Phan Đình Giót

Phan Đình Giót (1922– March 13, 1954) was one of 16 heroes of the People's Armed Forces honored for his achievements in the Dien Bien Phu campaign. His last position was Deputy Squad Leader of the 58th Infantry Company, 428th Battalion, 141st Regiment, 312th Division.

On March 13, 1954, he sacrificed himself at the age of 32 when he used his body to fill in loopholes to create an attack route on Him Lam hill.

Biography

Phan Dinh Giot was born in Vinh Yen village (now hamlet 8), Cam Quan commune, Cẩm Xuyên district, Hà Tĩnh province. He was born into a very poor family. His father died of starvation. He had to live with others from the age of 13 and suffered hardships. After the August Revolution, Phan Dinh Giot joined the self-defense force. In 1950, Phan Dinh Giot volunteered to join the main force. Phan Dinh Giot participated in many major campaigns such as: Trung Du, Hòa Bình, Tây Bắc and Điện Biên Phủ.

Sacrifice circumstances

In the winter of 1953, his unit was ordered to participate in the battle of Dien Bien Phu. The force of nearly 500 people crossed many steep passes and carried heavy loads, but he still persevered, helping his teammates reach the finish line.

On the afternoon of March 13, 1954, his unit attacked and destroyed the enemy in Him Lam.

The 58th Company troops rushed forward to clear the way, continuously hitting the eighth explosive. Phan Dinh Giot hit the ninth and was wounded in the thigh, but still volunteered to hit the tenth. The French concentrated their firepower and rained bullets down on the battlefield. The troops suffered many casualties. He was one of 16 heroes of the people's armed forces honored for their achievements during the Dien Bien Phu campaign.

Honours On March 31, 1955, Phan Dinh Giot was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces. Later, he was posthumously awarded the Second Class Military Exploit Order. His souvenir canteen and gun are preserved at the 1st Corps museum.

Currently, many provinces and cities have streets named after him such as Hanoi (Hoang Mai district and Hà Đông district), Pleiku city, Kon Tum city.