On 19/10, the Da Nang City Military Command announced a search for information regarding the burial sites of cadres and soldiers who died in the Tet Mau Than 1968 battle.

During the early 1968 offensive, Infantry Battalion one (R20) of the Quang Da Front 4, supported by other units, launched an attack on Da Nang. A detachment crossed the Cam Le river, targeting the enemy's I Corps - I Military Region headquarters before continuing combat in Hoa Cuong.

The majority of Battalion R20 operated in the Trung Luong - Con Dau area, which was formerly Hoa Da commune and is now Hoa Xuan ward. Due to intense firepower and strong counterattacks, many soldiers lost their lives in this area.

Archival image of the Spring Mau Than 1968 offensive in the Trung Luong - Con Dau area. *Photo: Da Nang City Military Command*.

Decades later, the Trung Luong - Con Dau area underwent redevelopment, transforming into new urban zones. This complete change in topography has significantly hindered efforts to locate the original burial sites and conduct reburial operations.

The City Military Command is appealing to veterans and witnesses to provide any relevant information, including maps, images, documents, or details about individuals involved in the martyrs' burials. Information can be submitted to Major Cao Van Long of the Policy Department, Political Division, at 0963.053.252.

This appeal follows a similar initiative on 17/10 by the Tam Ky Ward Military Command, which sought information concerning 360 cadres and soldiers who died in the early morning of 31/1/1968 in the former Tam Ky town.

During that period, Battalions 70, 72, 74, the Special Forces Unit, two anti-tank teams, and the Quang Nam provincial artillery group launched a coordinated assault on enemy strongholds. By 5h, the troops had secured their objectives. However, the enemy subsequently counterattacked with tanks, aircraft, and artillery.

By 8h that same day, most forces had withdrawn to the outskirts. However, Company two of Battalion 70 remained entrenched, fighting at Quang Tin Provincial Road—now 62 Hung Vuong street, Ban Thach ward, Da Nang City—where all its cadres and soldiers were killed.

The Tam Ky Ward Military Command believes the remains of soldiers within the inner city were likely transported for mass burial in suburban areas. The unit hopes to receive any information, memorabilia, or battlefield diaries, which can be sent to 72 Hung Vuong street, Tam Ky ward. Alternatively, individuals may contact Lieutenant Colonel Truong Quang Chinh at 0979.533.270 or Major Nguyen Ngoc Dung at 0962.266.299.

Nguyen Dong