In January 1979, the border dispute between China and Vietnam escalated into a full-scale military conflict. In that year, China decided to launch a self-defense counterattack against Vietnam, aimed at responding to Vietnam's provocations in the border areas and its aggression against Cambodia. An important part of the campaign took place on the Western Front in Yunnan, where the mountains were densely forested, the terrain was dangerous, and the climate was changeable. In such a terrain, the 115th Battalion of the 115th Infantry Regiment was sent to the front line to prepare for a crucial battle to force the crossing of the Red River and capture several strategic points on the opposite bank.
On a cold morning at the end of January 1979, the mountains of Yunnan were entangled in dense fog, and the soldiers of the 1st Battalion of the 115th Regiment were nervously making final preparations for the war. On this day, they will carry out an extremely dangerous mission - to quietly cross the Red River and seize key heights on the territory of Vietnam.
Company commander Zhang Wei stood in front of the team, his eyes scanning his soldiers firmly. He knew that the success of this operation was of unspoken importance to the battle situation, but at the same time it was full of unknowns and dangers.
"Comrades, what we have to accomplish tonight is not just a task, it is a manifestation of our responsibility to defend the country's territory." Zhang Wei's voice was particularly firm in the cold wind of the early morning.
Not everyone can immediately dispel their fears. Recruit Qiao Guoguang stood alone in the corner of the team, his eyes revealing obvious anxiety and fear. His mind was noticed by Yang Yunfeng.
Yang Yunfeng walked over and patted Qiao Guoguang's shoulder, "I know you're scared, we're all scared." But think of people like us, who are also family people. They can stand up, and so can we. ”
Qiao Guoguang looked at Yang Yunfeng, a trace of complicated emotions flashed in his eyes, "But I...... I'm really scared. ”
"Look at the brothers around us, we are all grasshoppers on a rope, we have come here from training together, and we have to go back together. We have not only our families behind us, but the whole country. Yang Yunfeng whispered, "You are not fighting alone, all of us are one." ”
After some exchange, Qiao Guoguang's expression gradually became firm, he took a deep breath and nodded. As night fell, the soldiers of the 1st Battalion began to quietly advance towards the Red River. They used the darkness of night and the dense forest as a cover to hide from the sight of the Vietnamese army.
The soldiers marched in the icy waters, each holding the hand of the comrade next to him. The water is turbulent, but everyone's hearts are more resolute than this cold river. One after another, they successfully crossed the river using assault boats, and despite the heavy fire of the Vietnamese troops on the way, they did not flinch.
In the dead of night, they finally reached the target high ground. Slowly, under the leadership of Yang Yunfeng, they launched a surprise attack on the Vietnamese army's fortifications. After fierce fighting, the heights were conquered, and they immediately set up defenses, which provided a guarantee for the crossing of the river and the construction of bridges for the follow-up troops.
As the sun rose in the east, the first day of fighting in the Battle of the Red River came to an end. Despite fierce resistance and adverse environmental conditions, the soldiers showed incredible courage and determination. Qiao Guoguang also proved his courage in this battle, he is no longer the recruit who cowered before the battle, but a warrior who has grown up in the line of fire.
After ensuring the smooth erection of the pontoon bridge, more troops were able to cross the river, increasing the pressure on the Vietnamese army. This operation not only won the strategic advantage of the Chinese army, but also greatly boosted the morale and confidence of the soldiers.
The night of the Battle of the Red River was a contest of darkness and light, of fear and courage. Every figure moving forward in the flames of war is a symbol of fighting fear and transcending one's own limits. Qiao Guoguang's transformation is not only a personal victory, it symbolizes that ordinary people can also wield extraordinary power when the country and the nation need it most.
This battle is like a mirror, reflecting the selfless sacrifice, firm faith and indomitable fighting spirit of the most glorious part of human nature. It reminds us that history is not only made up of the big events written in textbooks, but also by the extraordinary choices made by countless ordinary people like Qiao Guoguang at critical moments. This courage and determination will always be an inextinguishable torch that inspires future generations.