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On March 14, 1988, Vietnamese navy soldiers aboard the three vessels, HQ604, HQ605 and HQ505, and those garrisoned in Gac Ma, Co Lin and Len Đao Islands, stood firm to stop the intrusion of hostile foreign warships. Failing to force the soldiers to give in to their threats, the warships opened fire on the three vessels, causing HQ604 to be engulfed in flames and sink, and proceeded to shell the garrison in Gac Ma. In the face of the sudden attack, the soldiers in Gac Ma held hands tightly and gathered in a circle formation around the national flag to fiercely defend the island. The Gac Ma battle has awakened the hearts of the Vietnamese people to the sacred duty of protecting the country’s seas and islands. In the photo: Soldiers on Chim Island (Truong Sa archipelago) stand guard to protect the island. (Photo: VNA Archives)
On March 14, 1988, Vietnamese navy soldiers aboard the three vessels, HQ604, HQ605 and HQ505, and those garrisoned in Gac Ma, Co Lin and Len Đao Islands, stood firm to stop the intrusion of hostile foreign warships. Failing to force the soldiers to give in to their threats, the warships opened fire on the three vessels, causing HQ604 to be engulfed in flames and sink, and proceeded to shell the garrison in Gac Ma. In the face of the sudden attack, the soldiers in Gac Ma held hands tightly and gathered in a circle formation around the national flag to fiercely defend the island. The Gac Ma battle has awakened the hearts of the Vietnamese people to the sacred duty of protecting the country’s seas and islands. In the photo: Soldiers on Chim Island (Truong Sa archipelago) stand guard to protect the island. (Photo: VNA Archives)
The battle to defend national sovereignty at Gac Ma reef has awakened the hearts of the Vietnamese people to the sacred duty of protecting the country’s seas and islands. In the photo: Soldiers of Gun Section 13, HI2, 3rd Company, on Sinh Ton Island maintain vigilance and readiness for combat (1984). (Photo: VNA)
The battle to defend national sovereignty at Gac Ma reef has awakened the hearts of the Vietnamese people to the sacred duty of protecting the country’s seas and islands. In the photo: Soldiers of Gun Section 13, HI2, 3rd Company, on Sinh Ton Island maintain vigilance and readiness for combat (1984). (Photo: VNA)
The battle to defend national sovereignty at Gac Ma has awakened the hearts of the Vietnamese people to the sacred duty of protecting the country’s seas and islands. In the photo: Soldiers on An Bang Island stand guard day and night to protect the island (1984). (Photo: VNA)
The battle to defend national sovereignty at Gac Ma has awakened the hearts of the Vietnamese people to the sacred duty of protecting the country’s seas and islands. In the photo: Soldiers on An Bang Island stand guard day and night to protect the island (1984). (Photo: VNA)
The battle to defend national sovereignty at Gac Ma reef has awakened the hearts of the Vietnamese people to the sacred duty of protecting the country’s seas and islands. In the photo: Soldiers on Nam Yet Island practise martial arts. (Photo: VNA)
The battle to defend national sovereignty at Gac Ma reef has awakened the hearts of the Vietnamese people to the sacred duty of protecting the country’s seas and islands. In the photo: Soldiers on Nam Yet Island practise martial arts. (Photo: VNA)
On the 28th anniversary of the Gac Ma battle (March 14, 1988 – March 14, 2016), nearly 400 war veterans who fought in Truong Sa archipelago gather for an emotional reunion in Hoa Dong commune, Tay Hoa district, Phu Yen province. (Photo: VNA)
On the 28th anniversary of the Gac Ma battle (March 14, 1988 – March 14, 2016), nearly 400 war veterans who fought in Truong Sa archipelago gather for an emotional reunion in Hoa Dong commune, Tay Hoa district, Phu Yen province. (Photo: VNA)
Comrades and relatives of the fallen soldiers light incense in remembrance of those who lost their lives during Gac Ma battle on March 14, 1988, during a memorial ceremony at Nai Nam Communal House, Hoa Cuong Bac ward, Hai Chau district, Da Nang city (March 13, 2022). (Photo: VNA)
Comrades and relatives of the fallen soldiers light incense in remembrance of those who lost their lives during Gac Ma battle on March 14, 1988, during a memorial ceremony at Nai Nam Communal House, Hoa Cuong Bac ward, Hai Chau district, Da Nang city (March 13, 2022). (Photo: VNA)
Le Thi Muon, mother of martyr Phan Van Su, who bravely sacrificed his life in the battle to defend Gac Ma in 1988, wears the only remaining keepsake of her son – his shirt – during the “Towards Beloved Truong Sa” programme on March 14, 2013. (Photo: VNA)
Le Thi Muon, mother of martyr Phan Van Su, who bravely sacrificed his life in the battle to defend Gac Ma in 1988, wears the only remaining keepsake of her son – his shirt – during the “Towards Beloved Truong Sa” programme on March 14, 2013. (Photo: VNA)
Origami cranes folded by members of the “Youth Journey in Solidarity for a Green Truong Sa” initiative were released into the sea in memory of the soldiers who laid down their lives on the southern continental shelf of Vietnam (2016). (Photo: VNA)
Origami cranes folded by members of the “Youth Journey in Solidarity for a Green Truong Sa” initiative were released into the sea in memory of the soldiers who laid down their lives on the southern continental shelf of Vietnam (2016). (Photo: VNA)
Officers and soldiers on Song Tu Tay Island patrol and monitor maritime targets. (Photo: VNA)
Officers and soldiers on Song Tu Tay Island patrol and monitor maritime targets. (Photo: VNA)
The Gac Ma Soldiers Memorial Site in Cam Hai Dong commune, Cam Lam district, Khanh Hoa province. (Photo: VNA)
The Gac Ma Soldiers Memorial Site in Cam Hai Dong commune, Cam Lam district, Khanh Hoa province. (Photo: VNA)
Task Force No. 4 holds a memorial ceremony for the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the Truong Sa archipelago (2023). (Photo: VNA)
Task Force No. 4 holds a memorial ceremony for the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the Truong Sa archipelago (2023). (Photo: VNA)
Members of Task Force No. 14 hold a memorial ceremony for the naval soldiers who heroically gave their lives during Gac Ma battle (2024). (Photo: VNA)
Members of Task Force No. 14 hold a memorial ceremony for the naval soldiers who heroically gave their lives during Gac Ma battle (2024). (Photo: VNA)
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37 years since Gac Ma battle: A history never forgotten

Thirty-seven years ago today, 64 soldiers of the Vietnam People's Navy bravely sacrificed their lives in the depths of the sea to defend Vietnam's sovereignty in the East Sea. Their sacrifice in Gac Ma battle remains etched in history, serving as a lasting reminder to the Vietnamese people of their duty to safeguard the nation’s maritime sovereignty and build a strong military force.

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