Two Bac Giang military officers save woman from drowning
BAC GIANG – On May 21, Captain Vu Thai Hieu, commander of Battalion 7, and Sergeant Nguyen Chi Cuong, communications squad leader of Battalion 9, Regiment 18, Division 325 under Army Corps 12, courageously rescued a woman from drowning while on duty in Luc Ngan district.
Around 11 a.m., during routine operations, Sergeant Cuong spotted Vu Thi Thao, a resident of Trai Ca 2 hamlet, Tan Quang commune, accidentally slip and fall into a deep stream with strong currents. The incident occurred amid ongoing heavy rains that had caused water levels to rise.
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The area where Vu Thi Thao slipped and fell into the water. |
Without hesitation, Cuong immediately jumped into the stream and swam toward the woman, who was being carried away by the current.
“When I reached her, I grabbed her hair and neck to keep her head above water. This rescue technique is something I learned during search and rescue training at my unit,” Cuong recalled.
At the same time, Captain Hieu, who was supervising nearby troops, heard the cries for help and rushed to assist. Together, the two soldiers successfully pulled Thao to the riverbank, where she was safely brought ashore.
Thao later recounted the terrifying experience. “I was picking water hyacinth when the bank collapsed and I lost my footing. The water swept me away, and I couldn’t swim. I panicked and could only scream for help. I am so thankful to the officers who saved me,” she said emotionally.
Lieutenant Colonel Phan Van Quyen, Political Commissar of Regiment 18, visited Thao’s family and commended the two officers. “In such a dangerous situation, only those with courage and strong rescue skills could have saved a life. Their action reflects the noble spirit of the Vietnamese soldier,” he said.
The timely and brave response by Captain Hieu and Sergeant Cuong exemplifies the responsibility, compassion, and moral integrity of the "Uncle Ho’s soldiers" – always ready to serve and sacrifice for the people. Their heroic act adds to the proud image of the revolutionary military officer, always placing the people's safety above their own.
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