On the morning of 25/6, leaders of the People's Committee of Kim Lien ward, Hanoi, confirmed the information. Colonel La Van Cau, a 71% wounded veteran, resided on Tay Son street in Kim Lien ward.

Colonel, People's Armed Forces Hero La Van Cau. Photo: Hoang Phong

Born in 1932, La Van Cau was of Tay ethnicity, hailing from Phong Nam commune, Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province (now Dinh Phong commune, Cao Bang province). He joined the army in 1948, fighting in Company 671, Regiment 174, Division 316. He joined the Party in 1950, marking 76 years of Party membership.

During the resistance war against French colonialism, La Van Cau directly participated in 29 battles, achieving many feats of arms. Before the Border Campaign of autumn-winter 1950, he was part of the Bong Lau - Lung Phay ambush, which eliminated many enemy forces and contributed to shaping the battlefield in Cao Bang.

Hero La Van Cau's name is synonymous with the battle for the Dong Khe stronghold. While carrying explosives to attack a bunker to open the way for his unit's advance, his right arm was severely shattered by enemy gunfire. In this critical situation, he asked his comrades to sever his injured arm. He then continued to hold the explosive charge with his remaining hand, rushing forward to destroy the bunker, paving the way for his unit to charge and secure victory.

On 19/5/1952, La Van Cau was one of the seven soldiers nationwide to be awarded the title of People's Armed Forces Hero by President Ho Chi Minh at the First National Congress of Emulation Fighters and Exemplary Cadres.

After the war, despite severe injuries, he continued to serve in the military. He held various positions in propaganda, youth affairs, and cadre work. He was promoted to colonel and retired in 1996. Following his retirement, he continued to participate in social work, serving as a former member of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front.

For his significant contributions, the Party and State awarded him many noble distinctions, including the Second-class Military Exploit Order, the Third-class Military Exploit Order, and the First-class Resistance Order.

Tuan Ha