Nguyễn Duy Thương

Nguyễn Duy Thương was a Colonel in the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) active during the Vietnam War and the Sino-Vietnamese War. He led the 22nd Regiment of the PAVN 3rd Infantry Division in the Battle of Tam Quan 1967, then the whole 3rd Infantry Division in the Battle of Lạng Sơn 1979.

Early years

Military career In December 1967, under the regimental commander Nguyễn Sơn Diệp and chief of staff Nguyễn Duy Thương, the 22nd Regiment of the PAVN 3rd Infantry Division escaped from a Search and Destroy operation by a combined force of the United States (US) 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) 40th Infantry Regiment, and two ARVN Marines battalions in the Battle of Tam Quan.

During the 1975 Spring Offensive, Thương was the deputy commander cum chief of staff of the 3rd Infantry Division under the Commander Trần Bá Khuê. Together with the 325th Infantry Division in the PAVN Costal Column, the 3rd Infantry Division defeated an ARVN combined force of the 2nd Infantry Division, the 2nd Airborne Brigade and the 31st Ranger Group in the Battle of Phan Rang lasting from 1 to 16 April 1975. The Fall of Phan Rang on early 16 April, then the Loss of Xuân Lộc on early 21 April destroyed President Thiệu's credibility as South Vienam leader, and led to his resignation on the night of 21 April.