10thirtysix | Exclusive | The Secret War: Hmong Soldiers Who Served Alongside Americans in Vietnam

An often overlooked perspective from the Vietnam War is from the Hmong, the largest Asian population in southeast Wisconsin. We look back at their stories of war, how and why they aided American troops, their daunting stories of escape from Laos and why these soldiers are so grateful to the United States.
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[@khouanengxiong9160]

Back in 1979 I was one of the Hmong kid with my brother and my parents, We have escape from Laos the communist to Thailand unfortunately my parents pass away in the jungle between Laos and Thailand. That time I was about 9 years old, my brother was about 14. A long story, however I am thankful that our Hmong peoples have the chance to settle in America. Our kids have the chance to go to school and earn higher educations. It has been 51 years that I did not fully understand the secret war until this days. I have watch many video about the secret war I am now understand why we are here. Thank you to our leader General Vang Pao and the Americans.

[@kayingthao5072]

I’m 44 and after the death of my grandma I felt so guilty for not asking her more questions that I’m now trying to learn all I can about the war.

[@tibwadetay7277]

Sorry for your loss 💚💜

[@usamf4742]

These Hmong veterans are awesome people. The more I study the Vietnam War and the Secret War, I keep finding out about the Hmong people - amazing people. I respect everyone who fought and died and all the innocent people who were not fighting and died in these conflicts . I hope I can meet some Hmong people here in the US in my lifetime. This is a GREAT VIDEO

[@Lilhajxjk274]

I respect pathet Lao and the north vietnamese

[@kingkoi6542]

@@Lilhajxjk274 The people who committed genocide?

[@Lilhajxjk274]

@@kingkoi6542 There was no genocide.

[@kingkoi6542]

@@Lilhajxjk274 When the US pulled out for good, the north invaded the south and massacred anyone who wouldn't swear fealty. The NVA weren't innocent nor just "freedom fighters" look up the massacre at Hue

[@RiceBowl14]

​@@Lilhajxjk274there was genocide after USA ran away from the war like clowns😂

[@burtringo7100]

About 25 years ago, when I was still working my way through college at a Chinese restaurant, a white guy came in. I happened to be his waiter. When I asked for his order, he spoke to me in Chinese. After I told him that I don't speak Chinese because I'm not Chinese. He asked me what nationality I belonged to. After I told him that I was Hmong, he started crying right away. He told me that he was an American pilot that was shot down over Laos. A Hmong guy found him and hid him in house from the communists until he could be rescued by American forces. This is the first and only time that I have ever met anyone, outside of family members who have fought in the war, who spoke of the Hmong contribution during the war. It greatly moved me to realize that my people really made a difference in this person's life and to know that there is someone out there that actually appreciates the sacrifices that my grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, and fellow Hmong had to make during that time.

[@superyoohoo100]

What a tribute!

[@djharto4917]

I worked with a french girl in London who was Hmong decent. Her father fought with the french at dien bien phu. He managed to leave with the french and settled in Toulouse. I visited Lao back packing and brought her back a souvenir. She was very moved as she cannot return to her ancestral home land.

[@harrywalker1621]

Cool storie first time I even heard of the Hmong I'm gonna look them up

[@Lilhajxjk274]

@djharto4917 and her father is a loser for helping france. Good thing is that the viet minh destroyed France and won the vattle of dien bien phu

[@LewisC-g4i]

@@djharto4917 she can definitely return by now. I live in an area full of Hmong, Lao and Cambodians and many Hmong have gone back to visit Laos. Even ones who fought against the communists. Laos is heavily promoting tourism and they benefit from the tourist money.

[@WatcherMovie008]

My grandfather who fought in the Vietnam War for the Americans is related to General Vang Pao. As a child, Vang Pao would often come to my home with other Hmong war veterans and chat with my grandpa about how life and remembering the old days living in Laos. I didn't get to know Vang Pao personally but I did meet him occasionally in person and never knew his historical significance to the Hmong people until way later. I was probably in middle to high school when he passed away and went to his funeral with my family, relatives, and Hmong veterans who fought along side him. I could remember how sad my grandpa looked, seeing his former commander now passing on and joining the others who could not join him when the US pulled out. My grandpa these past few years have not been kind to him, he been bed ridden and he can barely lift out of his bed, needing crutch support to barely walk, and to hear him speak softer than I use to remember hurts me a lot. But I will look up proudly knowing that thanks to him, my dad was able to be here and I was able to be born here with my three brothers (two older, and one younger). When my grandpa does pass on, I hope he is able to regroup with Vang Pao and all of his comrades who could not make it during the war. A history that not many know is that the Vietnamese saw the Hmong people as back stabbers, betrayers, traitors, slaves to the "capitalist" and "imperialist" Americans. There was a violent rage of reprisals of Vietnamese soldiers and groups looking for Hmong villages in Vietnam and on the border of Laos, killing any Hmong people they found for "aiding the enemy," whether they did or not. Laos turned a blind eye and let these reprisals go unstopped. Many Hmong people were force to run to neighboring Thailand, where the country is still neutral and has no love for the Communist regimes in Laos and Vietnam. My mom was one of the refugees from a village she no longer remembers as she was barely 2-4 years old at the time it happened. Whenever I asked my mom or aunts about life before the US, I try to get an understanding of what they must of been through to get here. With today's politics, people like to often blame that the reason why they live in an impoverish life in America is because how this country ruined their ancestors and how guilt of ancestry should be a law to enforce the "white man" to give up everything to the people they abused. While I understand this notion, I feel it is wrong, as countries like China and North Korea show us how a law of ancestral guilt can brutally repress people to the point of violating even the basic notions of human rights. Also did not Martin Luthur King Jr. said that, "Judge not the man by the color of his skin, rather by the color of his character," when it came to understanding people? I feel a bit miffed how regressed this country and our people been acting but while I understand how the US and the CIA screwed the Hmong people over, at the same time, were it not for the US and the CIA, my grandpa, his family, my mom's family, none of us would of been able to be here in the US, and I and my brothers and cousins would of never been born here.

[@thomasadams7795]

Before ANY benefits or assistance is given to any illegal immigrant, the US needs to recognize and honor the Hmong people, provide necessities, educational assistance, recogniztion, financial support, and GRATITUDE to the Hmong people. They fought for us so our soldiers didnt have to, they died, they paid the consequences of helping us. WE ARE OBLIGATED TO HELP THEM NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@7thsign240]

You are speaking non sense . Why should this country support a proxy group created by the cia. Fuck the cia and the Hmong

[@Lilhajxjk274]

How about latinon immagrants. It's the US fault that latin America is struggling since the US did alot of coups and wars there. You are also obligated to help them

[@golddiggermindanaon6901]

i would like to see on your next video about what happened to the people of hmong left behind in laos. I saw the documentary of aljazeera about the cia secrete agent of hmong people who fought alongside of americans my tears coming out of my eyes while watching the documentary video its heart my feeling to see those people suffered specially the children, because children must be not suffer for the sin of their father. thnks for the video keepup the god work

[@killer0095]

Hearing these stories, I am fearful that the Afghans will have similar stories. And based on what we promise with those that fought with us, I pray we can make those guarantees for them.

[@mauravonasek3356]

I worry and pray for the same

[@nightrider12soul]

Never mind the war and fights against the communist.The big disgrace was how many bombs were dropped by planes That were going from Vietnam to there military basis in Thailand.All unused bombs were dropped on Laos and Khmer soil as there was agreement that US planes has to land in Thailand without bombs.All tribes like Hmong,Mong,Akkha,Lahu,Lisa are very nice people.

[@takenname8053]

SUPER NICE, really needed this

[@HaoTran-kp9ed]

Useless things will be through . poor you

[@peterwatkins9815]

I’m a server at Olive Garden and one of my coworkers is Hmong. She’s 22 and her grandpa fought to come here. She’s a good, hard worker and a capable American citizen. Thank you to the Hmong who fought alongside American soldiers. Your sacrifice is not forgotten 🙏🏽

[@luckycharm1]

Thanks Peter for your comment. Not only is OG one of my favorite restaurant but I’m glad you listened and learn from your coworker to learn about our Hmong people. I wish the best for you, my sister and success for OG! Only more support will we learn from our past and now we see our Ukrainian going thru the same atrocity.

[@elley5482]

My grandpa served in The Secret War and passed away not too long ago. I'm proud to be Hmong. 😀

[@vthao6387]

same!

[@Chinmeng420]

Same

[@arunachalpradeshlegalinfor7733]

I hate America, don't they have shame?? What happened to their responsibility towards people of Hmong tribe?.. why don't they help?

[@dietryin6515]

Same my grandpa was a General

[@burtringo7100]

@@arunachalpradeshlegalinfor7733 "Under provisions of the USA Patriot Act and the Real ID Act, the Hmong who fought alongside Americans in the "secret war" against communists in the 1960s and 1970s in Laos are considered "terrorists." That disqualifies them for asylum or green cards." In 2007, December 26, President finally passed a bill to lift this classification allowing the Hmong to be removed from this "terrorists" label.

[@waynehowell431]

I am an American veteran. And so are these men and women. They deserve, and have earned the right to veteran status.

[@rainbowher7609]

Please support us to earn veteran status right.

[@kayingthao5072]

Thanks

[@ky.gambler5281]

@@rainbowher7609 you are Americans veterans in my heart. Kentucky stands with you

[@aloyd6157]

they themselves does not want the unification

[@Hmong981]

General Vaj Pho is my great uncle, but he seek safety not my grandfather my uncle, my mom, our poor hmong got left behind for genocide my grandfather got killed before he got to the boat, my mom said they just left his death body there.

[@WhiteTUnknown]

Rip to all fallen Hmong people. A lot of kids do not realize how great a lot of the OGs are.

[@tinateews9494]

Roofless_23 Only small group of Khmu people made it to USA as refugees. Many were killed fighting the Communist. You're right young Khmu don't realize either but part of that is because their OG parents suffer PTSD and don't want to talk about it. They lost many family members and want to maybe forget their past. It's important to let their kids know but what can you say? We came from a farming culture and no education.

[@blasblasblas2094]

@@tinateews9494 Very well said. 👍👍♥️♥️

[@mikethemechanic7395]

I respect the Hmong who fought in the Vietnam war. I joined the Army in 1993. I was just 18. I served under the last of the 25 year Vietnam vets. I had a 1Sgt who fought with the Hmong. He had nothing but respect for them. He actually cried for a min talking about their sacrifice. Later in life I married a Lao woman who family fought us USA during the Vietnam war. They are the most generous people I have met in life. Many Lao and Hmong migrated to the USA in the 70s. I have never met anyone who will talk about it. It’s sad what happened. When I was a kid I wanted to join the Army. I used to wish I was in Vietnam. Back then I did not realize the bloodshed involved. When the Vietnam was is mentioned it’s just USA, Lao, and Vietnam involved. We had many allies. Finally Australia is recognized on KZbin videos and movies. The Hmong are not highlighted in Vietnam movies. It’s sad. I don’t believe in making the Hmong USA veteran status as far as the VA goes. I served in Somalia and did not get Veteran status from Malaysia. I do think they should get some kind of payment or VA home loan at least.

[@FhillipFry]

We don't need home loans, as we're pretty good at saving money and building credit. Give those home loans to ppl that needs it. You fought for Malaysia in Somalia... U wanted to go and u signed up.. We didn't have a choice.. Why should we not get benefits? Did your 3 generation of the past and the next 3 generation die in Somolia? Idts. I think you should just keep quiet about what you think you know. Who the fack are you? Fkn trash

[@sakutasu]

The US did the same thing with the Kurdish rebels.

[@CandC68]

And the montagnards in Vietnam. And the Cambodians. Even having been in Vietnam and serving with the locals, I CANNOT FEEL WHAT THEY FEEL. Back in the states, I played volleyball. I found that one of the guys I played with was Cambodian. He could not even think of his past. I tried and failed to understand. But how can you. Every one in his family. Every single person he may have seen in his entire young life. Was dead. War is just evil. And we just can't seem to be able to stop waging it.

[@ChaolaoFueChi]

It's unfortunate that during the time, they thought they had the advantage yet failed many times in different countries... I guess we've suffered a whole lot, but ours suffered for 4,000 years.

[@LaBelle22]

I feel so sad for my Hmong people who fought in the war that didn’t get the resource they need to overcome their ptsd. Most of them are still battling ptsd till this day. 😢

[@allenepright5027]

It's so sad that the CIA left these people stuck in the mountains to fend for themselves ,,even today the laos army are still hunting and killing them and as a super power we do nothing for them

[@enlightenedwarrior7119]

Then people would bitch about us being over there it's a no win I say save American lives first

[@burtringo7100]

@@enlightenedwarrior7119 And who is "American" in a country established by refugees? If that is truly how you feel, then tell the Americans to stop fighting other people's wars and enlisting help from the locals... most of whom will be abandoned by "Americans" to fend for themselves.

[@LaBelle22]

@@burtringo7100 cap that! The entitlement and ignorance from others 🙄

[@7thsign240]

America was made by taking the lands of the native Americans not by refugees

[@fizkallnyeilsem]

@@LaBelle22 if America abandoned the Hmong, why do they have access to cargo planes, or churches interacted to bring Hmong people in Milauwkee n California, you know like the video said???🤔 If they rly abandoned them US shouldve banned them from entering, why did some NGO's in US help them?

[@stoneblue1795]

I worked with some of these fine folks years ago and they are indeed a class-act. A work ethic to be respected, and a respect for each other. If you are fortunate enough to call one "friend", they are your brother.

[@kuedex]

True but i feel like trash cuz I know the me right now aint good enough.

[@2doa743]

No wonder my dad always say family always comes first can call everyone brother or sister

[@kayingthao5072]

No don’t generalize, I have met sooo many beautiful kind white peoples. Remember everyone who had been kind to you. War starts when we start to hate on others and generalize.

[@avedaprankster5821]

I’m Hmong, and all my friends said that Hmong isn’t a a culture because they never heard of it which makes me sad.

[@ECLIPSEUEE]

Oof same. I'm Hmong too and people wouldn't exactly understand what is Hmong. Only my bestfriend knows about it.

[@tinateews9494]

LilyBerry I am Khmu and our men and some women too fought communist. My dad lost his eye and body injured as well. Hundreds of Khmu were slaughtered in the Laos villages. I was 11 when we escaped. Only small group of us made it to USA as refugees but many men suffered PTSD. People don't know what Khmu is and mixed us up with Khmer. At least the Lao Hmong population is larger though.

[@ECLIPSEUEE]

@@tinateews9494 Can't imagine how they were slaughtered.... Glad that at least some of you survived.

[@realkevin6242]

Then inform them

[@vthao6387]

same. when people ask what my nationality is by asking me "what kind of asian are you" and i respond saying Hmong, they always ask me what that is. It's sad that school doesn't teach us more about us and other nationality

[@andrewyang4319]

When I saw those young lads 11-13 years old sacrifice their life to save the Americans soldiers. There is no greater love than to sacrifice your own to save a stranger. I read the book called 'Raven". It has some pictures of 10 or 12 years old boy went to fight for the American soldiers. I asked myself this question. Why the CIA allowed those boys to died in their place?

[@northeastohio5150]

From all the research and reading I have done, the American CIA were not aloud to fight the war in Laos and Cambodia. That is what I have come up with in my research. Very poor excuse, and I wish I had a better answer.

[@LaBelle22]

@@northeastohio5150 hence, that’s why it was called a secret war. They created this secret operation and then the rest is history..

[@creoleviking8433]

Finally their story is being told. The best soldiers par none pound for pound the very best!

[@jackstoutamore8541]

CREOLE VIKING The Gurkhas may give them a challenge, but for sure these guys are amazing

[@cisiab]

All histories are brutally heartbreaking, and the Hmong history is just as brutal. I have preteens and I cannot imagine them being drafted to war nor will I let them get drafted. My father fought during the war and died a few years after migrated to Thailand and I never had the opportunity to get to know him. I am super proud to be Hmong, and of the many great men and women who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom for many of us. We should continue to honor these great individuals and pass on our history to our children and to their children. May God bless the Hmong people.

[@koreancowboy42]

Respects to my culture 🙏 Wish people didn't fucking show hate amongst our hmong culture. Especially some people I see replying down in other fellow hmong comments. Our people saved 40,000 Americans from going to Laos. You Americans born have nothing compared to us and our people. Yeah I'm talking to you Jizzo Johnny. We don't deserve enough credit. We are a good people, in all honesty we really are. Some of us are but not all cuz of issues and drama and personal problems.

[@WillyWozzy]

@Korean Cowboy42 hell yeah brother! I am Hmong and my grandparents was in the time of this war. I wish people will understand what our grandparents have felt and how we feel about right now in this times. Hating Asian Americans because of covid-19 that we didn't cause. I wanna say thank you for your words and I hope there will be change to not to our cultures, but to many Asian Americans as well. 😃👍❤

[@TheSilverSmitih]

0:12 Hmong people dabbing before it was even cool.

[@tibwadetay7277]

Lmao

[@leeburkai9830]

I served with these men '69-'70 at FOB II. Recon CCC, RT Iowa, RT Vermont, RT Colorado. One Zero. I'm alive because of their Spirit. Lee Burkins, Author of 'Soldier's Heart: An Inquiry of War'

[@ChongLorVidz]

I worked covid call center for a health system. Our health system isn't always the easiest to schedule, we get many calls from older people who can't schedule themselves online. One time, I had a very angry elderly man, called to complain about how horrible my employers were to their patients. After he got my name, he proceeded to ask my ethnicity. I told him I am Hmong. His demeanor changed immediately from frustration to almost a loving/caring tone. He proceeded to tell me stories of him and his family helping the first few hmong people who came to America. Helped them settle in, volunteered to give them free housing until they can find more assistance....He expressed so much appreciation to the Hmong people. Said America can never repay the Hmong people back. Forever a story I will always remember.

[@mymoto2812]

My brother who was Lieutenant commander in Bouamlong never had a chance to make to Thailand and third world countries, He was captured and sent to concentration camp he later die from tortured and slavery.

[@litoneup]

so sorry for your brother.

[@honestlyna]

This is my family's story too. My dad escaped lao, I was born in a Thai refuge camp and we were sponsored to Canada. So thankful to know our history and for the opportunity created by all the sacrifice by my parents and our generous sponsors.

[@EthanFindsOut]

I can relate. My dad was a soldier in the secret war, that was the only way we got to come to America. I was born in a Thailand refugee camp as well. We were sponsored in 1978 and have lived in CA since then. It was a hard and long journey but will not ever be forgotten. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@koreancowboy42]

I feel very very sad.... cuz my grandpa and grandma passed away. And when watching this I feel even more sad watching this.

[@zestythelime6864]

As a fellow hmong person im glad that theres this video,. and the fact that many people don't know that hmong is an actual race is kinda sad. Even a friend in california said that he didn't know that hmong was a race. So really upsetting about that.

[@koreancowboy42]

I know. I understand as a fellow Hmong. I wished our culture and people's were recognized.

[@infantry1560]

Thanks for the wonderful documentary. I have watch just about every videos on KZbin about our people, it's really sad that we have gone through what we did. The stories from our elders and veterans makes me grow to be a better person inside. I learn to appreciate being apart of this culture and why we're here.

[@rainbowher4559]

Thank you, and respectfully.

[@foremount]

I'm from Laos and my family came to the US after the Vietnam War. Recently, I met a Vietnam veteran who served in the US Navy and he was shocked to know that the war continued after the US left. He was also sadden to know how we escaped the communists of Laos, our trials in the refugee camps, and our struggles to assimilate in the US. He past away several months ago due to cancer which he incurred by handling Agent Orange during his time in Vietnam. I like to believe that perhaps he found peace in the end, but I don't know.

[@hachiroku6727]

foremount I’m Hmong are people deserve more Credit that we help out

[@tinateews9494]

salty Weeabooo Khmu and many other Lao too. Not just Lao Hmong if you dig up the story. I'm Khmu and witnessed it myself at the age of 11. Lost many family members, my dad fought and survive but disable. One uncle killed and one is still hiding in neighboring country.

[@tokenirish]

I flew many missions over the PDJ in ABCCC C-130s ---- we did the Hmong and the country of Laos a bad deal. I listened many nights as a radio operator to the calls for support to the Hmong and the sorties that we sent to bomb the NVA. Little did I realize all the unexploded CBU would litter the countryside to this day where they still are a danger to all.

[@rainbowher7609]

Oh ! How are you John Flood? Were you flew at Night or the day.Did you remember any of the code signs did call for help? did you knew or received call From code name was me. It's nice to hear from you.

[@vonglo4587]

Thanks you for making this documentary for the honor of all the Veterans and Hmong sacrifices made!

[@gerard4039]

I Though I knew everything about American crimes , but it seems there is no limits to their crimes .

[@hygfjhghbnjuuhhfffhnd4176]

gerard . A Lol...

[@enlightenedwarrior7119]

Your a idiot COMMIE

[@saysanatt]

Im Laotian went thru this with my mom

[@BlackMaskq]

I know. Watched video on that too back in 2009. Laotian refugees.

[@nolimit2477]

Just remember the Hmong fought along side the Royal Lao King...

[@palmiraferreirasousabeltra5089]

As I understood from Documentaries. Hmong people's have no Official Country. Therefore they have to live up in the Mountains, of various Asian countries. I read a story about a Hmong person, who's body was shopp ed into tr ee pa rts and buri ed in tree diffe rent h oles. I am curious because, Jesus describes God as being Hmong us and having no place to lay his head. Something relevant to History happened among Hmong people's.

[@tinateews9494]

Palmira Ferreira Sousa Beltran Hmong are another group in Laos. Laotians referred to all Laos civilians. Numerous ethnicitie in Laos. I'm Khmu like, Hmong we live in the high mountain and grow our own rice field on the hills as well as lower land. The modern Khmu live and grow rice on lower land. The regular Khmu lives is on the mountains. We're a very poor group of Laos.

[@Crackerjack-toy]

If only our youth today in the USA had their attitudes we would be a much better country. And thank you for helping our country. As far as I’m concerned all you vets should be recognized AND rewarded as well. Too many people born here have done nothing and get handouts which ticks me off and y’all are left high and dry so to speak. God bless you all so much

[@ericavang895]

My grandpas served in the war and my dad tells us his story about the war and what he saw when he was a kid. I'm glad to be hmong.

[@BabyBBB01]

Majority of the Hmong escape from the country of Laos because Hmong have been support the America fought North Vietnamese and red Laos community help North Vietnamese to fought against GVP , My father was one of this part too he help GVP to fought North Vietnamese

[@tjbounta9682]

many many thanks for your dad, and he is one of my hero too.

[@stevedunn5546]

This is a Great shame to the past and present American government. To use people then abandon the great majority of them to genocide. Ive just watched about the Ravens. The vast majority of the Hmong people were abandoned some still fighting to this day.

[@tibwadetay7277]

Same just happened with Afghanistan people

[@sumhavefun]

My friend was an american that taught these people how to solder, he love these people and talks about them frequently and was very sad of the outcome.

[@rainbowher4559]

Thank you !!!

[@dlaavdlawb6214]

We shall have these stories play on public broadcasting at lest once per year, because most the American people do not know and why we are here.

[@chrisfranks5597]

And its sad

[@missthoj4993]

The 30,000 Communist pathet Laos soldier are no match for the hmong rebels but the pathet has vietnamese support. When the Lao PDR took over the kingdom of laos in May 1975. They have back up support of 60,000 north vietnamese troop in laos. From 1975 to 1985 The 20,000+ hmong resistance rebels along with 50,000 of their wife and children hiding in the jungle was able to hold off Laos PDR and vietnamese troop until the late 1980's because that time they still have alot of weapon and ammunition, along with alot of soldier but after 1990 the resistance slow down because majority of them give up the arm struggle and ether surrender to the Laos PDR or they escape to thailand.

[@nesseihtgnay9419]

I am grateful 🙏 to my grandparents generations for giving my parents generations and the 3rd generations me and my siblings a better life in America.

[@tjbounta9682]

Thanks for our hero, without you I wouldn't here today. Thanks again.

[@gooncoon7340]

Jaoyakou Bounta you welcome now put money in my bank account

[@rainbowher7609]

I thank you Bounta!!

[@tinateews9494]

TJ Bounta Khmu men and some women lost their lives and family members too. It was Laotians of all tribes who fought the communist. I am Khmu and my dad and uncles fought it too. My dad lost his eye, injured arm and suffers PTSD. I lost 5 family members. Khmu people here in USA only for that reason. Many Lao people of Laos are affected by this war and were fighters. We Lao Khmu only small group in USA compare to Lao Hmong and other groups of Lao.

[@rainbowher4559]

@@tinateews9494 Hi , it has been 50 yrs , I thank you to your khmu solders during the Secret War, I had work for your Khmu for many yrs i pork khmu too they were respect peoples and nicest guy. I was a 911 call Air sports to help your people when troop in contact even Near by. Don't be Sad we the Hmong never forgot you ( but you have to find the right group of people knew about you & your cultures).

[@britwilliams-vanklooster4233]

⁠​⁠@@tinateews9494 my mom worked with many refugees that arrived here after the war. She has told me a lot about the Khmu. Every time we talk about Hmong or the Vietnam war, she always brings up the Khmu families she met and the stories they told her. You are not forgotten! You will have respect from my family always.

[@deadend1137]

My Grandpa told me about the war he was in war he was 12 year old he told me his friend died in war but he died in 2008 I don't know when he was Bron but I know he was hmong p.s grandpa R.I.P. he died 76 years old in my backyard he was old and stuff....

[@fumanchu2583]

I love all my Hmong heroes. True story. True heroes

[@jizzojohnny8407]

True my ass! Thanks Laos for letting yall live in their backyard 🤣

[@chutehsike260]

@@jizzojohnny8407 You mad bro?

[@PapiChulo...]

@@jizzojohnny8407 True Story so you can believe whatever. If it was you, you'd prob be koo koo with ptsd 🤣

[@yengi0hhh]

What they don’t tell you the real reason behind the US being there in the first place was drug trade. Heroine to be exact. US planes where being shot down. So to fight against that, they made a deal with the Hmongs. At that point, Genera Vang pao agrred to assist the US government bc he too also needed help from US bc the Vietcong’s where out to kill him for his involvement during the French indochina war. Weapons, foods ammo, and a promise to America if all else fails.

[@ericxiong7646]

Im now 15 and my dad was 8 at the time. My dad is now in his 50s. My grandfather was a mayor of a small town in laos. My dad, 4 brothers, and grandparents escaped and went to Thailand. My dads uncle stayed and was shot with a baby on his back by Vietnamese. He begged them not to shoot but they did anyway. my grandparents already past away. I met my grandmother once and never met my grandfather because he past away before I was born. I was born in the United States. Grandparents pasted away in Thailand.

[@humbleone6405]

Nothing but respect for them.

[@darrengregory1370]

3id 466 armor/3id 3/4cav M R E.when i was in 8th grade ,read and saw pics of them.that was 1984.

[@edwinsalau150]

Gerald Ford begged Congress to resupply the RVN and others! The Democrats refused!No monies were forthcoming! They did the same thing in Afghanistan! Let’s go Brandon!

[@haleyvang8400]

All the comments or most of it is that not just hmong’s we’re in it and Laotian was in it to. Okay well duh of course they are in it also. But come on now. Just let us Hmong people get some credits for the war. And also the majority of the people who served was the Hmong people. So basically don’t change the subject and shit like that. Go do that some where else. Thank you very much!

[@craigwolfe2221]

Business as usual for our gov.

[@longvue4735]

Jimcarry never give money to a homeless person when he fell chea to win ant then tell the truth to the juge and then he hayppy go outside and give all his money in his pocket to the homlses I was homesel before got no money take the buts my lawyer name Dan 😂 give me korple dolo him thank

[@longvue4735]

If I won power Ball I'll give to the homeslse practice when I'll brokn pe handle against haaaaa make jow life is not boring thank k

[@kooolllkatscat7830]

I’m first generation Asian Americans, my mom and dad were kids fleeing running in and hiding in the jungle and swimming across the water. My grandpa fought in the war until my dad and his family made it to Thailand in the refugees camp to come to America. My dad always said when you’re so hungry you’ll eat anything, they were so poor they would cook rice with tree bark so it will save more rice but fill you up. My dad stayed in the refugees camp for 1 year then they finally came to America.

[@jadiahwashington16]

I love them hmong people

[@kayredeemed116]

My dad, his dad and brother were there they fought and sacrificed their lives. Thank God they were sponsored by a christian couple to come to the states because I wouldn't be here. I am so grateful for their journey. My dad passed away 6 years ago and his father passed about 11 years ago. We just lost my mom 4 months ago. This is a story that I will always share with friends and my future children. Unfortunately, opium caved into my parents lives and took over yet the love and appreciation I have for them lives on. I pray for the hmong people and hmong communities to trust the Lord and love Him. I pray those who survived the war will find healing for all that they suffered.

[@kayingthao5072]

Opium took over parts of my grandmother life but I can’t blame her, living through all the traumas.

[@pollydor07]

1970 the CIA station Pak Se Laos hired us Khmer republic army to helped the CIA Recon near Ho Chi Minh trail Plateau Bolovens Attapeu Pak Song , Laos. I got wounded on top hill PS-165 Attapeu . Small plane called porter single engine Brought me to Laotian army base PS-22 awaited C-123 brought me to CIA hospital At PS-18 on the edge of Mekong River Laos side near ban dan keo , ban dan Mai Thailand .

[@rainbowher7609]

You were very lacky.

[@pollydor07]

@@rainbowher7609 Thanks 🙏 I was lucky then stayed on ATTAPEU hills almost 3 months got wounded 1 week before the NVA synchronized attacked PS-165 and hills in that area 2 battalions of Khmer republic army and also they attacked Laotian army base PS-22 the same morning they NVA came like ants copied DIEN BIEN PHU style 1971 . I was at the CIA hospital PS-18 helped carried the wounded off helicopters UH-1 landed in front of CIA hospital the wounded was Laotian and Khmer filled the hospital floor ran out of the beds . I had to stayed at my old barracks since my wounded still saw observed by doctors my wounded not healed yet .

[@johnstipetich2512]

I was a Forward Air Controller (FAC) flying over Laos. feb 1971-72. They were great people.

[@jubeiyamamoto5897]

Respect to all who served secret or not!👊🏼

[@dutchschultz3076]

A family from Laos moved across the street from me in my Detroit neighborhood in early 80s. Later I found out they fought for the CIA from the family elder. Great people. Some of the most grateful people I've ever met to this day. I still talk to the family now and then. A friend of mine married into the family. Im blessed to have met these fine people.

[@frostytrope8580]

My grandparents and they’re friends have lived through the war and had escaped, though they do not talk about it as it is a very touchy subject. And my great grandmother who sadly died many years ago wouldn’t talk about it either, but I would hear little bits and pieces through her when she was sleeping as she would occasionally talk in her sleep and when she was half asleep she would mistake us for other people who have been long deceased.

[@mikey-fi4cw]

My grandpa was shot dead by the NVA, and the two boys that were with him supposedly shot through 7 clips of m-16's to make the NVA retreat so they could take his body. Supposedly my grand daddy was real good looking, and because of that, the NVA burned all his pictures. One day I asked my granny if he looked more like my dad or my uncle. She said he looked way more amazing than both, and they couldn't compare to how he looked. Hmmm...shame I didn't get to see him.

[@Robin-cw5zu]

Damn, we really failed these people back then. People talk about the US troops who fell in battle in Vietnam and its horrific, do not get me wrong, but its beyond sad over 400,000 troops that helped us fight in this war also lost their lives and are never spoken about.

[@lucasxiong5911]

All Hmong veterans should be recognized!! This is unfair to the Hmong Vets who help the Americans fight Communism! Our people suffered genocide because of America’s abandonment in the war.

[@chanloong4733]

Such young soldiers being used, isn't it an disgrace to own tribe or Americans. They fought for justice, invasion or wealth? There was an saying among some Chinese only, what u took, one day u must repay or return. The fields that they stepping, i don't think their ancestors were originated there but they were born there, moutainous lao.

[@whitehandblackfur8996]

I’m crying because my parents were in this war but good thing my parents were kids and still alive because we are Hmong

[@yusilyt]

Good god I’m Hmong and not Alive that time, R.I.P The Hmong That was died. I am Hmong, California is Great.

[@alexlee5708]

Thao The Gamer - Roblox And More! We are lucky that our parents came here in California.

[@zoacynic1365]

Are we ignoring the fact that his name is Chew Her.??? 😂

[@sovannarasong6196]

I see that not just Cambodian who were left to die under the communist regime during the cool war. American politicians should take it more seriously about the alliance force who help them. I hope that they not just take care the anything that benefit to them😓😓😓

[@jizzojohnny8407]

Bong bros all these talk and video doesn't mean anything much. Look what America did to Cambodia. They drop more bomb in Cambodia then anywhere else in the world until this day. Now talking about the US-Viet war where did they start dropping the bomb the hcm trail right and where did that trail run through most of north east Cambodia and look how many cambodians died and affected by it more then these Hmong died during that war time. People is quick to talk and comment but they don't spend much time doing their research first before they open their mouth..

[@jinchang9639]

I was 10 year old when I became a soldier in 1972-1973 then ceased fire by the Communist and then May 1975 the Lao Gov. demonstrated against the CIA and the Hmong people in Laos.

[@alfredenisz4775]

I have attended a Hmong New Years celebration here in Denver. These Hmong are safe in the U.S. Many of them had family that paid the ultimate price in Laos.

[@truthfullyyours9504]

See...this is why I keep telling everyone that communism is the root of all evil.

[@garfield2742]

what? 🙄. US was the one make this shit over there. Commies wont kill them if they not doinv nothing at 1st place

[@Gosinyanglee]

In the USA you under 18 you can not join the Amy but our the USA government used our Hmong people boy that were 11,12 years old to fought for them! That’s fucked up. They can brought their own Amy to fought the Vietnam but instead they used us.

[@pocpc1788]

My dad, grandpa, uncles and grandma are part of the Chow Fa group, luckily they surrendered, didn't get kill and managed to escape to Thailand then came to the US.

[@johnathankong5087]

@ethan Clarke key board warrior thinks he is a good American because he think paying taxes and donating leftovers to good will this fool saying negative things about Hmong Lao soldiers who protected many Hmong and fought alongside American soldiers .

[@R1gatoni]

My grandpa was Hmong and he was in this war he passed away 4 months ago

[@litoneup]

thank you Milwaukee pbs.

[@fongxiong6372]

Thank you for the tributes, and thank you to everyone who contributed. When we were humans amidst chaos.

[@VistaThaiGuy]

I met some old hilltribe war soldiers when I went to visit Thailand after leaving in1973 and came back on a free trip on an attack submarine in1986...then they tried to get me to fight their border war.😎 My views and understanding may differ...'Merica!!!🤩

[@VistaThaiGuy]

I tried to help a "Yung Mua" from Minneapolis, but he's too young and on drugs. Hope he reconnected with his folks there.🙄

[@Captain-Sum.Ting-Wong]

The loss of the Kingdom of Laos was one of the great tragedies of the Vietnam War.

[@RoseNZieg]

the degradation of Laotian society and prosperity by the current government is sad to see.

[@TheRealShitHotHem]

im cambodian but i got love for hmong people.

[@yeelor5670]

Always

[@nolimit2477]

We Love you too 👍💯❤

[@T4214K]

Stop the cap

[@yiayang7170]

Thanks to all that haven’t for gotten us hmong who fought along side of the American solders

[@litoneup]

I remember a news clip from john kennedy showing laos the key to stopping red china and the soviet bloc arms build up not so much Vietnam. I am glad many Laotians came to the us.

[@monochromatech]

As an Asian American who grew up in the 80's, Vietnam was fresh on everyone's mind. I am not Hmong, but my state has one of the highest concentrations of Hmong people, with a huge community here. I experienced brutal racism in the 80's, and I cannot imagine being someone who came here because they earned the right, by sacrificing their children, fathers, sons, etc to fight an illegal war for the CIA, and then face the same shit that I went through. It is better now than it was back then, as collectively white USA has moved their vitriol towards muslims mostly, then other minority groups. Same hate, just a different target. That being said, this country can still be saved, with the help of stories like this. If you can sit down and learn about what it took for people to get here, you might not be so easily swayed by outright lies, like cat eating Haitians.... seriously, have you ever tried catching a feral cat? good luck getting 30 of them into a van.

[@vanmalaphongsavan5902]

God Bless you All, and Thank you for your served....Our history will never forgotten and God Bless You All

[@Juansanchez-jg6ix]

The hmong got left behind like a bunch of stray dogs

[@jasonkim6255]

What about the ones left in the jungle.. being hunted by laos...

[@Frozen-Galaxy]

I am Hmong i respect the people that fought back me looking back in history I feel how bad that people in the war died thousands of deaths 💔 losing love ones

[@MtnManLucas]

It was a “secret war”. The American people were unaware of it. I learned about it from Pop Buell, a civilian volunteer pilot who had lived and worked in Laos. This was in 1975. He said there were only young boys left to fight the communists.

[@emrakultheaeonstorn7430]

Eastridge Amarillo the Lao Community and the best neighborhood in our town

[@touz_11_7hugz4]

At the end of the day this was over drug trade and other resource gains. There was a movement in south east Asia and US took that as a opportunity and excuse to try and invade when they had other ulteriors. The Hmong People who sided with US was precieved as traitors by the Laos. The one who really knew what was going on was Vang Pao. The rest of the Hmong soldiers was lied too and deceived and victims of the war due to Vang Pao own self gain.

[@epicgamered8806]

This makes me proud to be Hmong.

[@jizzojohnny8407]

No country no land to call home so yall live in someone else backyard thinking it's yall home 🤣

[@Isabel-is6pc]

Jizzo Johnny and who are you? Do you not know what respect mean?

[@benjaminxiong553]

Jizzo Johnny If so then are you American cuz I can say the same thing to you if you are because America belonged to the natives first

[@YangSword9x]

8:00 "Hmong....as a child...youd fight leeches sucking your blood...in the jungle.

[@mastrofdizastr]

would love to see a big budget Hollywood movie based on this, similar to Full Metal Jacket, We Were Soldiers, Black Hawk Down, etc. if I was a film maker, I would try and make one. I'm Hmong and I would cast only Hmongs for their respective roles.

[@nesseihtgnay9419]

Americans here in America don't know that we hmong will fight for America, it's our home now, and we cherish it.

[@WilliamNicholson-vt9yy]

God bless the Hmong from a Vietnam veteran. I welcome you and wish you all the best 🇱🇷

[@georgelee795]

My oldest sister that I've never met passed away from over dose of opium running away from the lao communists😭 my dad was a soldier than in laos and he was a kid🥲 my dad mom and sister which I never ever got to meet, till next life my lovely sister🥲

[@Saichenyang]

It was a big mistake for the Hmong helping a war that wasn't ours. We should left this war to the Lao govt. and the American CIA to handle. Long lives to our Hmong.

[@yia01]

u have to look at the big picture and what was at stake and the situation at the time. the hmong probably have no choice but to get involve in this war. at the time NV to avoid american bombers shift thier supply line into laos cutting through laos to reach their troops in the front line. those supply line cuts into the hmong territory at the borders. if the hmong dotn get involve in that war, once the NV won, the exile communist party from laos will just launch an invasion back into lao and the hmong will be the first too meet the invading red army anyway. this partnership with teh US if all go according to plan could have greatly benifit the hmong people in laos. with hmong in control of teh judicial branch of government, have the better funded and equip portion of teh army and also in control of the laos airforce, if the US would to win the vietnam war and with US backed teh hmong could have easily took control of teh country. with eh US withdrawl and hmong exile from the country, the NV backed red army easily took over the country. in a way, u can look at it as a hmong failed attemp to take over the country. after teh hmong left, the king head rolled and his other general army didnt fire a single shot. they all left the country with VP.

[@raymonddav5281]

Saichen Yang fuck the hmong

[@chengthao8507]

Saichen Yang you are pretty ignorant. you should research before u say stuff

[@hmong_keeb_kwm]

The Hmong have been fighting the Vietnamese since late 1940s when the NVA was still known as the viet minh. In the late 1950s the NVA invaded Laos to support the pathet Lao and later support commander Kong la that have seize the royal lao capital in 1959. The Hmong was already fighting before the U.S ever got involve with the Hmong. The Hmong troops made up of less then 800 was fighting and holding off the Vietnamese at PaDong during that time and taking a beating until the U.S finally came to help. During that time the Hmong was already fleeing and planing to evacuat the Hmong people to Thailand already but then then the U.S came to help. Thats when the Hmong decided to stay and fight back. Vang pao immediately ask for weapons supply and radio to be air drop to PaDong and order the remaining Hmong troops to go to PaDong to pick up weapons that the U.S have air dropped. Three months later Vang pao order the retreat from PaDong and head south to get away from the Vietnamese artillery range. That have been pounding them. Every old Hmong in their late 70s 80s and 90s still talk about the battle at PaDong in 1959 before the secret war ever begin.

[@rudywudy69]

the homong was history biggest asslickers they fought with the French to reinstall the yoke of imperialism on Vietnam and then they traded their lives for the opium trade @@hmong_keeb_kwm

[@jksynth]

I was retrained after 2 hmong fired me by his agency demoted to work in the san joaquin county Goodland for zero pay whole forced to use their welfare money to raise my daughter.