arm by enemy fire. Despite his critical injury, driven by the will to fight, he instructed his comrades to sever his damaged arm and, using his remaining hand, carried an explosive charge to destroy the bunker, enabling his unit's victory.

This act of immense courage became a symbol of Vietnamese revolutionary heroism. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Cầu was awarded the title Hero of the People's Armed Forces in 1952. After the war, despite his severe injuries, he continued his service in the military, holding various positions in propaganda and personnel management, eventually retiring with the rank of Colonel in 1996.

Even after retirement, Colonel Cầu remained active in social work, serving as a former member of the Central Committee of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front. He was known for his exemplary life, actively educating younger generations about patriotism. In a February 2024 address to young recruits, he stated, "I am proud to be a soldier who fought against the French colonialists and then the American imperialists. Thanks to the Party and Uncle Ho's education in patriotism, no enemy could stop our steps to fight and defeat our enemies. We all fight, defeat all enemies, and maintain the nation's independence and freedom."

Colonel La Văn Cầu's life and career serve as a shining example of patriotism, unyielding willpower, and lifelong dedication to the Party, the nation, and the people of Vietnam.

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Tôi tự hào là 1 chiến sĩ nằm trong đội ngũ chiến đấu thực dân Pháp, rồi đế quốc Mỹ. Nhờ có Đảng, Bác Hồ giáo dục tư tưởng yêu nước một cách cao vời vợi, nên không có kẻ thù nào ngăn cản được bước chiến đấu, chiến thắng kẻ thù của chúng ta. Chúng ta đều chiến đấu, chiến thắng mọi kẻ thù, giữ vững nền độc lập tự do của dân tộc.