Texas Tech University experts discuss deciphering archival materials related to martyrs Huỳnh Văn Quên and Đặng Thùy Trâm

Experts at Texas Tech University are meticulously analyzing archival materials to shed light on the lives of two Vietnamese martyrs, Huỳnh Văn Quên and Đặng Thùy Trâm. The research involves deciphering historical documents and personal effects to piece together their wartime experiences.

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Although not directly related to martyr Huỳnh Văn Quên or a specific individual, the records show that before this event, in 1967, this unit was active in Long An and had participated in the battle at Cầu Chữ Y.

A significant breakthrough in identifying information about Huỳnh Văn Quên came from the symbol '962' found on his personal belongings. This seemingly small detail prompted researchers to meticulously examine 212 archival files, searching for connections and context. The university also holds a substantial collection of documents related to Dr. Đặng Thùy Trâm, offering insights into her role as a physician during the war.

PGS-TS Alex Thái Đình Võ, head of the Vietnam Search for Missing Persons Initiative at Texas Tech University, explained the complex process of verifying information. He noted that even a single symbol requires extensive cross-referencing of the entire archival system. Some files, while not directly linked to a specific individual, provide context about military unit movements and engagements, such as the unit's activity in Long An and participation in the battle at Cầu Chữ Y in 1967.

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In addition, we also gave the Vietnamese side the general schematic records of 21 martyrs at K76A, K7 Hospitals of Military Region 7. These are records we have studied very deeply to guide where these graves may exist in the K76A area.

The university has transferred these archival records to Ho Chi Minh City's Steering Committee 515 to aid in the verification of individuals' unit affiliations. Additionally, they have provided Vietnamese authorities with schematic hồ sơ (records) for 21 martyrs found at K76A and K7 hospitals of Military Region 7. These documents are crucial for guiding efforts to locate potential burial sites within the K76A area. The university's collection includes approximately 2.7 million pages of battlefield-recovered documents, with about a dozen specifically related to Dr. Đặng Thùy Trâm. These documents detail her medical duties, administrative decisions, and personal correspondence with her family, painting a picture of her life and impact.

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Among them are the records of Dr. Đặng Thùy Trâm in her capacity as a doctor, signing decisions for patients to be discharged, admitted, or treated... This tells us what her job was, how she affected people.