National Hero Pham Tuan: From Hanoi’s Skies to Outer Space

20-06-2025

This video highlights the extraordinary life of Hero Pilot Phạm Tuân, the first to shoot down a B-52 over Hanoi and the first Asian to fly into space on a Soviet Soyuz mission.

Pham Tuan: From Hanoi’s Skies to Outer Space – A Vietnamese Hero’s Legendary Journey

                Explore the extraordinary life and career of Lieutenant General Pham Tuan – the first Vietnamese person in space and the first pilot to shoot down a B-52 over Hanoi. Discover his historic achievements, prestigious titles, and international recognition in his journey from combat hero to cosmonaut.

 

 

SPECIAL OUTLINE

 

  • A Hero in the Skies of Hanoi: Discover Pham Tuan’s pivotal role as a courageous MiG-21 pilot during the “Dien Bien Phu in the Air” campaign, particularly his historic feat of shooting down the first American B-52 bomber.
  • The First Vietnamese Cosmonaut: Explore his groundbreaking journey into space aboard Soyuz 37 alongside Soviet cosmonaut Viktor Gorbatko, marking a significant milestone for Vietnam in space science and international cooperation.
  • National and International Acclaim: Learn about the numerous prestigious awards and titles bestowed upon him, including Hero of the People’s Armed Forces of Vietnam, Hero of Labor of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh Order, and Hero of the Soviet Union.
  • A Distinguished Military Career: Understand his continued contributions to the Vietnam People’s Army, holding important leadership positions after his historic space flight, culminating in his retirement as Lieutenant General.
  • A Symbol of Aspiration and Courage: Reflect on Pham Tuan’s enduring legacy as an inspiring figure whose life story demonstrates the ability to conquer new heights in both combat and scientific discovery, fostering national pride.

 

UNVEIL THE LEGENDARY JOURNEY OF PHAM TUAN, A VIETNAMESE HERO WHOSE BRAVERY TOOK HIM FROM THE SKIES OF HANOI TO THE VAST EXPANSE OF OUTER SPACE!
Now! Let’s unlock the extraordinary life and profound achievements of Vietnam’s first cosmonaut and a true national icon!

 

 

 

I. Introduction: Vietnam’s Pride on the International Stage

Legendary Pilot –  Pham Tuan

 Vietnam proudly stands among the few nations worldwide with a citizen who has journeyed into space, and that living symbol is none other than Lieutenant General Pham Tuan. His life story is an undying epic, connecting his glorious feats defending the homeland with humanity’s boundless ambition to explore the cosmos. He is not only a national hero but also a pioneer who etched Vietnam’s mark on the global space map.

Pham Tuan and Soviet cosmonaut Viktor Vassilyevich Gorbatko.
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II. The Air Combat Hero: The Earth-Shattering Victory of Dien Bien Phu in the Air, 1972

 

  Lieutenant General Pham Tuan became globally famous for his extraordinary achievements during the historic “Dien Bien Phu in the Air” campaign in 1972. As a courageous MiG-21 pilot, he made history by shooting down the first American B-52 strategic bomber over Hanoi’s night sky (December 18, 1972). This was a pivotal moment, demonstrating the extraordinary skill, immense bravery of Vietnamese pilots, and their unwavering will against a technologically superior adversary.

  • Key Achievements:
    • The first pilot in the world to shoot down a B-52 from the air.
    • Directly contributed to the victory of “Dien Bien Phu in the Air” – forcing the U.S. to sign the Paris Peace Accords.
  • Prestigious Title: For this brilliant feat, in 1973, he was honorably awarded the title Hero of the People’s Armed Forces of Vietnam.
Pham Tuan and his plane
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III. A Cosmic Imprint: The First Asian in Space

 

  After the war, Pham Tuan’s talent and courage continued to be recognized. He was selected and rigorously trained by the Soviet Space Agency (now Roscosmos). On July 23, 1980, he officially made history by becoming the first Asian and the only Vietnamese person to fly into space, aboard Soyuz 37 alongside Soviet cosmonaut Viktor Gorbatko.

 

  • Historic Flight:
    • The mission lasted nearly eight days on the Salyut 6 space station.
    • Conducted many important scientific experiments, contributing to the development of Vietnamese space science.
  • International Recognition:
    • Marked a brilliant milestone for Vietnam, affirming the nation’s standing on the international stage.
    • In 1980, he was awarded the title Hero of Labor of Vietnam and the Ho Chi Minh Order.
    • In the same year, at the age of 33, he was honorably among the few foreigners to be awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union, along with the Order of Lenin – a testament to international cooperation and his stature.
Mr. Pham Tuan & his colleague in the cosmos uniforms.
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IV. Career and Positions Held: Unwavering Dedication

 

  Throughout his career, Lieutenant General Pham Tuan continuously contributed and held many important leadership positions in the Vietnam People’s Army:

  • 1982: Graduated from the Gagarin Air Force Academy (Soviet Union).
  • 1983: Promoted to the rank of Major General.
  • 1988: Held the position of Deputy Political Commissar of the Air Force.
  • 1999: Promoted to Lieutenant General and held the position of Director of the General Department of Defense Industry – Economy, Ministry of National Defense, until his retirement in 2008.
Mr. Pham Tuan answering the interview

 

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V. A Symbol of Aspiration and Courage

 

  From an air combat hero during the American War to a legendary cosmonaut, Lieutenant General Pham Tuan is a vivid testament to the iron will, soaring aspirations, and immense courage of the Vietnamese people. He remains the only Vietnamese person to date who has flown into space, a testament to his unique path and the remarkable opportunities forged by an era of international cooperation.

  His life story is not just a source of national pride; it’s an endless inspiration about the ability to conquer new heights, whether in combat to defend the homeland or in scientific discovery in outer space.

Lieutenant General Pham Tuan

 

 

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  • Interkosmos program

 

 

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