My real name is Sam Phuc Huong. I am of the Tay ethnic group, born in Phong Nam Commune, Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang Province (now Dinh Phong Commune, Cao Bang Province).
In 1948, I joined Company 671, a local unit of the Viet Minh army in Cao Bang (then known as the National Army of Vietnam, later renamed the Vietnam People's Army in 1950). I was admitted to the Communist Party of Indochina in 1950.
During the First Indochina War, from 1948 to 1952, I participated in twenty-nine battles. In an ambush on the Bong Lau–Lung Phay road in Cao Bang in 1949, I volunteered to attack and single-handedly eliminated French soldiers on an armored vehicle. I then jumped onto the enemy vehicle and continued fighting, neutralizing additional enemy troops.
At the Battle of Dong Khe during the Border Campaign of 1950, I commanded an explosives team tasked with breaching enemy defenses so that the main forces could advance. During the battle, I was seriously wounded in my right arm. Despite the injury, I endured the pain and continued the mission. Using my left arm, I carried explosives forward, opening a breakthrough and creating an opportunity for other units to continue the assault and capture the enemy stronghold.
While recovering from my wounds, I devoted myself to studying culture and political theory. I remained in the army and worked as a political and youth affairs officer.
In 1983, due to family circumstances, I was transferred to Hanoi and worked at the General Political Department. Later, I was assigned to the Vietnam Military History Museum, serving in personnel work. On August 1, 1996, I retired according to regulations.
After retirement, I continued contributing to society through activities of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, serving as a member of its Central Committee.