List of 18 Vietnamese Generals: Symbols of Strength

This video features General Vo Nguyen Giap’s powerful speech in French condemning French colonial atrocities in Vietnam.

Vietnamese Generals: Symbols of Vietnamese Strength & Wisdom (Updated to June 2025)

Vietnam, a resilient land with a rich history of nation-building and defense spanning thousands of years, proudly stands as a cradle for exceptional individuals. Among them, the 18 Generals of the Vietnam People’s Army are vivid testaments to the extraordinary strength and profound wisdom of the Vietnamese people. These brilliant strategists and courageous soldiers have contributed to glorious chapters in history, from the great Anti-French and Anti-American Resistance Wars to the ongoing work of national construction and defense.

SPECIAL OUTLINE

Get an immediate grasp of our article’s core and structure through these key highlights:

• Generals: Symbols of National Strength & Wisdom: Introduce the profound significance of Vietnamese military generals as living embodiments of the nation’s resilience and intellect.
• The Legendary General Vo Nguyen Giap: Highlight the pivotal role and lasting legacy of General Vo Nguyen Giap, “the Red Napoleon,” in Vietnam’s military history.
• Other Distinguished Military Leaders: Feature other remarkable generals, showcasing their diverse contributions to the Vietnam People’s Army across various historical contexts.
• Embodying Indomitable Spirit & Strategic Intellect: Emphasize how these military leaders collectively safeguard Vietnam’s independence and forge its glorious traditions.

THESE VIETNAMESE MILITARY GENERALS EMBODY A LEGACY OF UNWAVERING STRENGTH, PROFOUND WISDOM, AND STRATEGIC BRILLIANCE THAT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE THE NATION!

Now, let’s delve into the extraordinary lives and contributions of Vietnam’s military generals!

1. The Legend of Vo Nguyen Giap: The First General Who “Shook the World”

When we speak of military geniuses from Vietnam, we must mention General Vo Nguyen Giap. He was the first General of the Vietnam People’s Army, promoted to this rank in 1948. President Ho Chi Minh, with absolute trust, personally appointed him as the Minister of National Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the Vietnam People’s Armed Forces during the nascent days of the revolutionary government.

With his strategic vision and exceptional military command, General Vo Nguyen Giap led our army and people to triumph after triumph. Highlights include the “world-shaking” Dien Bien Phu victory, which compelled the French colonialists to sign the Geneva Accords, and his pivotal role in the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign that completely liberated the South and unified the country in 1975. His name transcended Vietnamese borders, earning him global acclaim as one of the greatest generals of the 20th century, a true symbol of Vietnamese wisdom and fortitude.

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2. The Other 17 Generals: Heroes Who Marked History

Beyond General Vo Nguyen Giap, the other 16 Generals were equally remarkable individuals and brilliant military minds who dedicated their lives to the ideal of independence and freedom:

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• General Nguyen Chi Thanh (promoted 1959): A brilliant political commissar, instrumental in developing the revolutionary movement in the South with his “clinging to the enemy’s belt to strike” philosophy, turning challenges into strength.

• General Van Tien Dung (promoted 1974): An outstanding Chief of the General Staff, who directly commanded the lightning-fast Ho Chi Minh Campaign, bringing the Anti-American Resistance War to an end.

• General Hoang Van Thai (promoted 1980): The first Chief of the General Staff, who made significant contributions to building a regular army and commanded many crucial campaigns.

• General Chu Huy Man (promoted 1980): A versatile general, strong in both politics and military affairs, known as the “general of main force divisions,” contributing to the strong development of military regions.

• General Le Trong Tan (promoted 1984): A sharp battlefield commander and Deputy Commander of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign. He was known for his decisive, flexible command style and always being at critical points.

• General Le Duc Anh (promoted 1984): Held many important military positions, particularly commanding Vietnamese volunteer troops in Cambodia. He later became the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

• General Nguyen Quyet (promoted 1990): Contributed significantly to Party building within the army and strengthening the all-people national defense.

• General Doan Khue (promoted 1990): Former Minister of National Defense, with extensive experience in commanding major operations, playing a crucial role in post-war national defense.

• General Pham Van Tra (promoted 2003): Former Minister of National Defense, an active commander in the Southern theater, contributing significantly to modernizing the army during integration.

• General Le Van Dung (promoted 2007): Former Head of the General Department of Politics, instrumental in upholding the revolutionary nature and enhancing the political strength of the army.

• General Phung Quang Thanh (promoted 2007): Former Minister of National Defense, who significantly advanced military modernization and defense diplomacy.

• General Do Ba Ty (promoted 2015): Former Chief of the General Staff and Vice Chairman of the National Assembly. He played a key role in strategic planning and developing a regular, elite army.

• General Ngo Xuan Lich (promoted 2015): Former Minister of National Defense, who made significant contributions to comprehensively building a strong military, especially in political work.

• General Luong Cuong (promoted 2019): Currently Permanent Member of the Secretariat, former Head of the General Department of Politics. He has greatly contributed to Party building within the army and solidifying its ideological foundation.

• General Phan Van Giang (promoted 2021): The incumbent Minister of National Defense, with extensive command experience, currently leading the army’s modernization efforts to meet national defense requirements in the new era.

• General Nguyen Tan Cuong (promoted 2024): The incumbent Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Minister of National Defense. He has made significant contributions to commanding, strategizing, and building an increasingly strong, regular, and modern army.

• General Trịnh Văn Quyết (promoted 2025): He currently serves as a Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and holds the position of Director of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People’s Army. In this crucial role, he has made significant contributions to Party building within the military, ensuring the absolute and direct leadership of the Party over the Vietnam People’s Army in all aspects, as well as executing ideological, policy, and civilian mobilization work throughout the armed forces.

3. Vietnamese Strength & Wisdom Embodied by Our Generals

The list of 18 Generals is not merely a record of achievements; it is a resounding testament to the indomitable spirit, unwavering will, and supreme intellect of the Vietnamese people. From the resounding victories of the past to the current stability of national defense, each General stands as a monument, representing the heroic revolutionary qualities.

They transformed the impossible into reality, overcoming all difficulties and challenges to safeguard the sacred independence and freedom of the nation. These individuals forged the glorious tradition of the Vietnam People’s Army, an army born from the people, fighting for the people, and always prioritizing national and ethnic interests.

As time passes, the monumental contributions and immortal spirit of these Generals will forever remain a source of pride and endless inspiration for current and future generations of Vietnamese people.

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