March 30, 1975: Central Military Commission sends commendation message to officers, soldiers of the armed forces, and Central Highlands people

On March 30, 1975, in recognition of the outstanding achievements and to promptly encourage the military and people of the Central Highlands, the Central Military Commission sent a telegram commending all officers, soldiers of the armed forces, and the people of the Central Highlands.
The liberation army attacked, took control of Hoa Binh Airport, and seized Buon Ma Thuot town (in 1975). (Photo: VNA)
The liberation army attacked, took control of Hoa Binh Airport, and seized Buon Ma Thuot town (in 1975). (Photo: VNA)

On the morning of March 30, 1975, in Binh Dinh, Division 3 of Military Region 5 continued attacking the remaining enemy clusters in Lai Nghi, Phu Xuan, and Phu Hoa 2, blocking the enemy’s retreat route to Quy Nhon.

On the night of March 30, 1975, Regiment 2 (minus) of Division 3 secretly passed through the enemy’s outer defensive line in Binh Dinh and set up a blockade at Dieu Tri, completely sealing off all escape routes for the Division 22 of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces. Coordinating with Division 3, soldiers of Regiment 19 of Division 968 captured Tra Lam Son Mountain (Tay Go Quanh) and destroyed Regiment 3 Regiment 49 of the Republic of Vietnam. Meanwhile, soldiers of Regiment 95A fought the enemy at Phu Phong and Mai Xuan Thuong Mausoleum.

At Phuong Hoang Pass (Dak Lak), at dawn on March 30, 1975, forces of Division 10 continued their attacks against units of the Airborne Brigade 3 of the Republic of Vietnam. The battle was fierce. After a day of fighting, Airborne Brigade 3 suffered heavy losses, with two infantry battalions and one-third of its artillery and armoured vehicles eliminated. On the night of March 30, 1975, the brigade commander requested permission to retreat to avoid destruction.

In Khanh Hoa, on the night of March 30, 1975, provincial forces continued marching through the forest toward Dien Khanh. Some provincial military officers, along with Division 10 of Army Corps 3, advanced toward Nha Trang along Route 21.

In Phu Yen, on March 30, 1975, as part of the plan to liberate Tuy Hoa Town, Battalion 9 and Regiment 3 of Division 320 marched to Ca Pass (Hao Son section) to block the enemy from retreating into Khanh Hoa.

On March 30, 1975, in recognition of and as an encouragement to the troops and people of the Central Highlands for their resounding victory, the Central Military Commission sent a commendation message: "The entire nation is extremely delighted by the brilliant victory of the troops and people of the Central Highlands. The Central Military Commission commends all officers, soldiers of the armed forces, and the people of the Central Highlands for their outstanding achievements and honours your merits throughout the army."

On the same day, the Central Military Commission sent a directive telegraph to Vo Chi Cong and Chu Huy Man (Political Commissar and Commander of Military Region 5), assigning them to urgently study and direct the most favourable opportunity to capture the islands currently occupied by the Republic of Vietnam forces in the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago. In this mission, Nguyen Ba Phat, an envoy of the General Staff, along with Navy officers, would work under the direction of the Regional and Military Region authorities to execute the plan.

Also on March 30, 1975, the Standing Committee of the Central Bureau sent a directive to regional and provincial committees, urging them to proactively combine attacks with uprisings, enabling communes, districts and provinces to liberate themselves, progressing toward the complete liberation of the South.