Nguyễn Hữu An

Nguyễn Hữu An (October 1, 1926 – April 9, 1995) was a Vietnamese military officer in the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) during the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War.

Overview An was born in the Truong Yen Commune of the Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình, Tonkin protectorate (Northern Vietnam). He joined the People's Army of Vietnam in September 1945.

First Indochina War In the First Indochina War, An took part in several decisive battles. He participated in the battles of Bong Lau Pass and Lung Phay in 1949. The following year he took part in the Border Campaign, he was commander of 251st Battalion, a battalion of 174th Regiment (CAA Bac Lang) at the Battle of Đông Khê. He successively held titles of battalion commander, regiment deputy commander participating in actions at Bình Liêu, Vĩnh Phúc, and Mộc Châu. In the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, he commanded 174th Regiment of the 316th Division, and two turns attacked Hill A1 (Éliane 2). On 7 May 1954, his regiment finally overcame French defences on A1 and this marked one of the final actions in the battle.

Vietnam War

Awards The Communist Party of Vietnam and State of Vietnam awarded him with: Independence Order of First-Class Two Military Exploits Orders of First-Class Military Exploits Order of Third-Class Liberation Military Exploits Order of Third-Class Two Exploits Orders of First and Second-Class Victory Order of Second-Class

In popular culture An is portrayed by actor Đơn Dương in the 2002 film We Were Soldiers.