Khanh Hoa Public Security Force – 80 Years of Fighting, Development, and Growth

Part 1: A Stronghold Among the People

The historic August Revolution of 1945 ushered in an era of freedom and independence for the Vietnamese nation. Amid the heroic atmosphere that swept across the country, the successful uprising of the people and armed forces of Khanh Hoa on August 19, 1945 brought power into the hands of the people. This day also marked the establishment of the Investigation Department and the Police Department, the predecessor organizations of the Khanh Hoa People's Public Security Force.

Shortly after the revolutionary government was established, in early October 1945, more than one thousand French troops landed on Nha Trang Beach from the battleship Richelieu. Together with French forces already stationed in the town, they occupied a series of strategic locations, including coastal areas, the railway station, and the power plant. The French also reinforced Nha Trang Airport with additional aircraft. At sea, warships and patrol boats operated from Cau Da to the mouth of the Cai River. The French occupation of Nha Trang posed a direct threat to the supply routes from northern and central Vietnam to the South. Encircling and containing the French forces within Nha Trang in order to preserve these vital support routes became an urgent revolutionary task.

October 23, 1945 remains a historic milestone in Khanh Hoa’s revolutionary movement. On that day, armed forces, guided by intelligence officers, simultaneously launched attacks on French military positions, marking the beginning of the 101-day Battle of Nha Trang aimed at safeguarding the Central Government’s supply route to the southern revolutionary forces. During this period, intelligence personnel repeatedly attacked key French targets and strongholds at Cau Da, the railway station, the power plant, Xom Bong, Cau Dua, and Phu Vinh. Notably, an intelligence and covert self-defense team infiltrated the airport and destroyed two enemy aircraft. These were the first enemy aircraft destroyed in Nha Trang and among the earliest aircraft losses suffered by French forces after the outbreak of resistance in Southern Vietnam. The courage and determination displayed by the defenders of Nha Trang earned praise from President Ho Chi Minh.

Despite limited manpower and an organizational structure that was still being developed, the Khanh Hoa Public Security Force achieved remarkable successes in its early years. Many of its accomplishments became valuable lessons for the People's Public Security Forces nationwide. Under Decree No. 23 signed by President Ho Chi Minh on February 21, 1946, the Investigation Department and the Police Department of Khanh Hoa were merged to form the Khanh Hoa Public Security Department. Comrade Phan Van Nhuong was appointed Director. Around the same time, the department established the “Public Security Vanguard Unit,” commanded by Comrade Buu Doa. Alongside combat operations, Khanh Hoa Public Security also focused on developing professional intelligence networks deeply rooted among the people, receiving protection and support from local communities and helping transport supplies to revolutionary bases.

From 1948 to 1950, Khanh Hoa Public Security suffered heavy losses. Directors Phan Van Nhuong, Truong Minh Vien, Buu Doa, and dozens of key cadres sacrificed their lives in the struggle. Transforming grief into determination, the force reorganized and continued moving forward, ready to confront every danger for the revolutionary cause. It launched numerous large-scale operations against enemy command centers and strategic targets.

From a small urban self-defense unit consisting of only a handful of members, Khanh Hoa Public Security gradually developed through nine years of resistance. Guided by the principle of self-reliance and perseverance, the force fought while simultaneously strengthening its organization, overcoming shortages of personnel and equipment, and successfully fulfilling its mission under all circumstances.

The historic Dien Bien Phu Victory in 1954 forced the French colonialists to negotiate. Following the signing of the Geneva Accords, Vietnam was temporarily divided into two regions. The North was completely liberated, while in the South, the United States replaced France, established the Ngo Dinh Diem administration, and implemented a new form of colonial rule characterized by harsh repression of revolutionary movements. Together with the people of Khanh Hoa, the Public Security Force entered a new phase of struggle aimed at defeating American imperialism and its local allies.

The period from 1955 to 1960 was one of the most difficult and dangerous stages for both the revolutionary movement and Khanh Hoa’s security forces. While some cadres regrouped to the socialist North, those remaining continued operating underground. Ngo Dinh Diem’s anti-communist campaigns inflicted severe losses on the revolutionary movement. Many security officers were arrested or killed, and numerous revolutionary bases were discovered and brutally suppressed.

In 1964, a delegation of 13 security officers from Security Region V was assigned to reinforce Khanh Hoa. The force was reorganized and strengthened, intensifying efforts to eliminate enemy agents and support local people in dismantling strategic hamlets. These silent warriors fought courageously and made tremendous sacrifices, earning the love, respect, and admiration of the people. During the 1968 Tet Offensive, Deputy Security Chief Cao Minh Phi heroically sacrificed his life while leading an attack into Nha Trang. Another Deputy Security Chief, Nguyen Hong Hai, led a political demonstration from Dien Khanh to Nha Trang and was killed at Ma Vong. The sacrifices of these two leaders on separate fronts became enduring symbols of Khanh Hoa’s resistance against the United States.