The Dong Nai City Steering Committee 515 announced on 18/7 an urgent appeal for veterans, historical witnesses, and residents to provide information regarding a mass grave site along National Highway 13. This information is crucial for the ongoing search, collection, and identification of fallen soldiers' remains.
Since early July, Team K72 has uncovered two locations containing the skeletal remains of 4 fallen soldiers. Numerous artifacts were also found, including an AK rifle, six pens (ink pens, ballpoint pens, and pencils), two canteens, four pairs of rubber sandals, along with fragments of hammocks and waist belts.
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An AK rifle discovered at the mass burial pit for fallen soldiers in Minh Duc commune. Photo: Thai Ha |
Among the recovered items, one ink pen remained largely intact, bearing the engraved name "Tien Quy" and an image of two doves. This inscription is considered a vital clue in the effort to locate relatives and comrades, thereby identifying the fallen soldiers.
Authorities are urging individuals who fought, served, provided medical treatment, or participated in the burial of soldiers at the Minh Duc front between 1968 and 1975 to come forward. Relatives and comrades of anyone named "Tien Quy" are also requested to contact the Dong Nai City Military Command to share any pertinent information.
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The pen engraved with "Tien Quy" and two doves found at the site. Photo: Thai Ha |
According to veterans who served on the Southeast region front, the Minh Duc area endured extensive bombing, artillery fire, and tank assaults during the war. The landscape, characterized by rubber plantations interspersed with low hills, was a frequent battleground for local guerrilla forces, main army units, and enemy forces.
Several military units operated in this area during the 1968-1975 period, including Division 7, Division 9, and Regiment 201 of Division 302.
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The search area for fallen soldiers' remains in Minh Duc commune. Photo: Thai Ha |
As part of the 500-day-and-night campaign to search for, collect, and identify fallen soldiers' remains, leading up to the 80th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day on 27/7/2027, Military Region 7 is currently conducting searches at 13 locations.
Within Dong Nai province, these search operations are focused on Minh Duc commune, the Bu Gia Map National Park area, Loc Ninh ward, and Xuan Loc ward.
Phuoc Tuan
