Hero of the People’s Armed Forces La Văn Cầu. — VGP/VNA Photo

HÀ NỘI — Colonel La Văn Cầu, Hero of the People’s Armed Forces, a war veteran and former member of the Central Committee of the Việt Nam Fatherland Front, passed away just after 11am on Wednesday, the Kim Liên Ward People’s Committee announced.

Cầu was a permanent resident of Tây Sơn Street in Hà Nội's Kim Liên Ward.

Trương Thanh Loan, chief of the office of the Kim Liên Ward People’s Committee, said his death is a great loss to his family, comrades, the Kim Liên community and the nation.

Arrangements for the funeral are being discussed by local authorities, organisations and the family to ensure the ceremony is conducted with due care and respect.

La Văn Cầu was born in 1932 and belonged to the Tày ethnic group.

He was native to Phong Nặm Commune, the former Trùng Khánh District, Cao Bằng Province (now Đình Phong Commune, Cao Bằng Province).

He joined the Communist Party of Việt Nam in 1950 and was a member for 76 years.

Born into a poor peasant family in a border area, he embraced the revolutionary cause early, enlisted in the army in 1948 and quickly distinguished himself as an outstanding soldier of the Việt Nam People’s Army.

During the resistance war against the French colonial forces, he took part directly in 29 engagements of various sizes and won numerous outstanding feats.

Before the famed Đông Khê battle in 1950, he took part in the ambush at Bông Lau–Lũng Phầy, bravely leading assaults that destroyed many enemy forces and helped secure important victories on the Cao Bằng front.

La Văn Cầu’s name is inseparably linked to the immortal feat at the Đông Khê strongpoint during the Autumn–Winter Border Campaign of 1950.

Assigned to carry an explosive charge to breach the enemy’s forward bunker and open the way for the assault, he had his right arm seriously injured by enemy fire.

With the resolve 'while alive, continue to fight', he instructed his comrades to sever the mangled portion of his arm, then, using his remaining hand, took the explosive and charged forward to destroy the enemy bunker, clearing the way for his unit’s successful assault. That deed became a shining symbol of courage, determination to win and Vietnamese revolutionary heroism.

In recognition of his exceptionally outstanding achievements, on May 19, 1952, La Văn Cầu was honoured as one of the first seven soldiers nationwide to be awarded the title Hero of the People’s Armed Forces by President Hồ Chí Minh at the First National Congress of Emulation Fighters and Exemplary Cadres. This high distinction acknowledged his great contribution to the national liberation struggle.

After the war, despite severe injuries, he continued his studies and service in the army, holding various posts in political education, youth work and personnel affairs. He attained the rank of Colonel and retired in 1996.

After retirement, he remained active in social work, served as a former member of the Central Committee of the Việt Nam Fatherland Front, lived as a model citizen and actively educated younger generations in patriotic tradition.

Hero of the People's Armed Forces La Văn Cầu attends the commemorative ceremony, military parade and procession marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day of Việt Nam. — VNS Photo Trương Vị

The life and career of Hero of the People’s Armed Forces La Văn Cầu stand as a brilliant example of patriotism, steadfast will and lifelong dedication to the Party, the Fatherland and the people.

The image of the valiant soldier at Đông Khê and his stirring declaration “While the heart beats, continue to fight” will be forever remembered, honoured and emulated by generations of Vietnamese.

In recognition of his great service, he received many high state awards, including the Second-class Military Exploit Order, the Third-class Military Exploit Order and the First-class Resistance Order.

In 2019, he was honoured with the title Distinguished Capital Citizen. — VNS