Vietnamese Colonel La Van Cau, a hero of humble spirit, dies at nearly 100

The passing of Vietnamese Colonel and Hero of the People's Armed Forces La Van Cau at nearly 100 years old has evoked deep sorrow among his comrades, family, and the nation. His life, spanning almost a century, is remembered not just for his battlefield contributions, such as the famous incident where he requested his wounded arm be amputated to continue fighting during the 1950 Border Campaign, but more profoundly for his enduring humility and simple way of life.

Historians and military experts highlight that Cau's stature comes from his ideals, willpower, and character, not solely his combat achievements. He embodied the spirit of "Decide to die for the country to live," prioritizing duty, comrades, the people, and the nation above his own life. This selfless dedication transformed him from an ordinary soldier into a symbol of Vietnamese revolutionary heroism.

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Decide to die for the country to live

After the war, Cau returned to a life of quiet simplicity, tending to his garden, raising animals, and teaching his descendants to live virtuously. He rarely spoke of his wartime exploits, attributing victories to the collective efforts of his comrades, the people, and the revolution. This modesty reflects a generation that fought without expecting personal glory, viewing their service and sacrifices as a duty to the nation.

Major General, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Sau noted that Cau's generation grew up amidst hardship and national division, leading them to place national interests above personal gain. Their commitment to a just cause meant they did not consider their achievements as personal assets to boast about. For them, sacrifice and loss were simply the responsibilities of a soldier, embodying the ideal of "going to battle with no promise of return, and returning without claiming heroism."

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going to battle with no promise of return, and returning without claiming heroism