President Truong Tan Sang has requested the Ministry of National Defence’s department of military supplies enhance its performance in serving the special task forces which are safeguarding the country’s sacred sovereignty.

President Truong Tan Sang (third, right) presents the Military Exploit Order to the department of military supplies

At a ceremony marking the department’s 70th founding anniversary (March 25, 1946) in Hanoi on March 23, the State leader told the officers and soldiers to firmly grasp the current military defence missions, so as to set up appropriate military supply lines.

He also asked the department to step up scientific research and the application of advanced technology, while improving its internal management to eradicate wastefulness and embezzlement.

To recognise its excellent defence-related contributions, the department was awarded the Military Exploit Order (second class).

On March 25, 1946, President Ho Chi Minh signed a decree on establishing a department of military supplies, which was tasked with buying and distributing provisions and producing battledress for soldiers. The move was to satisfy the development of the Vietnam People’s Army, which was set up a year earlier, in late 1944.

Weathering difficulties amidst fierce wars including personnel shortage, the department ensured food provision and other logistics services for combat forces.

Particularly, it provided nearly 1.7 million tonnes of food, uniforms and military equipment from 1965 to 1975, contributing to the Vietnamese army’s successes, including the victory of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975 that liberated the South and reunified the country.

VNA