Vietnam deployed aging T-34 tanks for the first time in 1971 campaign

Despite being technologically outdated, Vietnam's T-34 tanks saw their first combat deployment during the 1971 Road 9 - Southern Laos campaign. The decision to deploy these "old but still capable" tanks was made despite the availability of newer T-54 models, with commanders believing the T-34s could still contribute.

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The T-34 tank, although old, must be deployed to the campaign to contribute to the tradition of the tank corps.

In September 1970, the 202nd Tank Regiment received orders to move the 397th Battalion, comprising 33 T-34 tanks, from Vĩnh Yên to the Quảng Trị battlefront. After a four-month journey along the Trường Sơn trail, the T-34s arrived and were immediately integrated into the counter-offensive.

During the assault on Hill 550, a strategic point south of the Sê Pôn River, 10 T-34 tanks were initially assigned. Due to the narrow terrain, six were attached to infantry units. The operation faced immediate challenges when a B-52 bombing raid disrupted their movement and communications. Tanks became trapped in bomb craters, requiring constant recovery efforts.

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We should also bring the T-54 tanks, as there will surely be many experiences for future large battles.

As night fell and the assault continued, the T-34s faced intense resistance. Tank number 266 fell into a ravine, the command tank 132 was damaged, and tank 265 was destroyed by a mine. Ultimately, only two T-34 tanks remained operational to provide crucial support to the infantry and capture the enemy command post.

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Right after the battle, we moved our assembly point to the west of Road 9. The T-34 tanks were almost all damaged, and we had to urgently request reinforcements from Hanoi.