Born in 1946 in Thanh Hoa province, Ngo Thi Tuyen joined Vietnam’s resistance against the US with the patriotic spirit of a young woman in her twenties.
During the historic battle on April 4, 1965, anti-aircraft units urgently needed more ammunition. At just 19 years old and weighing only about 44kg herself, Tuyen asked her comrades to place two connected 37mm ammunition boxes, together weighing approximately 98kg, onto her shoulders. She then ran through a barrage of bombs and shells to deliver the ammunition to the front line.
Mr. Le Ngoc Toan, head of the Thanh Hoa Heroes and Historical Witnesses Club, recalled, "During those critical days, Ms. Ngo Thi Tuyen carried two ammunition boxes more than twice her own body weight across the Ma River embankment to deliver them to naval forces defending Ham Rong Bridge. Later, she had the honor of personally reporting her achievement to President Ho Chi Minh."
The image of the slight young woman carrying a load more than twice her own body weight under relentless bombardment became an enduring symbol of the extraordinary courage and determination displayed by the people of Ham Rong throughout the war. It was an unwavering determination to protect one of the most vital transportation lifelines linking North and South Vietnam that gave her the strength to carry such a heavy load.
In recognition of her extraordinary service, Ngo Thi Tuyen was awarded two Third-Class Military Exploit Orders and the Ho Chi Minh Badge. In 1967, she was awarded the title Hero of the People's Armed Forces. Tuyen’s comrades remembered her not only as a fearless wartime heroine, but also as a kind, modest, and devoted woman in everyday life.
When the war ended, the heroine quietly returned to ordinary life. She continued working, remained active in the community, and continued to inspire younger generations with her stories.
Through those conversations, lessons about patriotism, perseverance, humility, and resilience found their way into the hearts of young Vietnamese.
"With the same passion she showed during the war, Ngo Thi Tuyen remained a role model in peacetime. She visited schools and social organizations to share her stories about Vietnam's revolutionary history and achievements,” said Mr. Le Ngoc Toan.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai, a member of the Thanh Hoa Heroes and Historical Witnesses Club, said, "Ngo Thi Tuyen was a gentle, devoted woman. She wholeheartedly dedicated herself to teaching schoolchildren about Vietnam's history. It was meaningful and invaluable work."
