The event examined the strategic significance, historical impact and lessons of the campaign, considered the first major confrontation between the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) and U.S. expeditionary forces in the Central Highlands.
Colonel General Lê Huy Vịnh, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Thái Đại Ngọc, Secretary of the Gia Lai provincial Party Committee, co-chaired the conference. Senior leaders from the Ministry of National Defence, the General Staff, the General Department of Politics, regional commands, central agencies, provincial authorities, revolutionary veterans and scholars also attended.
Colonel General Lê Huy Vịnh, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Thái Đại Ngọc, Secretary of the Gia Lai provincial Party Committee, co-chaired the conference. Senior leaders from the Ministry of National Defence, the General Staff, the General Department of Politics, regional commands, central agencies, provincial authorities, revolutionary veterans and scholars also attended.
In his keynote speech, Vịnh recalled the intense fighting from October 19 to November 26, 1965, when VPA units, including Regiments 320, 33 and 66, along with commando, artillery and anti-aircraft forces, successfully repelled U.S. and Saigon Army operations around Plei Me.
The campaign resulted in nearly 3,000 enemy casualties, including 1,700 U.S. troops; the destruction of a mechanized infantry brigade; heavy losses to two U.S. battalions; and the destruction of 89 military vehicles and 59 aircraft. He said the victory demonstrated strategic resolve under the leadership of the Vietnam Workers’ Party and contributed to the broader resistance effort.
Gia Lai Party Secretary Thái Đại Ngọc highlighted the province’s recent socio-economic gains, crediting generations of local officials, soldiers and residents whose contributions date back to the Plei Me battlefield. He said the victory remains a source of pride and motivation for the province’s ongoing development and national defense efforts.
Delegates presented analyses of the historical context, U.S. and Saigon military strategies, and the operational coordination among VPA units and local forces.
Presentations also reaffirmed the enduring significance of the victory and discussed lessons applicable to building an all-people national defense posture and supporting Gia Lai’s socio-economic development.
The conference forms part of commemorations for the 60th anniversary of the Plei Me Victory; the 81st anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People’s Army; the 36th All-People’s National Defense Day; and the recent Party congresses at all levels leading up to the 14th National Party Congress. Organizers said the event aims to strengthen patriotism, national pride and revolutionary spirit, particularly among younger generations.