Brian Jeffrey
Dang Bich Ha was born in 1928 in Nghe An province, as the daughter of the respected Professor Dang Thai Mai, who was an Associate Professor and Doctor of History.
Together with General Giap, she raised four children: Vo Hoa Binh, Vo Hanh Phuc, Vo Dien Bien, and Vo Hong Nam. Additionally, she lovingly embraced Vo Hong Anh, the daughter of General Giap and Mrs. Nguyen Thi Quang Thai, as part of her family.
Despite their age difference, Dang Bich Ha and General Giap maintained a strong, supportive bond, sharing their lives closely until the General passed away. They led a simple and unpretentious life, managing personal affairs privately, away from aides.
Their home at 30 Hoang Dieu Street in Hanoi was a place of warmth and welcome. In the later years of General Giap’s life, particularly in 2009, Dang Bich Ha’s dedication was evident as she made regular hospital visits, which she reduced only due to her own declining health, causing General Giap to worry about her.
Colonel Tran Hong, a journalist and photographer, captured many intimate moments of their life together and shared touching anecdotes about their relationship. He recounted a heartfelt memory from October 1994, when they shared a simple meal of two eggs, demonstrating their care for one another by encouraging the other to eat more. This moment moved him to tears.
Through his years of observation, Colonel Hong noted the strong respect General Giap had for Dang Bich Ha. When hosting guests, he called her “Chi Ha,” while in private, he affectionately referred to her as “Em Ha.” In return, she addressed him with respect as “General Vo Nguyen Giap” publicly and affectionately as “Anh Van” in private.
Tran Thuong
