On 20/8, during routine duties at Tam Thai Martyrs' Cemetery in Chien Dan commune, Da Nang City, officials discovered a wallet in grave number 104, third row. It contained a woman's portrait photo and a metal plate engraved with the phrase: "Rather sacrifice all, determined not to be enslaved."

Artifacts found in the grave of an unidentified fallen soldier, believed to be fallen soldier Nguyen Van Hau. Photo: Quang Cuong

Nguyen Thi Hanh, born in 1954, from A Cau village, Nam Son commune, Bac Ninh province, identified the portrait. Hanh stated that the photo was of her when she was young, a gift to her paternal uncle, fallen soldier Nguyen Van Hau, before he departed for duty.

The reconstructed portrait of the woman and Nguyen Thi Hanh currently. Photo: Quang Cuong

Based on Hanh's information, authorities reviewed and cross-referenced records at Tam Thai Martyrs' Cemetery. Initial findings identified the file of fallen soldier Nguyen Van Hau, born in 1930, from Nam Son (formerly Que Vo, Ha Bac, now Bac Ninh province).

Archival records show Hau held the rank of private first class, serving as a soldier, and was killed in action on 14/5/1969, during combat in the Khanh Thuong area (formerly Ky Nghia, Tam Ky, Quang Nam). This data largely aligns with the information provided by the family.

While DNA verification is not yet feasible, the relative's recognition of the person in the photograph, coupled with the initial alignment between her account and the official records, provides a crucial foundation for continued verification of the fallen soldier's identity.

On 22/8, the Da Nang City Military Command instructed relevant agencies and units to urgently review records, verify family relationships, combat history, and the date of sacrifice. The unit is currently coordinating with the fallen soldier's place of enlistment and family to gather additional witnesses and documents, which will serve as a basis for the next steps.

Nguyen Dong