Iconic Tank That Breached Independence Palace Gates on Vietnam's Reunification Day Remains a Powerful Symbol

Hanoi, Vietnam - A silent yet powerful testament to Vietnam's historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, the T-54B tank bearing the serial number 843 stands proudly within the Vietnam Military History Museum. This remarkable artifact etched its place in history on April 30, 1975, as it played a pivotal role in the final moments leading to the reunification of Vietnam.

On that decisive morning, at precisely 5:30 AM, the People's Army of Vietnam launched a coordinated five-pronged offensive into the heart of Saigon. Among the advancing units was the T-54B tank 843, belonging to the 4th Company of the 1st Battalion, 203rd Armored Brigade, under the 2nd Corps. The tank was commanded by Company Commander Bui Quang Than, with a crew comprising Thai Ba Minh (gunner No. 1), Nguyen Van Ky (gunner No. 2), and Lu Van Hoa (driver).

Close behind was the T-59 tank, serial number 390, led by Political Commissar Vu Dang Toan. Its crew included Ngo Si Nguyen (gunner No. 1), Le Van Phuong (Deputy Technical Company Commander, who stepped in for the injured gunner No. 2 Do Cao Truong), and Nguyen Van Tap (driver).

[Image Caption: The T-54B tank with serial number 843, a key exhibit at the Vietnam Military History Museum. (Photo: Thuan Nguyen)]

Having crossed the Saigon Bridge as part of the 2nd Corps' advance, the spearhead of the 203rd Armored Brigade split into two attack axes, moving along Thong Nhat Boulevard and Hong Thap Tu Boulevard towards the Presidential Palace of the then-Saigon government. En route to the Independence Palace, tank 843 engaged and destroyed three enemy tanks and armored vehicles.

Then, at 11:00 AM on that momentous day, tank 843 rammed into the side gate of the Independence Palace, its engine stalling after the impact. Immediately following, tank 390 surged forward and crashed through the main gate. Company Commander Bui Quang Than, from tank 843, swiftly exited his vehicle and raced to the palace rooftop to hoist the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam. This act became a powerful symbol of the nation's liberation and the triumphant conclusion of the long and arduous war against American intervention.

The historical significance of tank 843 extends beyond that final act. It had previously participated in the liberation of Hue and Da Nang, continuing its advance to liberate the central coastal provinces, all driven by the spirit of "lightning speed and determination to win." In the days leading up to the final push, from April 26 to 29, 1975, the tank played a crucial role in breaking through the enemy's defenses at the Nuoc Trong base.

Following the nation's reunification, tank 843 was initially tasked with taking over Nha Be Port (now Nha Rong Port) before moving to the Long Binh General Depot. Its historical importance was soon recognized, and the tank was transported to Hanoi for a reunification celebration exhibition. After the exhibition, it returned to the 203rd Brigade for training purposes until 1979, when it was finally placed on permanent display at the Vietnam Military History Museum. Its profound historical and cultural value was officially recognized on October 1, 2012, when it was designated as a National Treasure.

Today, the T-54B tank 843 serves as a potent symbol, deeply resonating with both Vietnamese citizens and international visitors. It stands as tangible proof of the immense sacrifices and ultimate victory of the Vietnamese people in their struggle for independence and reunification.