{
  "id": 16147432,
  "title": "Brigade 125 commemorates decades of unyielding sacrifice along ocean trails",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/brigade-125-commemorates-decades-of-unyielding-sacrifice-along-ocean",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-23T03:52:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SGGP English Edition",
    "slug": "sggp-english-edition",
    "url": "https://en.sggp.org.vn/brigade-125-commemorates-decades-of-unyielding-sacrifice-along-ocean-trails-post130480.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 1961, the remarkable Ho Chi Minh Trail – a maritime route vital for supplying Southern battlefields – celebrated its 65th anniversary, immortalizing the exceptional courage and strategic acumen of Vietnam's naval veterans. Following the 1954 Geneva Accords, Vietnam faced a temporary split, intensifying the need for a reliable seaborne supply route to southern regions. The Central Military Commission promptly initiated studies on seaborne transportation, leading to the formation of the 759th Water Transport Group in October 1961, comprising roughly 38 soldiers.\n\nOne of the veteran soldiers, Huynh Van Tien, who remains 92 years old today, vividly recalls those maritime journeys. Back then, their wooden sailboats were cleverly disguised as regular fishing boats to avoid detection. The fleet went by the code name \"No-Number Fleet,\" signifying the unconventional approach they adopted. The first voyage, undertaken on August 18, 1961, with sailor Huynh Van Tien, encountered immense challenges, with the boat losing its way, facing heavy waves, and losing essential supplies. Over two months, four expeditions managed to transport 111 tonnes of weaponry, gradually improving their transport methods, including the use of iron-hulled ships for carrying heavier loads.\n\nIn January 1964, Group 759 was officially renamed Group 125. By that time, soldier Tien's Ship No.41 had run into trouble, grounding on a coral reef. Despite his severe injuries, he dove into the water to secure the vessel, determined to deliver the weapons to the fight against the enemy. During the turbulent 1968 Tet Offensive, Group 125 intensified its efforts. On February 25-27, four ships – Ship 165, Ship 56, Ship 43, and Ship 235 – embarked on separate missions, aiming to evade enemy surveillance. Their missions unfolded with varying outcomes, as some were successful while others tragically failed, resulting in the loss of lives and vessels.",
  "summary": "Commemorating its 65th anniversary, the legendary maritime Ho Chi Minh Trail highlights the incredible bravery, silent sacrifices, and tactical ingenuity of heroic Vietnamese naval veterans supplying southern battlefields.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}