Long Dai II Ferry Terminal – The Fire Coordinates Mark the Epic

VHO - During the resistance war against the US to save the country, Long Dai II ferry in Truong Ninh commune, Quang Tri province was one of the most fierce "fire coordinates" on the strategic route 15. This place suffered fierce attacks from the US air force, and at the same time marked the heroic sacrifice of 16 youth volunteers of Company 130. Their blood and youth have become immortal, leaving behind a red address rich in historical value, traditional education and gratitude.

Panorama of Long Dai I and II ferry terminals today

Epic between "fire coordinates"

During the years of fighting against the US, Long Dai Ferry Terminal held an important strategic position, considered the “throat” on Route 15 – the artery connecting the Northern rear with the Southern battlefield. Since 1965, when the US expanded its war of destruction in the North, this place continuously became a fire coordinate. Supersonic aircraft, laser bombs, mines, warships… rained down day and night with the plot to “choke” our traffic arteries.

But after each bombing, the engineering force, frontline laborers and Youth Volunteers remained steadfast, filling bomb craters, restoring ferry terminals, and ensuring the transport of weapons, food and goods to the battlefield. That will was enshrined in the slogans: “Fight the enemy and go, clear the way and advance”, “Live clinging to the bridge and road, die steadfastly and bravely”.

Long Dai II Ferry Relic Stele

In early 1971, to reduce losses, Long Dai ferry was divided into two branches: Ferry I near the bridge and Ferry II about 500 meters downstream. Company 130 with 150 Youth Volunteers aged eighteen and twenty directly managed Ferry II and opened Road 18. Living in the midst of “fire pans and bomb bags”, they wrote history with sweat, blood and even their youthful lives.

On September 19, 1972, while on duty, an American plane suddenly dropped a bomb on the coordinates of Ferry II. Within an hour, 15 Youth Volunteers (7 women, 8 men) heroically sacrificed themselves. Three people fell while transporting goods on the boat, 12 others sacrificed themselves right at the ferry terminal and in the shelter.

Not stopping there, on September 23, 1972, another bomb attack fell, taking the life of soldier Tran Manh Ha while he was on duty. They all remained at the fire coordinates so that the traffic flow to the South would continue.

A-shaped bunker - where the Youth Volunteers took shelter during the bombings of enemy planes

Historical and cultural value of a red address

The heroic sacrifice of 16 Youth Volunteers at Long Dai II Ferry has become an immortal epic. Their blood mixed with the river, affirming the truth: “The heart can stop beating, but the blood vessels of traffic cannot stop flowing”. That loss contributed to the strategic victory in 1972, forcing the US to sign the Paris Agreement, creating the premise for the great victory in the Spring of 1975.

Ms. Le Thi Hoai Huong, Director of Quang Tri Provincial Museum affirmed: “The relic is not only a tragic testament to a heroic period, but also a symbol of the resilient and courageous spirit of Vietnamese youth; at the same time affirming the great role of the Youth Volunteer Force in the resistance war against the US to save the country.”

Memorial stele and names of 16 Youth Volunteers who died at Long Dai II Ferry in September 1972

Today, Long Dai II Ferry Terminal is not only a historical relic, but also a place to educate the younger generation about revolutionary traditions. Bomb craters, A-shaped bunkers, and inscriptions on stone steles have become “living lessons” about patriotism, sacrifice, and indomitable spirit.

On September 9, 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued a Decision to rank Long Dai II Ferry as a national historical relic - a worthy recognition of the silent sacrifices of the youth of Company 130. The ranking not only affirms the historical value of the relic, but also contributes to preserving, showing gratitude and spreading traditions for today and tomorrow.

In the future, this place will become a familiar destination in “return to the source” journeys, especially for the younger generation. Long Dai II ferry will forever remind us of the tragic past, while promoting the image of Quang Tri – a heroic land, rich in potential for cultural and historical tourism .

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/ben-pha-long-dai-ii-toa-do-lua-ghi-dau-ban-anh-hung-ca-167579.html