Launch of the book "Telling the story of pilot Bay and his teammates" in Russian

On the morning of August 7, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation (1950-2025), the book “The Story of Pilot Bay and His Comrades” in Russian was officially launched at the Military Library (83 Ly Nam De, Hanoi). The event was organized by the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association in coordination with the Military Library.

Delegates attending the book launch ceremony "Telling the story of pilot Bay and his teammates".

The book launch ceremony of the Russian version of “Tell the story of pilot Bay and his teammates” was solemnly held with the presence of many generals of the Vietnam People's Army, Heroes of the Armed Forces, diplomats , cultural figures and representatives of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Vietnam.

Among the guests were Senior Lieutenant General Be Xuan Truong, Chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Association; Heroes of the Armed Forces: Lieutenant General Pham Tuan; Lieutenant General Pham Phu Thai, Colonel Tu De; and representatives of agencies and organizations: Air Defense - Air Force, Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association; National Assembly's Committee on Defense and Security; Russian Center for Science and Culture in Hanoi; Embassy of the Russian Federation in Vietnam.

The event was also attended by writers, researchers, scholars, and close friends of the family of Hero Pilot Nguyen Van Bay.

The book “Tell the story of pilot Bay and his teammates” by writer Nguyen Quang Chanh collects true and touching stories about the legendary pilot Nguyen Van Bay of the Vietnam People's Air Force during the resistance war against the US to save the country, a hero greatly loved by Uncle Ho.

The stories told not only portray the portrait of a heroic soldier but also a vivid picture of comradeship, maternal love, loss, sacrifice and the desire for peace of an entire generation. It is the story of the day she returned to see her mother after 22 years of separation, the old mother's tears fell because she thought her son had not survived the bombs and bullets of war.

It is the memory of his close comrades, such as pilot Vo Van Man, who fought alongside him in air battles, shared his nostalgia for his homeland, but remained on the battlefield forever. It is the story of him opening his heart to welcome the American pilot who was once his opponent as a precious friend, a touching testament to the spirit of “closing the past, looking towards the future”…

Writer Nguyen Quang Chanh.

In the solemn atmosphere of the ceremony, Hero of the Armed Forces, Colonel Tu De could not hide his emotions when sharing memories of the teacher and comrade whom he deeply respected, admired and was close to. Writer Nguyen Quang Chanh also shared information and details that he was impressed with when writing the book.

Pilot Nguyen Van Bay, a native of the farming village of Lai Vung, Dong Thap, participated in 93 air battles, fired 13 times, and shot down 7 modern American aircraft with a MiG-17. He was awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces in 1967 and was one of 19 Vietnamese pilots to achieve the rank of "ace" - a title given to those who shot down 5 or more aircraft.

But what made him a legend was not only his achievements but also his simple, humble, and down-to-earth lifestyle typical of the South. After leaving the battlefield, he returned to his fish pond, rice fields, and vegetable gardens, living a simple life like many other honest country people…

Readers at the book launch ceremony "Telling the story of pilot Bay and his teammates".

The book was published by Ho Chi Minh City General Publishing House in December 2023 in the book series “Living to Tell the Heroes”. The Russian translation from the original Vietnamese version is titled “In the Story of Beloved, the Heroic Spirit and the Story of the Heroes” by famous Vietnamese expert Svetlana Glazunova and literary editor Ida Andreeva.

At the book launch, Mr. Nguyen Dang Phat, Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association, emphasized: “On many occasions of cultural exchanges with Russian organizations, Russian friends, especially the young generation, always show deep interest in Vietnamese historical figures - people who fought for independence and freedom. The book about pilot Nguyen Van Bay is a cultural gift, a bridge connecting feelings, understanding and trust between the two peoples.”

This is not the first time writer Nguyen Quang Chanh has had his work translated into Russian. Previously, the book “Heroic Intelligence Group H.63” was also warmly received by Russian readers. In this comeback, the book about Heroic Pilot Nguyen Van Bay continues to be awaited by international friends, as a vivid demonstration of the close and lasting bond between the Vietnamese and Russian people who fought side by side in the struggles for national defense.

The book “The Story of Pilot Bay and His Comrades” is a vivid epic about the patriotism, intelligence and courage of the Vietnamese people during the decisive moments of history. Through the Russian translation, this story will now reach a large number of Russian readers, especially the youth, who are continuing the legacy of traditional friendship between the two nations.

The translation is the result of close cooperation, persistent efforts and dedication of two translators, Svetlana Glazunova and Ida Andreeva, close friends who understand and love Vietnamese culture. They not only translated a work, but also conveyed the spirit, style and soul of the Vietnamese hero to Russian readers.

In 2025, with a series of important events such as the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, the 50th anniversary of national reunification, the 80th anniversary of Russia's victory in the Great Patriotic War, and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Russia diplomatic relations, Vietnam is witnessing a strong revival of people's diplomacy. In particular, the launch of this special book is a meaningful activity, emphasizing the role of literature as a channel for humane and profound dialogue between peoples.

Mr. Nguyen Dang Phat also said that in recent times, the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association has coordinated with Vietnamese and Russian partners to translate and publish many valuable publications, including works translated from Russian to Vietnamese such as " Russians talk about President Ho Chi Minh " , the poetry collection " Waiting for you to come back " about the Great Patriotic War, " President V. Putin's family " ; and works translated from Vietnamese to Russian such as " Documents of the Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam " , " The Tale of Kieu " by Nguyen Du.

The Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association will continue to play a bridging role, promoting cultural exchange, sharing historical values and solidarity between the people of the two countries.

Anh Tho

Source: https://nhandan.vn/ra-mat-sach-ke-chuyen-phi-cong-bay-va-dong-doi-ban-tieng-nga-post899147.html