Upholding heroic traditions and building an exemplary, fully capable un

On September 2, 1965, in a forest along the Nhung Stream in Phuoc Thanh Province (today Phu Ly Commune, Dong Nai Province), the 9th Division of the former 4th Corps (now the 34th Corps), codenamed Construction Site 9, was established. It became one of the first mobile main-force units operating in Southeast Vietnam during the resistance war against the United States.

Tran Cong Duc (center), Major General, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of Corps 34, presents flowers to congratulate the Party Executive Committee of the 9th Division for the 2025–2030 term. Photo: DVCC

Nguyen Huu Thang, Colonel, Secretary of the Party Committee and Commissar of the 9th Division, stated that over 60 years of building, fighting, winning, and growing, generations of officers and soldiers of the division have honorably upheld its heroic tradition. They have strived to build a comprehensively strong, exemplary, and outstanding unit, making important contributions to the defense and protection of the Fatherland in all circumstances.

Early Victories

Soon after its formation, the 9th Division secured its first victory on November 12, 1965, defeating the 3rd Brigade of the U.S. 1st Infantry Division, known as the “Red Eldest”, at Bau Bang and Dau Tieng during the 1965–1966 dry season. This success strengthened the army and people’s resolve to “fight and win”, launching campaigns to “seek and strike U.S. forces and eliminate puppet troops” and “engage the enemy up close” during the U.S.’s limited-war strategy in Southern Vietnam (1965–1968).

This milestone marked the first time a full infantry division in the South maneuvered to ambush and inflict heavy losses on a U.S. brigade in the plains. During the 1968 Tet Offensive, the division achieved key victories at Tan Phu Trung, Quang Trung Training Camp, and Bay Hien Intersection. In the Spring 1975 general offensive, it liberated Dau Tieng Subregion and Chon Thanh Town.

During the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, the division’s 232nd Regiment advanced west and southwest toward Phu Lam, Phu Tho Racetrack, Ba Queo, Bay Hien Intersection, the Capital Special Zone, and the General Police Headquarters. In coordination with other units, it assaulted the final Saigon government strongholds, contributing decisively to the victory on April 30, 1975.

After the complete liberation of the South, the 9th Division rejoined the former 4th Corps and assumed military governance duties in Districts 1, 5, 6, and 8, together with Tan Binh (Ho Chi Minh City), contributing to the establishment of the revolutionary government and the stabilization of civilian life.

In January 1979, responding to the Cambodian people’s urgent appeal, the 9th Division joined other units in a counteroffensive that liberated Phnom Penh, eliminated remaining enemy forces, toppled the genocidal Pol Pot–Ieng Sary regime, and helped the Cambodian people recover from genocide.

Building a Fully Capable, Exemplary Unit

Colonel Ngo Ngoc An, Commander of the 9th Division, explained that since 1987, the division has focused on building a “revolutionary, disciplined, elite, and gradually modernized” force, always ready to engage and defend the nation under all circumstances.

“Especially in response to current requirements to build a ‘lean, agile, and strong’ army and to defend the nation, the Party Committee and Command of the 9th Division have made it a priority to maintain constant combat readiness. Training and building a fully capable, exemplary unit, with officers and soldiers always prepared to accept and complete missions thoroughly, remain central and continuous tasks. The 9th Division strictly enforces duty schedules and conducts regular readiness drills, so that we can respond promptly to emerging situations and leave no room for unpreparedness or surprise. Evaluations by higher authorities confirm that the division is fully capable of accomplishing all assigned missions,” emphasized Colonel Ngo Ngoc An.

In fulfilling its missions, the 9th Division’s Party Committee and Command have launched emulation campaigns across all areas of work. They combine strict discipline and order with strong political and ideological education, promoting the study and practice of Ho Chi Minh’s ideals and ethics through the campaign “Promote Tradition, Contribute Talent, Worthy of Uncle Ho’s Soldiers.”

The division actively promotes several programs for soldiers’ ideological development, such as “Learn One, Do Two, Love Three, Speak Four”,  “Four No’s, Three Yes’s, Three Shoulds”, and “Five Proactive Actions”. Hobby clubs and Zalo support groups for rear personnel are also widely encouraged. All of these initiatives enjoy enthusiastic participation throughout the division. The division has actively incorporated information technology into management, command, and administration, achieving early, tangible results. Administrative reforms follow the principle of “work more, meet less,” saving time, reducing costs, and streamlining procedures. This approach allows leaders to devote more attention to guiding and supporting units in the field. Logistics and technical operations are consistently prioritized and executed, improving both the living conditions and morale of officers and soldiers.

Colonel Nguyen Quyet Thang, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the 9th Division, noted that the colorful bougainvillea and ornamental plants displayed across the unit stem from soldiers’ hobby clubs. These initiatives provide meaningful engagement after intensive training, foster political-ideological education, strengthen discipline, and enhance camaraderie.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Le Van Hiep, Party Secretary and Commissar of the 3rd Regiment, the hobby clubs have motivated soldiers, especially newly recruited members, to value the unit, bond with comrades, and adhere strictly to military law and regulations.

The 9th Division’s Party Committee and Command also promote technical innovations. In 2025 alone, 27 initiatives and technical improvements were approved, with eight recognized by the 34th Corps as exemplary and highly applicable to training and operations. As a result, annual training results show 100% of modules meeting standards, with over 80% rated good or excellent, and numerous awards earned in competitions.

Over 60 years of building, fighting, and winning, the 9th Division has been honored as a Hero of the People’s Armed Forces, awarded the Ho Chi Minh Order, and received numerous other commendations. Many individuals and units have also been recognized for their service. On the 60th anniversary (September 2, 1965 - 2025), the division was awarded the Second-Class Order of National Defense by the Party and State.

Marking six decades, generations of 9th Division officers and soldiers honor the sacrifice of more than 24,000 fallen comrades. They remain committed to building a clean, strong Party Committee and an exemplary, fully capable division and are always ready to accomplish missions. The 60th anniversary is a moment to celebrate tradition, take pride in achievements, and pursue excellence in training, development, and national defense.

By: Nguyet Ha

Translated by: Le Hung - Minho