Among the artifacts unearthed from a mass grave in Minh Duc commune, Dong Nai province, were two leather wallets. These wallets contained numerous portraits of soldiers, believed to be the fallen martyrs, alongside photographs of their relatives. These images are considered crucial clues for identifying the martyrs and locating their next of kin, aiding the ongoing search efforts.

On july 26, the Dong Nai Provincial Military Command continued its search and collection of martyrs' remains in the area of Hill 74, Minh Duc commune, following a mission deployment ceremony one day prior. At the site identified as a mass grave, authorities believe there are six sets of martyrs' remains, accompanied by various combat artifacts and personal belongings.

A soldier's portrait found in a leather wallet. *Photo: Thai Ha*

This discovery follows previous efforts in the area. Earlier, after 15 days of expanded excavation in Minh Duc commune, Military Region 7 forces found 26 sets of martyrs' remains and numerous artifacts. Among these was a pen engraved with "Tien Quy" and an image of two doves.

The area where the remains were found is on the northwestern slope of Hill 74, in Dong Dau hamlet. From 1967-1975, this location was a battleground, witnessing many clashes between main units of the liberation army and the US and Republic of Vietnam Army, leading to the sacrifice of many officers and soldiers.

A leather wallet found in the mass grave. *Photo: Thai Ha*

Specifically, in november 1969, this area was a key location for the "Search and Blockade Minh Duc" operation by combined US forces. The liberation army also organized many ambushes against enemy motorized convoys, tanks, and armored vehicles here.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, after four months of implementing the "500-day-night" campaign, authorities have searched for and collected nearly 1,500 sets of martyrs' remains and discovered seven mass graves nationwide.

Phuoc Tuan