Discover Dong Dang fortress - A heroic monument to protect the border in 1979

Dong Dang Fortress is located on a hill next to Dong Dang station and National Highway 4A leading to Dong Dang town (Cao Loc district, Lang Son province). This is a monument symbolizing the indomitable and heroic spirit of our army and people in the battle to protect the northern border 46 years ago (February 17, 1979 - February 17, 2025).

Dong Dang Fortress was built by the French colonialists in 1940, with a 3-storey architecture, 60m wide, 100m long, with a complex interior design. The top floor was used as an observation area, the second floor had enough rooms and loopholes for fighting, and the third floor was where military uniforms, meeting rooms, ammunition, and food were stored.

Dong Dang Citadel is an extremely solid military structure, with bunkers facing four directions. The exposed part is a cluster of solid bunkers with loopholes protruding from the top of the mountain.

During 5 days of fierce fighting, the enemy called on our army to surrender, but our soldiers were determined to fight to the end. So on February 22, 1979, the enemy used about 10 tons of explosives to blow down the fortress gate, killing hundreds of soldiers and civilians.

Every year, on February 17, the family of Mr. Tran Van Nam and Tran Ngoc Son (residing in Hanoi ) go to Dong Dang fortress to burn incense for their brother Tran Van Hong who died fighting to protect the fortress in 1972.

In the war that lasted less than half a month in the first half of 1979, about 19,000 Chinese troops were eliminated from the battle on the Lang Son front. The enemy had to withdraw to avoid further losses.

To achieve this feat, the 3rd Sao Vang Division sacrificed and injured nearly 1,500 people; the 337th Division sacrificed 650 people; the 338th Division sacrificed 260 people,... 20 individuals and 14 units were awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces.

46 years have passed, the place that endured the bombs and bullets of the war to protect the northern border has been revived. Children play carefreely on the fortress. From here, looking out towards the border, you can see the trucks carrying goods between Vietnam and China busily clearing customs.

The past has passed, now the relationship between the two countries is getting better and better, united to cooperate and develop together in all aspects, from economy to social life.

Explore inside Dong Dang fortress, Lang Son

After the war to protect the northern border in 1979, Dong Dang fortress was destroyed on the upper surface, the four gates in the four directions East, West, South, North were ruined, only the East and West gates had entrances to the basement.

From Dong Dang fortress, you can observe key traffic routes, from railways to roads such as Dong Dang - Hanoi railway station, National Highway 1A Lang Son - Hanoi, National Highway 1B Lang Son - Thai Nguyen, National Highway 4B Lang Son - Cao Bang.

The large concrete blocks that remain today are remnants of the 1979 explosion.

Mr. Luong Van Bo (52 years old, caretaker of Dong Dang fortress) led reporters to visit and explore the tunnels deep inside the mountain.

According to the reporter's observation, most of the tunnel entrances were built extremely solidly in the style of bunkers with loopholes facing four directions. Currently, the deepest point of the tunnel that can be moved is about 30-40m below the ground.

Some tunnels were blocked by earth and rock.

The cellar has an electrical system and ventilation holes. The cellar is about 2m high and 1.5m wide and is designed in a dome style.

Mr. Luong Van Bo said that the tunnel area that the French colonialists used to make a command room was about 3 meters wide and 2 meters high.

Along the tunnel are loopholes used for defense in case the enemy enters the fortress.

According to Mr. Bo, these are the belts of the heroic soldiers who died and are still left in the bunker.

Some bunkers still bear clear marks of bullets and cannons. Recently, Dong Dang fortress was recognized as a National Historical Relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Dantri.com.vn

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/xa-hoi/kham-pha-phao-dai-dong-dang-tuong-dai-bi-hung-bao-ve-bien-gioi-nam-1979-20250216000212260.htm