My dad was a 13 year old hmong soilder. During this time of conflict,, he said he understood the concept of getting hurt but didn't fear death, because he just did what he was told. Finally fled Vietnam in 1975 to Minneapolis Minnesota. He's put all 3 of his kids through the University of Minnesota, Hamline University and UWRF. Dad, you sacrifice your childhood at such a young age for the future of Americans. God bless you and your beautiful soul. You will forever be our hero!
Nice I grew up as a teen and went to school with children of some of these people in Sydney, some of the best friendships I've had. I'm a big Dutch guy. Being Dutch we understand fighting as a minority in war time. When you goto their house though you take you shoes off or the old man throws a TV remote at you :P haha
This is an outstanding documentary. The Hmong may well be the bravest people on earth. The time has come to recognize their sacrifice and support the Hmong veterans who are still with us.
Every American should watch or know this history! I work for a Laotian/American family that fled Laos and I’ve heard these same things from them! Remarkable and tough people to say the least! This was a much needed documentary
Bro, recently I have watched a lot of wartime documentaries. I am not a fan of war, in fact, I would refuse to take up arms. However, what I have been told/researched/heard has really solidified that men/women will die for what they believe is right/have another choice/ to protect others in every scenario. We need to overcome the forces that force us into that pit.
I'm afraid our Western mainstream media double speak outlets aren't in the business of informing or educating, on the contrary their used to manufacture consent for the next illegal intervention
When they came into the Manassas area of Prince William County, Virginia, an oddity popped up: a firefighter-paramedic that could translate for them, me! I heard stories from a few that were trained by and worked with my father in Laos. My father was involved from 1954 through 1971. I was going back to work for Air America in Cambodia but when Penom Penh fell to Pol Pot I stayed in America and marred an American and became a firefighter-paramedic. My mother and father are buried together in the Arlington National Cemetery. He loved the Hmong.
This documentary made me so emotional. My parents never spoke of the Secret War when I was growing up. The only thing I ever knew was my mother had a big chunk of her thigh missing. The most she ever said was a bomb went off and she suffered injuries from it. It took me a long time to be proud of my heritage and to realize my parents suffered from trauma. I’m thankful for this documentary. May everyone know the sacrifices of our people. May we never forget this part of history.
As an American I am ashamed to admit that I had literally no clue or a single idea about this war and conflict of politics. The honor and gratitude I have as an American for all of those that died fighting for their families and for their home is immeasurable. Thank you for every single brave, strong and courageous person of Laos that fought this war. May the respect and recognition of the relentless dedication and bravery of all Laotian people be properly given one day. This must happen. The scarifies made are unfathomable. Thank you.
It has not been a secret as multiple veterans have written books or given interviews for TV shows. But there are many things US schools or mainstream media keep away from students. I highly recommend "The Ravens" a well written biography of the covert US forces and activities in Laos.
a book you might find interesting is "the tigerman of Vietnam" it's about an Australian captain in the early 60s who controlled the Central highlands by building and army from the moi tribesmen. greatly feared, loved and respected. the CIA didn't like the power he had gained and moved their own people in there. the intelligence dried up and it was no longer a secure zone. you should look into your allies during the conflict in south East Asia, a lot of tactics that are still used today were learned during this time.
Words cannot express how moved I was watching this. I served in Vietnam and at the time and knew more than what I was suposed to know about what was going on in Laos. You all deserve the veteran benefits you are more than entitled to. It is a disgrace that you are not getting them. Time is running out.
One of my former supervisors was a Marine stationed in Okinawa the 1961 to 63 timeframe. He and many other Marines spent 2 or 3 days & nights sitting/sleeping next to the helicopters (plural) that would take them into combat in Laos. There was a radio station in northern Laos that was being fought over by Communist forces and the local militias.The radio station was held by friendlies and the Marines could leave the tarmac and the helicopters. Yes, they were tense but ready to go into combat if ordered. He was glad they got to stay on Okinawa. It was his strongly held belief that Kennedy was eager to get US troops fighting in Southeast Asia. Kennedy seems to have been very hawkish on war. Another co-worker was on a destroyer during the Cuban Missile Crisis. They'd get 5 or more destroyers abreast and charge full speed at Havana harbor. Right before entering Cuba's legal waters they would break away. Then they'd go back to the start and repeat this multiple times. The hope was to get the Cubans and Russians to lose their nerve and fire at the US ships. Then there'd be an excuse for a shooting reaction. Another point he made was Kennedy was telling the US people there were no US carriers in that area. His quote was "B--S there were 5 carriers there all the time". Why JFK was telling the public this? No idea what the logic or motivation was. I worked with many dozens of Vietnam era vets, majority of who were in-country. Many many stories they've told over the years. I even know how fast the USS Enterprise could go under emergency conditions, like returning to VN because of the Tet Offensive. Interesting but I'm glad I was 3 years too young for all that.
My dad his close cousin which he considered his blood brother both served during Vietnam they were never honored and sent off as Vets should have been when they passed. You might have never met them or been in the same place as them thanks for fighting along with them and your service since Vietnam vets in the US are controversial too
Thank you to everyone that contributed to this documentary. My grandfather was part of the secret Lao army and it means a lot to me and my family that his and others like him have their story finally brought to light.
I still recall the time my Father-in-Law told me stories of his time in the war during our time at the gun range. He told me that he still remember the time when the Pathet Laos attacked his platoons location on a hill from the jungle tree line below them. He recalls Ak’s, SKS and small arms rounds cracking around him and he would see dirt fly up in front of him. He remembers during the fight, he threw a grenade into the tree lines where the pathet laos was taking cover and recalls body parts flying up into the air and them screaming. He told me that there was so many people dying in his group that he couldn’t recall how many people came and go. He also added that he tried to not make any friends with his group because he hated going out on a mission with them and coming back without them. I remember him pausing for a bit during the story and my brother in law asking him if he was okay. He replied with a raspy voice “I’ve lost so many friends. I’ve lost child hood friends and I’ve lost new friends. You watch your brothers in arms die in front of you and all you could do is just return fire and hope they don’t kill anymore of you”. Me and brother in law listened and comforted him. It was a emotional day for us because it was the first time he told us about his story.
@@jamieyang7589 don't listen to sensei. he is a typical armchair internet general that's been in every war since WW1. You needed your father in law to talk about his story because its important for your future family. So his story during his time in the Vietnam war can be told to generations to come.
As a retired SNCO with 33 yrs with four deployments, I would love and be honored to have these soldiers within our VA community and disability payments.
In truth the elders who fought in this conflict really just want to be recognized. Not only the fighters but the survivors who struggled to get to the boarder of Thailand. Their stories aren't even told to their children. It's very sad and dear to them.
You know what? I agree. I used to volunteer at the VA hospital. What was weird is why wasn't my dad getting treated at the VA?? A lot of mixed feelings.
My grandma will always talk about the struggles in Laos whenever I was young that I never understand cause I wasnt there during the Secret War in Laos. Now, I understand the struggles that my grandparents and my parents have been through by seeing that they have fought their way to come to America to live peacefully and free for the future of their family. 🥺😭😭
As a born and raised American farm boy I wish we could of brought all that wanted to come here safely after the war. They fought, sacraficed and bled next to us, they deserve the benefits, burial rights and all of our respect and praise. I wish you and your family the best.
It is true that the Hmong fought bravely. It is also true that they fought against their own country. Many Lao national still consider them traitors since the communists won in the end.
@@sunlightsoilwater Invade and Divide a country and turn its people against one anther in war and killing,get then to kill each other for them that's the US and Uk Empire/imperialist way.
@@gphjr1444 not all hmong are being persecuted in laos. Some hmong fought for the communist so those are left alone. It's the hmong who fought for the Americans who refused to leave and formed a resistance against the communist. The resistance was holding their own against the pathet lao until the mid 90's when the refugee camps in thailand shut down, they lost a lot of support after that
As a first generation Hmong in America, thank you Timeline for putting together this beautiful documentary of my people's history. There are not enough words to express my gratitude to the hardships and sacrifices endured by the Hmong. I am extremely proud to be a Hmong American.
@@PerryCoxPF93 In life you have options to choose how you feel about things that have happened in the past. You could be bitter and resentful; or you move forward as a better person. The US is not so perfect, but our families struggled to bring us here, we are not willing to waste our chance at the American dream by sitting around being bitter and sorry about the things we can or cannot control. It would be a dishonor to our parents and ancestors.
@@johnylee714 amazing that you consider it bitter to even discuss the past honestly or even reckon with imperialism and its consequences. Of course your mentality only leads to future crimes against humanity that the US will perpetuate across the globe. But go ahead and be proud your family was one of the few people not: killed, maimed, poisoned, or trafficked by the US
Hmong was use by the the Americans as a deterrence to the pathet lao after failing with the royalist. In the lao perspective, your ethnic minority are considered as traitors. It was a civil war and you accepted to be the Yankees's pawn. Your heroism is debatable. You can argue that after the pathet lao success, the hmong were targeted which is quite understandable considering the war implications.
@@xayvath5221 thanks for bringing that up. I'm a little nonplussed about this documentary: my father in law was in the pathet laos, fighting against what they considered to be an oppressive, unpatriotic government that was just a willing pawn of the US government. possibly a large amount of viewers of this documentary may not realize that the Hmong were considered by many to be unpatriotic that were tools in the pay of the US government (which they kind of were) and the aeons old conflict between the Hmong and lowland laos didn't help.
I lost two KIA uncles in this "Secret war": My mother's brother Thai Vue in 1971 and my Cousin Nyia Ge Vang in 1972. Thanks to General Vang Pao and our American Presidents and American, Hmong, Khamu, Mien, Thai and Lao soldiers who fought this war and your unselfish sacrifices to stand up for peace, freedom and democracy. The Hmong lost well over 35,000 soldiers and US lost well 213,099. I solute all those who sacrificed your life for my life and freedom. I will forever be in your debts. Thank you!
I’m glad i ran across this video. I can now show documents of my people to those who do not know who Hmong are. We did so much for the US not to be known who we are on America Soil. I’m proud to be Hmong. We are Survivors and will always be.
I’m grateful to have a chance to watch this documentary. I think every American should watch. I also think we should do our best to only use secret military aid when strictly unavoidable. For Laos I hope one day the deeds of the brave veterans from this conflict can be fully remembered and honored.
America is the biggest lie in history, they didn't fight for world freedom in WW1, WW2, or Cold war. The United States has only ever fought for it's own imperial interest...same as all other great powers.
@@lucisleesion8824 the documentary says north Vietnam were the ones violating Lao neutrality first. They were driven out by the pathet lao not the Americans. I was not alive when this war was fought, but it is possible to do better in the future. The film says our two people are bound together which is why I wanted to recognize the Hmong veterans.
My heart goes out to the Hmong people so brave,. all the Americans that fought with them talked about how brave they were, and I just feel horrible how many were left behind. I know it's the past but still I feel I need to just tell them I'm sorry that this was something that my country can do. Now we do it again recently in another country so. It's despicable! It's the fault of the leaders the politicians is not the soldiers. I'm glad you are telling your story I'm glad so many of you did survive. I'm glad that many of you are here in America ❤️
My grandfather was a pilot for Air America, and a personal friend of Vang Pow. He escaped death in the Chosan reservoir just to return back to the next craziest place in the world he could get too, and saved thousands and thousands more lives. He went on about the Laotian and Hmong fearlessness and their solid determination to keep Laos the shining jewel of South East Asia, as it is today. I'm happy a lot of Hmong call America home these days.
Your right we do it again and we'll probably do it again and again. We use these people and then maybe if they're lucky they can leave country when we lose. Weapons manufacturers win though that for sure
These brave people deserve to be recognized as having served in the US military. How can the U.S. argue any differently? A big debt is owed to them. What a shame!
My father was a Vietnam War veteran who helped the Americans during the war. He lost one of his eyes and had his stomach tore open by a landmine. The guy who stepped on it die instantly while my dad got hit by the shrapnel of the landmine. He is lucky to be alive. My dad suffered from PTSD because of the war. He died in 2015. God bless his soul.
@@A_Black_Sheep94 but they did more than anyone that was part of the US Military. Instead, the US government give out stimulus to people who don’t want to work. What a shame.
Memories may fade and priorities shifted but it is never too late to acknowledge their incredible courage and sacrifices made by Laos. Thank you for your services.
As 1 grateful American who never takes his freedom for granted... Let me say thank you for your sacrifice and loyalty to this country. And in my eyes you are all heroes and deserve everything this country owes you!!! There are countless numbers of Americans who take advantage of this country and honestly do not even deserve to call themselves Americans.. to all of you who are fighting the fight keep your chin up I wish you all well and luck
Yes they sure do take advantage the government takes full control of sending soldiers to die for nothing in 1/2 the wars we were in if not more. Those young men died for evil old men that make money of conflict and anything they can get their hands on and our soldiers suffer
@@retrospecative2454 They died so you can make idiotic statements like that on the internet from your smartphone while you sit on your couch in your three story air conditioned house
@@rockwellrhodes7703 Yeah, there hasn't been a single war to give us the freedom we love so much. Ooh wait.. keep making idiotic statements. That's what our brave soldiers had died for. Americans may not agree with your speech, but we will fight to the death to protect it.
I am Hmong and it is so sad to see that many of these Hmong villagers who helped the American CIA were left behind. To this day, I still see the same incidents happening in other parts of the world, (Afghanistan) where other community groups are left to fight for themselves after the US pulls away. I love my country, but it's so sad to see that the US leaves the very people who helped them during war time; left in shambles. Thanks for the documentary.
You have no idea what you are talking about in regards of Afghanistan. The US armed forces had supported in training the ANP and ANA to fight against the Taliban and terrorism but their government infrastructure was obviously flawed, so as soon as the US pulled out of Afghanistan, their government fell apart and Taliban took over.
There is no glory in war, just tears. Felt so bad on how children were used. I was 18 back then, My dad was so mad at me for enlisting during VietNam. I came back with severe PTSD, 40 +years of no sleep. the nightmares were too much. Ancient Greek quote, "Only the dead know the end of war. When I became suicidal my best friend got me help. I still see a psychiatrist. Sucks being human.
Sorry sir. Wish you the best and peace in your life, wish many warmongers and chickenhawks would hear stories like yours so they can stop glorifying violence and war .
I'm sorry u had to go through all that mystery this God loves you and so do I don't worry you'll be in heaven soon please never commit suicide get help please you're too beautiful of a person thank you for your service in Vietnam
Yeah my dad who served two tours in Vietnam and was like we all knew about what was going on over in Laos with the whole Air America thing. His second tour of duty he served with the 170th Assault Helicopter Company 1st Aviation Brigade. And let's say they did a lot of missions when they found themselves on the other side of the border of Cambodia and Laos.
My father's friend served in Vietnam as a medic flying around in a helicopter. He told me more than once about hearing about bombs dropping in Cambodia over the radio while he'd be flying around. He had no doubt that it happened, and often.
It’s sad how many young men were recruited to fight in wars they weren’t even aware of. They were truly just pawns in a game of chess. It’s also horrendously sad to see how noble the cause of _Containment_ was, but how terrifyingly criminally it was carried out.
@Akira M. ,, America's involvement in Laos' civil war was kept very secret. Not even Congress knew about it until later on, and definitely not the American general population.
Thank you for highlighting my father's tombstone (Xay Dang/Nhia Houa Yang). As you can see, one of the pictures that we posted on his tombstone was taken in 1966 during the Vietnam War. He was 31 years old at the time and fought with the American soldiers during the Vietnam war. My father saved thousands of American soldiers and never asked for anything in return. Now that is a true hero! He believed in doing what was right for the greater good.
you really cant make this up. the racist white-supremacist ameriKKKunts, commiting innumerable war-crimes, criminally using neutral laos and cambodia as staging and operation areas for criminal incursions into vietnam, criminally recruiting clueless child-soldiers from laos and cambodia to their certain death into vietnam, now produces a documentary with Timeline trying to show them as the VICTIMS???? when the USofAsshats dropped MORE BOMBS on laos and cambodia, than the ENTIRETY of world war 1 and world war 2 COMBINED on ALL SIDES??? when laos and cambodia wasnt even in ANY WAR??? FFFF YOU.
My grandpa who was a lao military vet who fought in this war would always tell me these stories and they are indeed true. So heart breaking to watch so many innocents lives taken. He would tell me there were land minds and traps they needed to watch out for and soldiers on the tree so they had to be quiet, they were running away for safety for a week until they reached Thailand to freedom. When i asked grandpa who did we go to war with he wasn't sure he was just told to help the Americans, it broke my heart he was clueless. My heart goes out to all the hmong, mienh laos, american soldiers that had their lives taken in this war. Thank you for you Service and for this documentary, very emotional.
I’m proud of the Hmong mothers who stood up the the Laos even in the worst of conditions. I am Hmong and having history like this well only strengthen our resolve.
The fact the U.S and the Thai officials tried to cover the truths about the Horrible Conditions of the camps in thailand, were locking the hmong up in the gutter with barwires, like war criminals. such a shame to see that..with many hmongs died of illnesses.
This is why Hmong people are here in the USA and all over the World. After 46 years, the sounds of bombs and guns still sounding in my head everyday. Great story and this painful history will be engraved in our hearts for generations to come.
@@ASimon-ut2xe Thats basically what the guy is saying mate, That he's ashamed his country that can't even say thankyou for your service. For some of these people who payed the ultimate price.
My grandpa was a captain under general Vang Pao. I didn’t know this until he passed away and my family did his funeral. I knew he fought in the war and that he commanded a group of soldiers but i didn’t know his rank until he passed away. One of the stories he told me was a battle that happened in the plain of jars. He and his soldiers lost that battle to communist forces, he had to retreat back with a few of his men he had left. He ended up getting rotten feet due to walking in wet mud for many days. He also told me about him flying in a helicopter and his gun he had which was the M1 carbine. He told me about most of the soldiers who fought alongside him and that his objective was to rescue downed American pilots and fight communist forces.
Your grandfathers service is not forgotten by this American. It's a crying shame the US Gov't turned it's back on our Laotian allies, and that they are still persecuted because of their war-time alliance. God Bless you, and your family.
@@donwan2637 You mean the Syrian Kurds?? We had to do that to keep the Turks in NATO and our ally against Russia. The Afghans and the South Vietnamese were pretty lousy allies. They deserve what they got. 😐😐😐
My father was the "Snake Man". The medical officer that trained and treated so many Hmong. Gen. Vang Pao gave him a red baseball cap with opposing cobras painted on it so the Hmong would know who he was: Dad was involved from 1954 to 1971.
@@platypus3328 Mom and Dad have passed on. One event over weeks was when he was hunted down by the Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese only to escape in the end, made him famous in the clandestine world. He even parachuted into Communist Mainland China on rescue missions and escaped out of it. Dad was incredibly brave and immensely kind and loving. He went places where other would not dare to go. He did a lot of surgery and wound care "behind" enemy lines for the Hmong. He hated Communism with a passion. He saw first land how evil it really was and continued to be. The Communist did unspeakable things to all ages of the Hmong.
My dad probably one of the few trained by your father then. Glad to know. After he finish his training, he was send to the field for about 2yrs and left me my brother and my mom with my grandparents back in the village
@@beethao4145 there were not many if them, men like my dad. He trained all your medics. Also many in crew served weapons, booby traps and explosives. There was a man left behind, abandoned, and had to run and hide for weeks, yet, in the end, escaped. That was my dad.
@@beethao4145 many came to the Washington DC area, Prince William County. I translated for many of them while a parsmedic firefighter. I would be easy to remember: I was the only one. Some remembered my dad and told me stories about him. I was planning on going back but it all fell apart in April of 1975. So, I stayed in America, now retired as a firefighter-paramedic and emergency manager, disabled with a broken back but, I can walk again. My sons became U. S. Marines, went off to Afghanistan to kill Taliban terrorists: and they did. If anyone deserves entry into America it is the Hmong, Yao and other Tribal People that fought Communism in Laos and the mountains of Vietnam.
It’s good to see my sister put her phd to use - 10th grade history class one of my class mate asked the teacher why he didn’t cover the secret war in Laos. I applaud him till this day because he took 15 min and explained to the whole class what happened in the mountains of Laos.
I have a friend who was a Marine and sent to Laos during Vietnam. All he would say was we were not supposed to be there. Still wont talk about what he did there but did say he parachuted in in the middle of the night to do assignments and picked up before sun rise.
Have family in every Skirmish and 1604 here in the United States, I think they deserve a place and the respect of all veterans that fought for our country
Thank you Timeline - World History Documentaries for sharing this Video about the Secret war about our people. My father was part of the SGU who was fighting the Vietcong in Northern Laos. He was only a kid when he joined. From what I heard through family and relatives that was there with him, He was a Brave solider. I have asked my dad about his experienced multiple times , But He has never spoke about his time during the war. I have asked my dad about the war multiple times , But He always refused to speak about his experienced. PTSD is probably what he has, but never spoke of it because people might think he's crazy. To me, He's my Hero and you did your duty even though you weren't an American citizen during that time. My dad has passed away two years ago. Miss you dad
My father, grandfather and all of my uncles were in this war. My grandfather was a lieutenant and was in charge of the Khmu soldiers, involved in the special guerrilla unit. and I remember staying over my grandparents and he would be talking, yelling or screaming in his sleep. It’s true about how they’ve waited so long for recognition/benefits but it’s getting to late because my grandfather passed away over 10 years ago. The visuals in this documentary helped me understand in depths what my family went through to get to the refugee camp. I was 3 years old during this time and I can’t imagine my parents hauling me around to safety. The SGU soldiers should be acknowledged and receive veteran benefits in the US, just like the rest of the other veterans.
I was just watching Thai Veteran that was fought in Laos telling their side of the stories , i am Thai but the our veteran's sacrifices in this war have never been told in our history textbooks. i dont finish watching this doc yet but i came here for the comment first. trust me this doc will worth your time :)
Thank you for your service...The Royal Thai Government did honor the Thai Veterans for their commitment in the vietnam war in Laos, supporting General Vang Pao's Military in Military Region 2. Thai Military and Royal Lao Military, Strong friendship Neighboring country allies.
Never forget. As someone who was majoring in American History to help strengthen my background knowledge to being a teacher. I was flabergasted that I did NOT once encounter anything about this Secret War in all the textbooks until my old old old professor had an entire lecture about this. Shame on my country for desperately trying to hide our own heinous crimes.
I don't know how many times I had to pause the video, look out my window and digest what I just heard. What an amazing documentary. I feel like this could be a multi part series.
I remember when listening to my mom stories how they escape Laos going to Thailand it always a scary scene how she see it. Once they ran to the Mekong River they saw lots dead bodies scatter everywhere. As the fear kick in they have to make raft out of bamboo and the shore lines also have inflated tubes as The North Vietnam start shooting behind them but the river was raging fast. Lots of people try swimming but could not make it as lots of them drown trying as bullets hitting the water near them. Once they hit the shoreline of Thailand the Thai would try to help them but only to bribe them for money. Later on they were gather into a refugee camp.
Both my grandpa's served in the secret war. Sucks that I'll never hear the stories they've experienced since my grandpa from my dad's side past away before I was ever born with the only thing I have of him is a veteran card that my dad kept. My grandpa from my mom's side past away last year 5 days after my 19th birthday. The only problem was we couldn't communicate since I can't speak hmong and can't understand most hmong words. He could understand and speak English but to a basic degree. To this day that is my biggest regret, though I was able to hear the stories of after the war when my dad was trying to go to Thailand.
My dad was a commander under General Vang Pao. Bless all those who served and were loss. Thank you for doing this piece on our Hmong people. I love history. And you guys did great. Love watching all the videos of this channel.
These people Are more American then most of the messed up people who live here in America today. If people here today had to go through a tiny bit of these people have gone through they would be grateful for this country and not try to change everything about it.
As of late more and more people are touching upon the history of the Secret Wars which the Hmong had a hand in. Spread the word. Much love from a Hmong American.
It is true that the Hmong fought bravely. It is also true that they fought against their own country. Many Lao national still consider them traitors since the communists won in the end.
There's is some truth to Lee Pao Xiong statement: "One hmong who died fighting; is one American GI that gets to go home." The NVA were more confident in engaging the hmong in coventional warefare during the war. The Hmong kept the NVA busy in Laos while the American GI battle the Vietcong in South Vietnam and only hope for a chance encounter with the NVA whenever the NVA crosses the border back to Vietnam.
thank you so much! for letting this be known! my parents survived the war and refugee camp because of my grandfather my mother got to come to the states early then most during that time, also there's so many stories of what her father went through an told her an heals helped the king of LAOS!
Same here.. but we landed in Australia instead. Grandpa waa a helicopter pilot with 3 stars. We have hes portrait and he looks just like me. We are lao people tho not the hmong people (i dont even know their history and why they chinese)
Almost every American MACVSOG soldier that has shared thier story has said that they owe thier life to thier "little people" many times over (a term of endearment). The incredible amount of success these various Laotian groups had with small numbers, little training, and limited resources is simply incredible! If everyone in South Vietnam would've fought like the various peoples of Laos than I guarantee the war would've had a drastically different outcome! Although America should've done things differently (Like not fake an attack to start a proxy war with the Soviet Union for instance), and I don't blame any South Vietnamese, Laotian, or Cambodian for not wanting to be involved in this war... At the end of the day I blame the French occupation forces that took over from the post WW2 British troops! Sorry France but you inadvertently caused not only the Vietnam war, but the untold suffering of all their neighbors 🤦♂️ if British forces would've remained in place to stabilize free Vietnam I doubt anyone would've been interested in the idea of Communism or wanted the support of the Soviet Union. 🤷♂️
@@DoomshopMF312 Exactly. I feel the Brits were actually performing thier duties of peacekeeping while the country developed a centralized government, while the French were soldiering to be a large part of that government 🤦♂️ of course guerrilla groups are not going to like that and easily gain more fighters and support.
The french brought Catholicism to Vietnam. Loas was growing cocaine and bringing it to Vietnam. Ngo Diem, the newly elected Catholic president of Vietnam, was for the South Vietnamese, who were the farmers and also Catholic. He was against the cocaine trade/smuggling. So was JFK. The North Vietnamese, was Buddhist, wealthy and for communism. 2 weeks after Pres Diem was assassinated, JFK was assassinated. CIA was brought in to facilitate Laos cocaine to here in America. From that moment, the drug epidemic began in full force in America. War on our own people.
Excellent documentary! I'm happy that other people can learn more about my people. But just as important, is that the kids of these brave men & women can learn more about their parents. These atrocities are suppressed and are rarely spoken of. This details the real, life & death, choices and sacrifices, our parents/elders made to ensure a peaceful life for the next generations.
I was a teenager during the Vietnam War, our classes did provide lessons about Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam. It was commendable, but the lessons were far from infallible. The "Secret War" in Laos wasn't on the list of lessons taught, but they hinted about it. That was important because it shows that North Vietnamese logistical support didn't go unopposed.
Most CIA activities, not in the past and not today, are revealed... bad or good. I was only in first grade, in 1975 (I was born in a farm where my father told my mother and grandparents to go to, since he had to be away for scouting purposes, in northern Laos) so I didn't know much, beyond some night activities in 1973-74, when my maternal grandfather and I would be outside for a few nights, where he told me the flares and tracers being done over the city of Kasi (we were up in the high mountain range over-looking Kasi, a town north of Vang Vieng, which itself is a city just north of the Capital, Vientiane)...were "soldiers fighting." Kasi and Vang Vieng were, of course, in Viantiane. We had to leave our northern Laos/northern Luang Prabang village where I was born, some 4 years earlier, because of the heavy encroachment of the Pathet Lao backed by their more powerful North Vietnamese comrades. Anyway, about 12 years ago, while I was tutoring high school students in Minnesota, I had a brief 2-email exchange with Noam Chomsky (whom I've a lot about in college) because I knew he was one of the very few non-military Americans who ever landed in Long Cheng, the "secret" CIA headquarters in Laos. He was on his way to Vietnam but somehow got diverted briefly there, from what I read. I asked Chomsky if his thoughts about the Communists had changed over the decades.... It was a nuanced answer!
@@kiabtoomlauj6249 Thank You for sharing childhood experiences in Laos. In regards to Chomsky, he's a remarkable person, but not infallible. My maternal ancestry is Armenian, and his commentary about the Armenian Genocide didn't satisfy my expectations.
Thank you for fighting beside us when we put all of you in tough spot, it’s a special kind of people who fight for another’s cause and kept under secret. From Texas I am very grateful for your sacrifices.
You all are Service Members of The United States of America. You deserve everything you're asking for if not more. Unfortunately our country barely takes care of it's own (unless you're a politician 🤑🤔🤫) and I'm very sorry for that. Thank you ever so much for your service 👏🇺🇲
A small country that has been invaded by foreigners for hundreds of years. But the Lao people are stronger and don't give up. World history may be not recorded . But the history will be recorded in the history of the Lao people forever. from heart laotian
Let me get this straight. Some of the Hmong people were forcibly recruited by the communists, others were forcefully recruited by the US and the Royal Laotian Government. Then, the Laotian communists persecuted the Hmong people who had 'worked' for the Americans. They were used as pawns by all, and they paid the price. Is there anywhere in this comment section where you can find that? I didn't see any.
Yes the hmong were used as puppets. Didn't matter which side they were on, they were only pawns... it's sad when you dig deep as a hmong person into our history, always being used as puppets.
The United States has done this to its minorities for centuries, Blacks were used as cannon fodder to fight the Koreans, Japanese, and the Viet Cong. And at first as Mountain men, mercenaries and scouts, later Buffalo Soldiers to fight Indians and later Pancho Villa in the Old West. Neither of these groups ever hated black people. Same with Japanese Americans and the Navajo Code Talkers in World War II. Imperial Japan never hated its Japanese American cousins, and they were curious about the "red Indian" and Black people. The Emperor of World War II Japan often asked about them. As usual these minorities were never honoured for their brave deeds for the United States. I've seen Mexican veterans literally serve the in military, just to either die in Iraq or Afghanistan, fighting poor angry non white people who did nothing to them. Angry that the United States destroyed their countries. Or to be deported to Mexico many having been born in the United States.
What insane sacrifices these people went through.... These Sound like stories from 500 years ago but nope this is very recent history which is so sad! I hope these people can find peace and prosper.
My dad was a lieutenant providing security for the American and Thai officers on Lima site 85. He was also in charge of the 105 Canon on that mountain. As a kid he sometimes told me stories of what happened on that mountain and how lonely it was to be on that site and away from my mom and my older siblings. My dad's picture is in this video.
I was in college when the Vietnam War was being fought. We were glad we had student deferments, and that we could go on getting an education, and continue to party, oblivious to this one aspect of the conflict. I'm glad I have the opportunity to see this documentary. So much suffering took place there, and we in the US knew little of it.
You are one lucky man not participating with the CIA' s atrocities in South East Asia. The war eventually fought because of the powerful and growing military industrial complex in America. They have to lobby, lie, and create scenarios in order to get the war going regardless of lives lost. It's truly one tragic event for young Americans and millions more Asians.
My dad was a veteran of both Korea and Vietnam; didn’t talk to me and my brother much about Korea, but talked a lot about Vietnam. Be glad you missed it.
@@seanbrown9048 your father sacrifice all his effort for what !for the democrats to not be serious about winning wars! They didn't want to win the the Korean war and the same with the Vietnam war! The democrats can start wars ,but they haven't got the stomach or the balls to try to win!
@@shanetharle9211 my father was one of those rare men we call “a dying breed:” an unquestioning patriot, a self made man who only served his country and never asked anything from it. He wouldn’t even put in for the VA benefits he was entitled to, said there were men who needed it more than he did. That was my father.
My father flew for civilian air transport, he was killed in a c_46 crash in 1964. God bless the Hmong veterans, and their families. Give them there benefits.
When I was in history class 2006. I was the 2nd asian/Hmong kid and the other was a Chinese kid. When our teacher mention the Vietnam War. I asked him if he know about the secret war? He said there was no such thing. I told him there is a such thing because my people die like animal for the Americans. He ask the other asian kid if it's true and the other kid said he has never herd of such war. Fast forward towards the end of the course, one of my white friend did her presentation about Hmong and about the Secret War. It made me cried. I told her... thank you.
I never knew anything about this part of the Vietnam war. These people are amazing. I'm so glad I watched this. Whenever I feel down now I will think about what these people endured and reality my life is so easy. And the people get no pension from the government?. There's a surprise unfortunately.
Wow. What Amazing Information to come across. The emotions that this documentary causes...watery eyes, falling tears, empathy, heartbreak, insult, Inspiration, & Love.. The Hmong people are an Amazing group of people. How can we NOT, as Americans, Salute you ALLLL. Men, women & children. Allll are Survivors. The Men, are Inspiring. Fighting for someone OTHER THAN your own self. For another country. For your Family. Your WHOLE family. Wow. I Salute You. Thank You all for what you have done for the country of America. Thank You. I'm soo sorry that we are just learning about this. You all MOST DEFINITELY DESERVE to be Recognized as United States Veterans. And the women & children also Deserve to be recognized as SURVIVORS. We Americans can learn sooo Mucchh from a people such as the Hmong people. Their Heart, their Love, their Loyalty, their Strength During & even After the war was officially over, bc for the Hmong people, it continued far longer, in those camps, with such poor living conditions. Mm mm. How DARE we take advantage of the Kindness of Another. Mm mm. Our American government SHOULD BE ASHAMED. I'M ASHAMED OF my American Government. Smh. For what it's worth, I, as an American citizen, THANK YOU ALL for the sacrifice you made, for America & for your own families. "There IS NO Greater Love, than a man who Lays Down His Life for a friend." - Jesus 🙏🏼🤍
My heart hurts so much as I watch this. Thank you for this lesson. I will never forget the people, their burden, struggles, loss, and sacrifice for the CIA. I am so sorry, you deserve so much better. As a vet, I cry for your lost brothers and sisters. SGU, you will not be forgotten.
Able men in my family were recruited to fight in the "Secret War", we are the "Yao" (Iu Mien)(mentioned @ 16:00). Our story is similar to the Hmong. One of my grand-uncles was working as a royal secret agent, he would infiltrate enemy territories to gain intelligence and at times he had to go after enemy spies, including carrying out execution orders. After the war, he was captured in Laos and imprisoned. The Pathet Laos communist would take him to hearing and asked him to acknowledge them as the new rightful government, he would refuse to acknowledge them. He would then be put back in jail. This happened multiple times. Finally after 10 years imprisoned and fragiled, they let him out as a free person. His family had come to America, he never saw his wife and children again after the war ended. Some years later after living as a free person he died of illness.
I feel that anyone who fights for America deserves to have that recognized and honored. The CIA used these people as cannon fodder, the least we owe them are proper military honors. They should receive pensions, survivors benefits for combat related deaths, and the option to be buried with those they fought for
The least you owe them is to get rid of all the unexploded munitions that your country dropped on their country that continue to maim and kill them. Over 40 years later you've still not cleaned up your mess.
@@dannnsss8034 is there an issue with Samoans and Puerto Ricans being recognized for their combat related sacrifices? If you are talking about making them States... The Puerto Ricans refused statehood.
@@StefanMedici I agree about the munitions. My support for these Mung fighters is in no way support for the Viet Nam war. The US government certainly showed they have no problem with committing war crimes
My father was in the American regular Army officer and was killed in Laos in 1970. First they told us he was missing in action in Cambodia. Later we knew he was in Laos. I suppose that his battalion went toe to toe with the NVA along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. This was Nixon and Kissinger's Secret War that has never really been fully investigated. I was 14 when he died there. It still affects my life to this day. Jesus don't like killing and neither do I!
My dad 82nd airborne,green Barrett,then 101st served with the mung and even came home with a cross bow as a momento. He spoke of the mung with high honors.
For those who are interested in the history of this war, there needs to be recognition to the formidable Thai irregulars and voluteers (many veterans of the Vietnam War) that filled in the increasing gaps of the Hmong fighting force. Thai soldiers bore much of the fighting as well, and contributed to the NVA withdrawal in 1972 (by scaling the side of the mountain and retake the southern side Skyline ridge from the Communists). Not much is ever heard of, or covered, in regards to the Thai heavy involvement in the Secret War.
I being a Tibetan American could relate to hardship and the stories of Hmong Americans coz Tibetan’s too where trained by CIA and fought the Chinese communist party. @timeline hope you can make a documentary of Tibetan Guerrilla fighters.
Lot's, and we all pretty much know implicitly what they are doing. Fact is, we support all of it because we assume it benefits us. America runs on the assumption that the DOD, and now the DHS as well, operate with the core unwavering value that their actions will benefit America.
Hmungs were looked down upon, basically the hillbillies of the area. They were some of the best warriors to ever fight by our side. Loyal, friendly, intelligent, and some of the hardest workers around.
The Hmong in Laos are also some of the poorest in a very poor country. They were the last ethnic group to settle in Laos. All the good farming land had been taken, so the Hmong had to settle on the mountain tops which isn't particularly farmable. Even today, Hmong a still looked down on by the Lao Loum (majority Lao population). Many Hmong change their Hmong names to Lao names.
51:55 "We didn't value our own lives. We were more than happy to die for the Americans." Call them stupid, call them brave. That speech breaks my heart. To save one American, a dozen Hmong died trying. The blind trust that the US will have your back no matter what. And then at the end of the war, they ended up abandoned anyways.
I was so gratified to learn that we took this deserving people in, but then angered that our government has ignored their requests for GI benefits, after they fought for us. It is morally wrong to deprive these people of what they so richly deserve.
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My dad was a 13 year old hmong soilder. During this time of conflict,, he said he understood the concept of getting hurt but didn't fear death, because he just did what he was told. Finally fled Vietnam in 1975 to Minneapolis Minnesota. He's put all 3 of his kids through the University of Minnesota, Hamline University and UWRF. Dad, you sacrifice your childhood at such a young age for the future of Americans. God bless you and your beautiful soul. You will forever be our hero!
God Bless 🙏
Nice I grew up as a teen and went to school with children of some of these people in Sydney, some of the best friendships I've had. I'm a big Dutch guy. Being Dutch we understand fighting as a minority in war time. When you goto their house though you take you shoes off or the old man throws a TV remote at you :P haha
...
God bless🙏🏼
I thought the Hmong were notorious pacifists?
This is an outstanding documentary. The Hmong may well be the bravest people on earth. The time has come to recognize their sacrifice and support the Hmong veterans who are still with us.
Amen bro.
We can barely support ours
I can second that
@@retrospecative2454 it's not that we can't its just that the people we elect don't find that to be important
Child soldiers tho? The communist didn't do that.
Every American should watch or know this history! I work for a Laotian/American family that fled Laos and I’ve heard these same things from them! Remarkable and tough people to say the least! This was a much needed documentary
Bro, recently I have watched a lot of wartime documentaries. I am not a fan of war, in fact, I would refuse to take up arms. However, what I have been told/researched/heard has really solidified that men/women will die for what they believe is right/have another choice/ to protect others in every scenario. We need to overcome the forces that force us into that pit.
I'm afraid our Western mainstream media double speak outlets aren't in the business of informing or educating, on the contrary their used to manufacture consent for the next illegal intervention
When they came into the Manassas area of Prince William County, Virginia, an oddity popped up: a firefighter-paramedic that could translate for them, me! I heard stories from a few that were trained by and worked with my father in Laos. My father was involved from 1954 through 1971. I was going back to work for Air America in Cambodia but when Penom Penh fell to Pol Pot I stayed in America and marred an American and became a firefighter-paramedic. My mother and father are buried together in the Arlington National Cemetery. He loved the Hmong.
What kind of company do they own if you don't mind me asking
No, now we tare down any statues and try to hide our past, we don't learn from anything anymore..LETS GO BRANDON
This documentary made me so emotional.
My parents never spoke of the Secret War when I was growing up.
The only thing I ever knew was my mother had a big chunk of her thigh missing. The most she ever said was a bomb went off and she suffered injuries from it.
It took me a long time to be proud of my heritage and to realize my parents suffered from trauma.
I’m thankful for this documentary.
May everyone know the sacrifices of our people. May we never forget this part of history.
I cry inside because I was part of the training team.
that's Secrets for you
th-cam.com/video/GudI5b0DpQw/w-d-xo.html
@@chuckholmes9125 You were an advisor, sir?
Dang you were born before 1972???? You look very good for your age if thats your real PF picture
As an American I am ashamed to admit that I had literally no clue or a single idea about this war and conflict of politics. The honor and gratitude I have as an American for all of those that died fighting for their families and for their home is immeasurable. Thank you for every single brave, strong and courageous person of Laos that fought this war. May the respect and recognition of the relentless dedication and bravery of all Laotian people be properly given one day. This must happen. The scarifies made are unfathomable. Thank you.
Not surprised an American doesn't know American history.
@@cchughes88 Pretty ignorant assumption there.
It has not been a secret as multiple veterans have written books or given interviews for TV shows. But there are many things US schools or mainstream media keep away from students. I highly recommend "The Ravens" a well written biography of the covert US forces and activities in Laos.
a book you might find interesting is "the tigerman of Vietnam" it's about an Australian captain in the early 60s who controlled the Central highlands by building and army from the moi tribesmen. greatly feared, loved and respected. the CIA didn't like the power he had gained and moved their own people in there. the intelligence dried up and it was no longer a secure zone. you should look into your allies during the conflict in south East Asia, a lot of tactics that are still used today were learned during this time.
Don’t feel bad man, I live in Laos and practically no one knows any of this here either.
Words cannot express how moved I was watching this. I served in Vietnam and at the time and knew more than what I was suposed to know about what was going on in Laos. You all deserve the veteran benefits you are more than entitled to. It is a disgrace that you are not getting them. Time is running out.
One of my former supervisors was a Marine stationed in Okinawa the 1961 to 63 timeframe. He and many other Marines spent 2 or 3 days & nights sitting/sleeping next to the helicopters (plural) that would take them into combat in Laos.
There was a radio station in northern Laos that was being fought over by Communist forces and the local militias.The radio station was held by friendlies and the Marines could leave the tarmac and the helicopters. Yes, they were tense but ready to go into combat if ordered. He was glad they got to stay on Okinawa. It was his strongly held belief that Kennedy was eager to get US troops fighting in Southeast Asia.
Kennedy seems to have been very hawkish on war. Another co-worker was on a destroyer during the Cuban Missile Crisis. They'd get 5 or more destroyers abreast and charge full speed at Havana harbor. Right before entering Cuba's legal waters they would break away. Then they'd go back to the start and repeat this multiple times. The hope was to get the Cubans and Russians to lose their nerve and fire at the US ships. Then there'd be an excuse for a shooting reaction. Another point he made was Kennedy was telling the US people there were no US carriers in that area. His quote was "B--S there were 5 carriers there all the time".
Why JFK was telling the public this? No idea what the logic or motivation was. I worked with many dozens of Vietnam era vets, majority of who were in-country. Many many stories they've told over the years. I even know how fast the USS Enterprise could go under emergency conditions, like returning to VN because of the Tet Offensive. Interesting but I'm glad I was 3 years too young for all that.
My dad his close cousin which he considered his blood brother both served during Vietnam they were never honored and sent off as Vets should have been when they passed. You might have never met them or been in the same place as them thanks for fighting along with them and your service since Vietnam vets in the US are controversial too
Thank you to everyone that contributed to this documentary. My grandfather was part of the secret Lao army and it means a lot to me and my family that his and others like him have their story finally brought to light.
❤️🙏
grdhthrt
As a former history teacher, I wish EVERY STUDENT would see this. American students, most but not all,.have NO CLUE how blessed they are!!!!!!!
I still recall the time my Father-in-Law told me stories of his time in the war during our time at the gun range. He told me that he still remember the time when the Pathet Laos attacked his platoons location on a hill from the jungle tree line below them. He recalls Ak’s, SKS and small arms rounds cracking around him and he would see dirt fly up in front of him. He remembers during the fight, he threw a grenade into the tree lines where the pathet laos was taking cover and recalls body parts flying up into the air and them screaming. He told me that there was so many people dying in his group that he couldn’t recall how many people came and go. He also added that he tried to not make any friends with his group because he hated going out on a mission with them and coming back without them. I remember him pausing for a bit during the story and my brother in law asking him if he was okay. He replied with a raspy voice “I’ve lost so many friends. I’ve lost child hood friends and I’ve lost new friends. You watch your brothers in arms die in front of you and all you could do is just return fire and hope they don’t kill anymore of you”. Me and brother in law listened and comforted him. It was a emotional day for us because it was the first time he told us about his story.
Absent the grenade, your story is run-of-the-mill in my neighborhood.
I’m not calling your dad a liar but grenades don’t have enough force to tear and project ones limbs , even if someone jumps directly on a grenade.
@@senseitubagoo1345 father in law but yeah. It’s what he told us unless he threw a C4 or something. But his stories nonetheless were very interesting.
@@jamieyang7589 c4 isn’t used as a weapon , unless it’s an IED. Call of duty c4 satchel charges aren’t a real weapon.
@@jamieyang7589 don't listen to sensei. he is a typical armchair internet general that's been in every war since WW1.
You needed your father in law to talk about his story because its important for your future family. So his story during his time in the Vietnam war can be told to generations to come.
As a retired SNCO with 33 yrs with four deployments, I would love and be honored to have these soldiers within our VA community and disability payments.
In truth the elders who fought in this conflict really just want to be recognized. Not only the fighters but the survivors who struggled to get to the boarder of Thailand. Their stories aren't even told to their children. It's very sad and dear to them.
You know what? I agree. I used to volunteer at the VA hospital. What was weird is why wasn't my dad getting treated at the VA?? A lot of mixed feelings.
@@27gvsad, because hmong soldier was not american soldier but gvp soldier.
This secret war deserves a chapter in the books!
My grandma will always talk about the struggles in Laos whenever I was young that I never understand cause I wasnt there during the Secret War in Laos. Now, I understand the struggles that my grandparents and my parents have been through by seeing that they have fought their way to come to America to live peacefully and free for the future of their family. 🥺😭😭
As a born and raised American farm boy I wish we could of brought all that wanted to come here safely after the war. They fought, sacraficed and bled next to us, they deserve the benefits, burial rights and all of our respect and praise.
I wish you and your family the best.
@@rsmetz88 thank you
Nothing but love and respect for the Hmong people. More people need to know of their sacrifice.
It is true that the Hmong fought bravely. It is also true that they fought against their own country. Many Lao national still consider them traitors since the communists won in the end.
@@sunlightsoilwater yep I’ve heard they’re still persecuted to this day in certain regions of SE Asia.
@@sunlightsoilwater Invade and Divide a country and turn its people against one anther in war and killing,get then to kill each other for them that's the US and Uk Empire/imperialist way.
@@gphjr1444 not all hmong are being persecuted in laos. Some hmong fought for the communist so those are left alone. It's the hmong who fought for the Americans who refused to leave and formed a resistance against the communist. The resistance was holding their own against the pathet lao until the mid 90's when the refugee camps in thailand shut down, they lost a lot of support after that
@@hmoobmeeka yea that true but some still hate the rule of communism til this day but they just dealt with it
As a first generation Hmong in America, thank you Timeline for putting together this beautiful documentary of my people's history.
There are not enough words to express my gratitude to the hardships and sacrifices endured by the Hmong. I am extremely proud to be a Hmong American.
You're proud to be associated with the country that murdered hundreds of thousands of Laotians?
@@PerryCoxPF93 In life you have options to choose how you feel about things that have happened in the past. You could be bitter and resentful; or you move forward as a better person.
The US is not so perfect, but our families struggled to bring us here, we are not willing to waste our chance at the American dream by sitting around being bitter and sorry about the things we can or cannot control. It would be a dishonor to our parents and ancestors.
@@johnylee714 amazing that you consider it bitter to even discuss the past honestly or even reckon with imperialism and its consequences. Of course your mentality only leads to future crimes against humanity that the US will perpetuate across the globe.
But go ahead and be proud your family was one of the few people not: killed, maimed, poisoned, or trafficked by the US
Hmong was use by the the Americans as a deterrence to the pathet lao after failing with the royalist. In the lao perspective, your ethnic minority are considered as traitors. It was a civil war and you accepted to be the Yankees's pawn. Your heroism is debatable. You can argue that after the pathet lao success, the hmong were targeted which is quite understandable considering the war implications.
@@xayvath5221 thanks for bringing that up. I'm a little nonplussed about this documentary: my father in law was in the pathet laos, fighting against what they considered to be an oppressive, unpatriotic government that was just a willing pawn of the US government.
possibly a large amount of viewers of this documentary may not realize that the Hmong were considered by many to be unpatriotic that were tools in the pay of the US government (which they kind of were) and the aeons old conflict between the Hmong and lowland laos didn't help.
I lost two KIA uncles in this "Secret war": My mother's brother Thai Vue in 1971 and my Cousin Nyia Ge Vang in 1972. Thanks to General Vang Pao and our American Presidents and American, Hmong, Khamu, Mien, Thai and Lao soldiers who fought this war and your unselfish sacrifices to stand up for peace, freedom and democracy. The Hmong lost well over 35,000 soldiers and US lost well 213,099. I solute all those who sacrificed your life for my life and freedom. I will forever be in your debts. Thank you!
❤️🥲
Think they lost more than that tbh. Before, during and after.
I’m glad i ran across this video. I can now show documents of my people to those who do not know who Hmong are. We did so much for the US not to be known who we are on America Soil. I’m proud to be Hmong. We are Survivors and will always be.
Love Hmong people. Laotian populations all over the south
I come from a nation that just like yours, struggled against communism, i honor your people & their service, just like mine.
A few did not all of you it means mercenary
I’m grateful to have a chance to watch this documentary. I think every American should watch. I also think we should do our best to only use secret military aid when strictly unavoidable. For Laos I hope one day the deeds of the brave veterans from this conflict can be fully remembered and honored.
A pointless war
America is the biggest lie in history, they didn't fight for world freedom in WW1, WW2, or Cold war. The United States has only ever fought for it's own imperial interest...same as all other great powers.
Your country started the war and make Laos ppl died. Now you have these words, so mercy of you and your US of A, huh
@@lucisleesion8824 the documentary says north Vietnam were the ones violating Lao neutrality first. They were driven out by the pathet lao not the Americans. I was not alive when this war was fought, but it is possible to do better in the future. The film says our two people are bound together which is why I wanted to recognize the Hmong veterans.
Yes the secret war that involved many including the hmong are not taught today in school. I hope that changes one day.
My heart goes out to the Hmong people so brave,. all the Americans that fought with them talked about how brave they were, and I just feel horrible how many were left behind. I know it's the past but still I feel I need to just tell them I'm sorry that this was something that my country can do. Now we do it again recently in another country so. It's despicable! It's the fault of the leaders the politicians is not the soldiers. I'm glad you are telling your story I'm glad so many of you did survive. I'm glad that many of you are here in America ❤️
They don't need your pity, and your self-loathing is pathetic.
My grandfather was a pilot for Air America, and a personal friend of Vang Pow. He escaped death in the Chosan reservoir just to return back to the next craziest place in the world he could get too, and saved thousands and thousands more lives. He went on about the Laotian and Hmong fearlessness and their solid determination to keep Laos the shining jewel of South East Asia, as it is today. I'm happy a lot of Hmong call America home these days.
Your right we do it again and we'll probably do it again and again. We use these people and then maybe if they're lucky they can leave country when we lose. Weapons manufacturers win though that for sure
The pull out of Laos was just repeated in Afghanistan. It's a shame why Americans keep doing this repeatedly throughout history.
@@FieryJuniper God I hope that was the last one.
These brave people deserve to be recognized as having served in the US military. How can the U.S. argue any differently? A big debt is owed to them. What a shame!
My father was a Vietnam War veteran who helped the Americans during the war. He lost one of his eyes and had his stomach tore open by a landmine. The guy who stepped on it die instantly while my dad got hit by the shrapnel of the landmine. He is lucky to be alive. My dad suffered from PTSD because of the war. He died in 2015. God bless his soul.
Since it was a secret war, everything is off the books. So it technically didn’t happen.
@@gimmedaloot sure dude. Whatever.
Because they weren't a part of the US military obviously
@@A_Black_Sheep94 but they did more than anyone that was part of the US Military. Instead, the US government give out stimulus to people who don’t want to work. What a shame.
Memories may fade and priorities shifted but it is never too late to acknowledge their incredible courage and sacrifices made by Laos. Thank you for your services.
I am Vietnam vet, And I have known and worked with the Mong people, I am proud to have known them, call them friends.
As 1 grateful American who never takes his freedom for granted... Let me say thank you for your sacrifice and loyalty to this country. And in my eyes you are all heroes and deserve everything this country owes you!!! There are countless numbers of Americans who take advantage of this country and honestly do not even deserve to call themselves Americans.. to all of you who are fighting the fight keep your chin up I wish you all well and luck
Yes they sure do take advantage the government takes full control of sending soldiers to die for nothing in 1/2 the wars we were in if not more. Those young men died for evil old men that make money of conflict and anything they can get their hands on and our soldiers suffer
@@retrospecative2454 They died so you can make idiotic statements like that on the internet from your smartphone while you sit on your couch in your three story air conditioned house
have you got your booster yet
@@rockwellrhodes7703 Yeah, there hasn't been a single war to give us the freedom we love so much. Ooh wait.. keep making idiotic statements. That's what our brave soldiers had died for. Americans may not agree with your speech, but we will fight to the death to protect it.
Amen.
✋📖🇺🇸📜🗽⚖️⚔️🦅
I am Hmong and it is so sad to see that many of these Hmong villagers who helped the American CIA were left behind. To this day, I still see the same incidents happening in other parts of the world, (Afghanistan) where other community groups are left to fight for themselves after the US pulls away. I love my country, but it's so sad to see that the US leaves the very people who helped them during war time; left in shambles. Thanks for the documentary.
Trust Jesus, not man.
Cry for our vets at home that are homeless and have been tossed to the side like a piece of trash as well
You have no idea what you are talking about in regards of Afghanistan. The US armed forces had supported in training the ANP and ANA to fight against the Taliban and terrorism but their government infrastructure was obviously flawed, so as soon as the US pulled out of Afghanistan, their government fell apart and Taliban took over.
There is no glory in war, just tears. Felt so bad on how children were used. I was 18 back then, My dad was so mad at me for enlisting during VietNam. I came back with severe PTSD, 40 +years of no sleep. the nightmares were too much. Ancient Greek quote, "Only the dead know the end of war. When I became suicidal my best friend got me help. I still see a psychiatrist. Sucks being human.
I believe it's _"Only_ _the_ _dead_ _have_ _seen_ _the_ _end_ _of_ _war"_ - Plato
Sorry sir. Wish you the best and peace in your life, wish many warmongers and chickenhawks would hear stories like yours so they can stop glorifying violence and war .
I'm sorry u had to go through all that mystery this God loves you and so do I don't worry you'll be in heaven soon please never commit suicide get help please you're too beautiful of a person thank you for your service in Vietnam
If only you'd listened to your Dad
Thank you all for your service. I am a female US American veteran as you are all US AMERICAN MEN AND WOMEN!
GOD BLESS YOU ONE AND ALL.
Yeah my dad who served two tours in Vietnam and was like we all knew about what was going on over in Laos with the whole Air America thing. His second tour of duty he served with the 170th Assault Helicopter Company 1st Aviation Brigade. And let's say they did a lot of missions when they found themselves on the other side of the border of Cambodia and Laos.
That's interesting.
My father's friend served in Vietnam as a medic flying around in a helicopter. He told me more than once about hearing about bombs dropping in Cambodia over the radio while he'd be flying around. He had no doubt that it happened, and often.
It’s sad how many young men were recruited to fight in wars they weren’t even aware of. They were truly just pawns in a game of chess.
It’s also horrendously sad to see how noble the cause of _Containment_ was, but how terrifyingly criminally it was carried out.
Bob Dylan wrote many great songs that era. One being “pawns in their game”.
@Akira M. ,, America's involvement in Laos' civil war was kept very secret. Not even Congress knew about it until later on, and definitely not the American general population.
Thank you for highlighting my father's tombstone (Xay Dang/Nhia Houa Yang). As you can see, one of the pictures that we posted on his tombstone was taken in 1966 during the Vietnam War. He was 31 years old at the time and fought with the American soldiers during the Vietnam war. My father saved thousands of American soldiers and never asked for anything in return. Now that is a true hero! He believed in doing what was right for the greater good.
you really cant make this up.
the racist white-supremacist ameriKKKunts, commiting innumerable war-crimes, criminally using neutral laos and cambodia as staging and operation areas for criminal incursions into vietnam, criminally recruiting clueless child-soldiers from laos and cambodia to their certain death into vietnam,
now produces a documentary with Timeline trying to show them as the VICTIMS????
when the USofAsshats dropped MORE BOMBS on laos and cambodia, than the ENTIRETY of world war 1 and world war 2 COMBINED on ALL SIDES??? when laos and cambodia wasnt even in ANY WAR???
FFFF YOU.
@@thekaizer666 they are talking about someone that literally fought in the war, not the ones who created the conflict goofball.
My grandpa who was a lao military vet who fought in this war would always tell me these stories and they are indeed true. So heart breaking to watch so many innocents lives taken. He would tell me there were land minds and traps they needed to watch out for and soldiers on the tree so they had to be quiet, they were running away for safety for a week until they reached Thailand to freedom. When i asked grandpa who did we go to war with he wasn't sure he was just told to help the Americans, it broke my heart he was clueless. My heart goes out to all the hmong, mienh laos, american soldiers that had their lives taken in this war.
Thank you for you Service and for this documentary, very emotional.
I’m proud of the Hmong mothers who stood up the the Laos even in the worst of conditions. I am Hmong and having history like this well only strengthen our resolve.
The fact the U.S and the Thai officials tried to cover the truths about the Horrible Conditions of the camps in thailand, were locking the hmong up in the gutter with barwires, like war criminals. such a shame to see that..with many hmongs died of illnesses.
This is why Hmong people are here in the USA and all over the World. After 46 years, the sounds of bombs and guns still sounding in my head everyday. Great story and this painful history will be engraved in our hearts for generations to come.
As a US veteran I raised my hand and salute to these Men of Honor and courage if only my own country could show such honour and courage
If only your country could mind its own business and stay out of the war business.
@@ASimon-ut2xe if only a man can make a comment to honor good man without some Karen coming along trying to get a fight started
@@nemolambert5450 Read the book
War is a Racket
Written by WW1 US Military General
Wake up
Agree with you 100%
@@ASimon-ut2xe Thats basically what the guy is saying mate, That he's ashamed his country that can't even say thankyou for your service. For some of these people who payed the ultimate price.
Much love, respect and admiration to all these people who helped us in the war, we should be happy to help them.
Thank you to the Hmong people for your valiant service. Emotional documentary. I'm glad that many found safe haven in the US.
My grandpa was a captain under general Vang Pao. I didn’t know this until he passed away and my family did his funeral. I knew he fought in the war and that he commanded a group of soldiers but i didn’t know his rank until he passed away. One of the stories he told me was a battle that happened in the plain of jars. He and his soldiers lost that battle to communist forces, he had to retreat back with a few of his men he had left. He ended up getting rotten feet due to walking in wet mud for many days. He also told me about him flying in a helicopter and his gun he had which was the M1 carbine. He told me about most of the soldiers who fought alongside him and that his objective was to rescue downed American pilots and fight communist forces.
Your grandfathers service is not forgotten by this American. It's a crying shame the US Gov't turned it's back on our Laotian allies, and that they are still persecuted because of their war-time alliance. God Bless you, and your family.
America will use and discard other countries like trash
@@keeftaylor834 I didn't even know about it until today. But my Chinese friend's friend is a Laotian nurse. Is that why they got here?? 😐😐😐
@@donwan2637 You mean the Syrian Kurds?? We had to do that to keep the Turks in NATO and our ally against Russia. The Afghans and the South Vietnamese were pretty lousy allies. They deserve what they got. 😐😐😐
@@John77Doe everywhere we go we destroy and that is sad 😔
My father was the "Snake Man". The medical officer that trained and treated so many Hmong. Gen. Vang Pao gave him a red baseball cap with opposing cobras painted on it so the Hmong would know who he was: Dad was involved from 1954 to 1971.
God bless him!
@@platypus3328 Mom and Dad have passed on. One event over weeks was when he was hunted down by the Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese only to escape in the end, made him famous in the clandestine world. He even parachuted into Communist Mainland China on rescue missions and escaped out of it. Dad was incredibly brave and immensely kind and loving. He went places where other would not dare to go. He did a lot of surgery and wound care "behind" enemy lines for the Hmong. He hated Communism with a passion. He saw first land how evil it really was and continued to be. The Communist did unspeakable things to all ages of the Hmong.
My dad probably one of the few trained by your father then. Glad to know. After he finish his training, he was send to the field for about 2yrs and left me my brother and my mom with my grandparents back in the village
@@beethao4145 there were not many if them, men like my dad. He trained all your medics. Also many in crew served weapons, booby traps and explosives. There was a man left behind, abandoned, and had to run and hide for weeks, yet, in the end, escaped. That was my dad.
@@beethao4145 many came to the Washington DC area, Prince William County. I translated for many of them while a parsmedic firefighter. I would be easy to remember: I was the only one. Some remembered my dad and told me stories about him. I was planning on going back but it all fell apart in April of 1975. So, I stayed in America, now retired as a firefighter-paramedic and emergency manager, disabled with a broken back but, I can walk again. My sons became U. S. Marines, went off to Afghanistan to kill Taliban terrorists: and they did. If anyone deserves entry into America it is the Hmong, Yao and other Tribal People that fought Communism in Laos and the mountains of Vietnam.
It’s good to see my sister put her phd to use - 10th grade history class one of my class mate asked the teacher why he didn’t cover the secret war in Laos. I applaud him till this day because he took 15 min and explained to the whole class what happened in the mountains of Laos.
That be too inappropriate anyways.
I have a friend who was a Marine and sent to Laos during Vietnam. All he would say was we were not supposed to be there. Still wont talk about what he did there but did say he parachuted in in the middle of the night to do assignments and picked up before sun rise.
I hope your friend forgives himself, he wasn't responsible for the choices his leaders made.
Have family in every Skirmish and 1604 here in the United States, I think they deserve a place and the respect of all veterans that fought for our country
Thank you Timeline - World History Documentaries for sharing this Video about the Secret war about our people.
My father was part of the SGU who was fighting the Vietcong in Northern Laos. He was only a kid when he joined.
From what I heard through family and relatives that was there with him, He was a Brave solider.
I have asked my dad about his experienced multiple times , But He has never spoke about his time during the war.
I have asked my dad about the war multiple times , But He always refused to speak about
his experienced. PTSD is probably what he has, but never spoke of it because people might think he's crazy.
To me, He's my Hero and you did your duty even though you weren't an American citizen during that time.
My dad has passed away two years ago.
Miss you dad
We Hmong are grateful for the religious Scandinavian founded state of Minnesota and Wisconsin for taking us in. Proud American 🇺🇸
My father, grandfather and all of my uncles were in this war. My grandfather was a lieutenant and was in charge of the Khmu soldiers, involved in the special guerrilla unit. and I remember staying over my grandparents and he would be talking, yelling or screaming in his sleep. It’s true about how they’ve waited so long for recognition/benefits but it’s getting to late because my grandfather passed away over 10 years ago.
The visuals in this documentary helped me understand in depths what my family went through to get to the refugee camp. I was 3 years old during this time and I can’t imagine my parents hauling me around to safety.
The SGU soldiers should be acknowledged and receive veteran benefits in the US, just like the rest of the other veterans.
I was just watching Thai Veteran that was fought in Laos telling their side of the stories , i am Thai but the our veteran's sacrifices in this war have never been told in our history textbooks. i dont finish watching this doc yet but i came here for the comment first. trust me this doc will worth your time :)
Thank you for your service...The Royal Thai Government did honor the Thai Veterans for their commitment in the vietnam war in Laos, supporting General Vang Pao's Military in Military Region 2.
Thai Military and Royal Lao Military, Strong friendship Neighboring country allies.
Never forget. As someone who was majoring in American History to help strengthen my background knowledge to being a teacher. I was flabergasted that I did NOT once encounter anything about this Secret War in all the textbooks until my old old old professor had an entire lecture about this. Shame on my country for desperately trying to hide our own heinous crimes.
They don't want talk about it ... its painful even after 50 years ... but it must be discussed and taught so we don't forget.
As a combat veteran I salute all those that fought in that horrific war.
No offense sir but the reason why you lost the war is because of your fellow Americans.
I don't know how many times I had to pause the video, look out my window and digest what I just heard.
What an amazing documentary. I feel like this could be a multi part series.
I remember when listening to my mom stories how they escape Laos going to Thailand it always a scary scene how she see it. Once they ran to the Mekong River they saw lots dead bodies scatter everywhere. As the fear kick in they have to make raft out of bamboo and the shore lines also have inflated tubes as The North Vietnam start shooting behind them but the river was raging fast. Lots of people try swimming but could not make it as lots of them drown trying as bullets hitting the water near them. Once they hit the shoreline of Thailand the Thai would try to help them but only to bribe them for money. Later on they were gather into a refugee camp.
Both my grandpa's served in the secret war. Sucks that I'll never hear the stories they've experienced since my grandpa from my dad's side past away before I was ever born with the only thing I have of him is a veteran card that my dad kept. My grandpa from my mom's side past away last year 5 days after my 19th birthday. The only problem was we couldn't communicate since I can't speak hmong and can't understand most hmong words. He could understand and speak English but to a basic degree. To this day that is my biggest regret, though I was able to hear the stories of after the war when my dad was trying to go to Thailand.
It's never too late to learn. It is not impossible. I myself am learning how to read hmong and write a little.
@@mrvang8077 True I do have some time after work
My dad was a commander under General Vang Pao. Bless all those who served and were loss. Thank you for doing this piece on our Hmong people. I love history. And you guys did great. Love watching all the videos of this channel.
Thank you thank you thank you!!! No one ever talks about LAOS and the secret war that happened there.
My dad was LT. in the secret war and the memories of the war are still fresh on his mind...
These people Are more American then most of the messed up people who live here in America today. If people here today had to go through a tiny bit of these people have gone through they would be grateful for this country and not try to change everything about it.
1000% Agree
Thank you for this very insightful documentary.
As of late more and more people are touching upon the history of the Secret Wars which the Hmong had a hand in. Spread the word. Much love from a Hmong American.
It is true that the Hmong fought bravely. It is also true that they fought against their own country. Many Lao national still consider them traitors since the communists won in the end.
There's is some truth to Lee Pao Xiong statement: "One hmong who died fighting; is one American GI that gets to go home." The NVA were more confident in engaging the hmong in coventional warefare during the war. The Hmong kept the NVA busy in Laos while the American GI battle the Vietcong in South Vietnam and only hope for a chance encounter with the NVA whenever the NVA crosses the border back to Vietnam.
Always awesome content of history, thank you so much!
My family came from Cambodia. Real interesting to see events on the Laotian side.
3 days of training and then off to war? That’s wild
No, that's a crime. BTW, the CIA using child soldiers...that's a War Crime.
Lol 😂😂😂
thank you so much! for letting this be known! my parents survived the war and refugee camp because of my grandfather my mother got to come to the states early then most during that time, also there's so many stories of what her father went through an told her an heals helped the king of LAOS!
Same here.. but we landed in Australia instead. Grandpa waa a helicopter pilot with 3 stars. We have hes portrait and he looks just like me. We are lao people tho not the hmong people (i dont even know their history and why they chinese)
let me guess, your family moved to St Paul
This is an amazing documentary. Keep it up.
Thank you for your service gentlemen
A really beautiful documentary. Beautiful photography. Beautiful people. Loved it.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
Almost every American MACVSOG soldier that has shared thier story has said that they owe thier life to thier "little people" many times over (a term of endearment). The incredible amount of success these various Laotian groups had with small numbers, little training, and limited resources is simply incredible! If everyone in South Vietnam would've fought like the various peoples of Laos than I guarantee the war would've had a drastically different outcome! Although America should've done things differently (Like not fake an attack to start a proxy war with the Soviet Union for instance), and I don't blame any South Vietnamese, Laotian, or Cambodian for not wanting to be involved in this war... At the end of the day I blame the French occupation forces that took over from the post WW2 British troops! Sorry France but you inadvertently caused not only the Vietnam war, but the untold suffering of all their neighbors 🤦♂️ if British forces would've remained in place to stabilize free Vietnam I doubt anyone would've been interested in the idea of Communism or wanted the support of the Soviet Union. 🤷♂️
The French still had that Imperialism attitude after WWII, this conflict changed their attitudes about old ambitions.
@@DoomshopMF312 Exactly. I feel the Brits were actually performing thier duties of peacekeeping while the country developed a centralized government, while the French were soldiering to be a large part of that government 🤦♂️ of course guerrilla groups are not going to like that and easily gain more fighters and support.
For some dumbass reason, France lacked the "win the hearts & minds of the people" mindset.
The french brought Catholicism to Vietnam. Loas was growing cocaine and bringing it to Vietnam. Ngo Diem, the newly elected Catholic president of Vietnam, was for the South Vietnamese, who were the farmers and also Catholic. He was against the cocaine trade/smuggling. So was JFK. The North Vietnamese, was Buddhist, wealthy and for communism. 2 weeks after Pres Diem was assassinated, JFK was assassinated. CIA was brought in to facilitate Laos cocaine to here in America. From that moment, the drug epidemic began in full force in America. War on our own people.
Excellent documentary! I'm happy that other people can learn more about my people. But just as important, is that the kids of these brave men & women can learn more about their parents. These atrocities are suppressed and are rarely spoken of. This details the real, life & death, choices and sacrifices, our parents/elders made to ensure a peaceful life for the next generations.
I was a teenager during the Vietnam War, our classes did provide lessons about Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam. It was commendable, but the lessons were far from infallible. The "Secret War" in Laos wasn't on the list of lessons taught, but they hinted about it. That was important because it shows that North Vietnamese logistical support didn't go unopposed.
Most CIA activities, not in the past and not today, are revealed... bad or good. I was only in first grade, in 1975 (I was born in a farm where my father told my mother and grandparents to go to, since he had to be away for scouting purposes, in northern Laos) so I didn't know much, beyond some night activities in 1973-74, when my maternal grandfather and I would be outside for a few nights, where he told me the flares and tracers being done over the city of Kasi (we were up in the high mountain range over-looking Kasi, a town north of Vang Vieng, which itself is a city just north of the Capital, Vientiane)...were "soldiers fighting."
Kasi and Vang Vieng were, of course, in Viantiane. We had to leave our northern Laos/northern Luang Prabang village where I was born, some 4 years earlier, because of the heavy encroachment of the Pathet Lao backed by their more powerful North Vietnamese comrades.
Anyway, about 12 years ago, while I was tutoring high school students in Minnesota, I had a brief 2-email exchange with Noam Chomsky (whom I've a lot about in college) because I knew he was one of the very few non-military Americans who ever landed in Long Cheng, the "secret" CIA headquarters in Laos. He was on his way to Vietnam but somehow got diverted briefly there, from what I read. I asked Chomsky if his thoughts about the Communists had changed over the decades.... It was a nuanced answer!
@@kiabtoomlauj6249 Thank You for sharing childhood experiences in Laos. In regards to Chomsky, he's a remarkable person, but not infallible. My maternal ancestry is Armenian, and his commentary about the Armenian Genocide didn't satisfy my expectations.
Chomsky loves western imperialism
Absolutely excellent documentary. Really well done guys.
Salute. Great documentary!
Wow I never knew this much about my own history I'm so glad this video was made thanks
The Hmong and Loation people deserve recognition and moreover support as fellow American soldiers.
Amen
Glad to see my GPA in this video, thx for sharing this out. He also fought in the war as well too...
Thank you for fighting beside us when we put all of you in tough spot, it’s a special kind of people who fight for another’s cause and kept under secret. From Texas I am very grateful for your sacrifices.
You all are Service Members of The United States of America. You deserve everything you're asking for if not more. Unfortunately our country barely takes care of it's own (unless you're a politician 🤑🤔🤫) and I'm very sorry for that.
Thank you ever so much for your service 👏🇺🇲
I'm 43 and I've never heard this country pronounced in the way JFK says Lay-os.thank you timeline I'm always learning from your channel!
Have you ever heard anyone else pronounce "decade" in the way he did?
I know right.. It's Laos... omg lol. Lay..Os.
What an amazing documentary. Thank you.
A small country that has been invaded by foreigners for hundreds of years. But the Lao people are stronger and don't give up.
World history may be not recorded . But the history will be recorded in the history of the Lao people forever.
from heart laotian
Let me get this straight. Some of the Hmong people were forcibly recruited by the communists, others were forcefully recruited by the US and the Royal Laotian Government. Then, the Laotian communists persecuted the Hmong people who had 'worked' for the Americans. They were used as pawns by all, and they paid the price. Is there anywhere in this comment section where you can find that? I didn't see any.
Yes the hmong were used as puppets. Didn't matter which side they were on, they were only pawns... it's sad when you dig deep as a hmong person into our history, always being used as puppets.
False. We saw the opportunity to get out the hood and we took it. Look at us now, and look at them now. See the difference?
@V P each clan has their own political motives
It happened in the middle east too.
The United States has done this to its minorities for centuries, Blacks were used as cannon fodder to fight the Koreans, Japanese, and the Viet Cong. And at first as Mountain men, mercenaries and scouts, later Buffalo Soldiers to fight Indians and later Pancho Villa in the Old West. Neither of these groups ever hated black people. Same with Japanese Americans and the Navajo Code Talkers in World War II. Imperial Japan never hated its Japanese American cousins, and they were curious about the "red Indian" and Black people. The Emperor of World War II Japan often asked about them. As usual these minorities were never honoured for their brave deeds for the United States. I've seen Mexican veterans literally serve the in military, just to either die in Iraq or Afghanistan, fighting poor angry non white people who did nothing to them. Angry that the United States destroyed their countries. Or to be deported to Mexico many having been born in the United States.
What insane sacrifices these people went through.... These Sound like stories from 500 years ago but nope this is very recent history which is so sad! I hope these people can find peace and prosper.
Hmoob will always survive. Hmoob are on every continent, every type of place imaginable. The only place that we have not reached, yet, are the Stars
My dad was a lieutenant providing security for the American and Thai officers on Lima site 85. He was also in charge of the 105 Canon on that mountain. As a kid he sometimes told me stories of what happened on that mountain and how lonely it was to be on that site and away from my mom and my older siblings. My dad's picture is in this video.
I was in college when the Vietnam War was being fought. We were glad we had student deferments, and that we could go on getting an education, and continue to party, oblivious to this one aspect of the conflict.
I'm glad I have the opportunity to see this documentary. So much suffering took place there, and we in the US knew little of it.
you are a spineless coward! While other young man volunteer to go to the Vietnam war and may have died or wounded or whatever associate with war!
You are one lucky man not participating with the CIA' s atrocities in South East Asia. The war eventually fought because of the powerful and growing military industrial complex in America. They have to lobby, lie, and create scenarios in order to get the war going regardless of lives lost. It's truly one tragic event for young Americans and millions more Asians.
My dad was a veteran of both Korea and Vietnam; didn’t talk to me and my brother much about Korea, but talked a lot about Vietnam. Be glad you missed it.
@@seanbrown9048 your father sacrifice all his effort for what !for the democrats to not be serious about winning wars! They didn't want to win the the Korean war and the same with the Vietnam war! The democrats can start wars ,but they haven't got the stomach or the balls to try to win!
@@shanetharle9211 my father was one of those rare men we call “a dying breed:” an unquestioning patriot, a self made man who only served his country and never asked anything from it. He wouldn’t even put in for the VA benefits he was entitled to, said there were men who needed it more than he did. That was my father.
My father flew for civilian air transport, he was killed in a c_46 crash in 1964. God bless the Hmong veterans, and their families. Give them there benefits.
God Bless your Father, my he #RIP
Agree, give out the Hmong their G.I benefits...The U.S Government promised them to take care of them, promised many things.
When I was in history class 2006. I was the 2nd asian/Hmong kid and the other was a Chinese kid. When our teacher mention the Vietnam War. I asked him if he know about the secret war? He said there was no such thing. I told him there is a such thing because my people die like animal for the Americans. He ask the other asian kid if it's true and the other kid said he has never herd of such war. Fast forward towards the end of the course, one of my white friend did her presentation about Hmong and about the Secret War. It made me cried. I told her... thank you.
I never knew anything about this part of the Vietnam war. These people are amazing. I'm so glad I watched this. Whenever I feel down now I will think about what these people endured and reality my life is so easy. And the people get no pension from the government?. There's a surprise unfortunately.
Thanks for the documentary. I've gained a greater understanding of the war and the sacrifices my people had made.
Wow. What Amazing Information to come across. The emotions that this documentary causes...watery eyes, falling tears, empathy, heartbreak, insult, Inspiration, & Love..
The Hmong people are an Amazing group of people. How can we NOT, as Americans, Salute you ALLLL. Men, women & children. Allll are Survivors. The Men, are Inspiring. Fighting for someone OTHER THAN your own self. For another country. For your Family. Your WHOLE family. Wow.
I Salute You. Thank You all for what you have done for the country of America. Thank You. I'm soo sorry that we are just learning about this. You all MOST DEFINITELY DESERVE to be Recognized as United States Veterans. And the women & children also Deserve to be recognized as SURVIVORS.
We Americans can learn sooo Mucchh from a people such as the Hmong people. Their Heart, their Love, their Loyalty, their Strength During & even After the war was officially over, bc for the Hmong people, it continued far longer, in those camps, with such poor living conditions. Mm mm. How DARE we take advantage of the Kindness of Another. Mm mm.
Our American government SHOULD BE ASHAMED. I'M ASHAMED OF my American Government. Smh.
For what it's worth, I, as an American citizen, THANK YOU ALL for the sacrifice you made, for America & for your own families.
"There IS NO Greater Love, than a man who Lays Down His Life for a friend." - Jesus 🙏🏼🤍
My heart hurts so much as I watch this. Thank you for this lesson. I will never forget the people, their burden, struggles, loss, and sacrifice for the CIA. I am so sorry, you deserve so much better. As a vet, I cry for your lost brothers and sisters. SGU, you will not be forgotten.
Excellent production thank you, I feel very sorry for these people.
Able men in my family were recruited to fight in the "Secret War", we are the "Yao" (Iu Mien)(mentioned @ 16:00). Our story is similar to the Hmong. One of my grand-uncles was working as a royal secret agent, he would infiltrate enemy territories to gain intelligence and at times he had to go after enemy spies, including carrying out execution orders. After the war, he was captured in Laos and imprisoned. The Pathet Laos communist would take him to hearing and asked him to acknowledge them as the new rightful government, he would refuse to acknowledge them. He would then be put back in jail. This happened multiple times. Finally after 10 years imprisoned and fragiled, they let him out as a free person. His family had come to America, he never saw his wife and children again after the war ended. Some years later after living as a free person he died of illness.
The Yao I knew were 100% anti-Communist. Many fought in Laos. I only knew those in northern Thailand. My father knew them in Laos.
What a fascinating documentary .
I feel that anyone who fights for America deserves to have that recognized and honored. The CIA used these people as cannon fodder, the least we owe them are proper military honors. They should receive pensions, survivors benefits for combat related deaths, and the option to be buried with those they fought for
Start by recognizing your own people.. like the American Samoans and Puerto Ricans
huh, your US of A heros in Vietnam war...
The least you owe them is to get rid of all the unexploded munitions that your country dropped on their country that continue to maim and kill them. Over 40 years later you've still not cleaned up your mess.
@@dannnsss8034 is there an issue with Samoans and Puerto Ricans being recognized for their combat related sacrifices? If you are talking about making them States... The Puerto Ricans refused statehood.
@@StefanMedici I agree about the munitions. My support for these Mung fighters is in no way support for the Viet Nam war. The US government certainly showed they have no problem with committing war crimes
My father was in the American regular Army officer and was killed in Laos in 1970. First they told us he was missing in action in Cambodia. Later we knew he was in Laos. I suppose that his battalion went toe to toe with the NVA along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. This was Nixon and Kissinger's Secret War that has never really been fully investigated. I was 14 when he died there. It still affects my life to this day. Jesus don't like killing and neither do I!
That's awesome! Courage and bravery flow through your veins. It would seem he's a very intrepid man, your Father. Be blessed through his sacrifice.
@@obadiahkilgore2964 Sacrifice for what? US imperial interests.
He was a conventional soldier? R.i.p..but why was he in Laos? I thought u.s wasn't "supposed" to be there. Was he SF?
@@cparisi6048 nope..regular Army
@@aliuli657 no for the anti communist cuase
These people are supposed too be care for! They served!
My dad 82nd airborne,green Barrett,then 101st served with the mung and even came home with a cross bow as a momento. He spoke of the mung with high honors.
For those who are interested in the history of this war, there needs to be recognition to the formidable Thai irregulars and voluteers (many veterans of the Vietnam War) that filled in the increasing gaps of the Hmong fighting force. Thai soldiers bore much of the fighting as well, and contributed to the NVA withdrawal in 1972 (by scaling the side of the mountain and retake the southern side Skyline ridge from the Communists). Not much is ever heard of, or covered, in regards to the Thai heavy involvement in the Secret War.
Thank you for telling this truth about Laos and the Vietnam war. It is a "secret" to many Americans who really should know this.
I being a Tibetan American could relate to hardship and the stories of Hmong Americans coz Tibetan’s too where trained by CIA and fought the Chinese communist party. @timeline hope you can make a documentary of Tibetan Guerrilla fighters.
The concept of government activity being classified makes you wonder what else the government is doing we don't know of
@@lovemeboy291 silence harlot
Lot's, and we all pretty much know implicitly what they are doing. Fact is, we support all of it because we assume it benefits us. America runs on the assumption that the DOD, and now the DHS as well, operate with the core unwavering value that their actions will benefit America.
talk about the Disgraceful of abandoning Afghanistan to the Taliban Terrorists lol...history repeats what the Radical Leftists are doing.
Hmungs were looked down upon, basically the hillbillies of the area. They were some of the best warriors to ever fight by our side. Loyal, friendly, intelligent, and some of the hardest workers around.
The Hmong in Laos are also some of the poorest in a very poor country.
They were the last ethnic group to settle in Laos. All the good farming land had been taken, so the Hmong had to settle on the mountain tops which isn't particularly farmable.
Even today, Hmong a still looked down on by the Lao Loum (majority Lao population). Many Hmong change their Hmong names to Lao names.
I hardly ever comment on TH-cam but thank you for this.
51:55 "We didn't value our own lives. We were more than happy to die for the Americans." Call them stupid, call them brave. That speech breaks my heart. To save one American, a dozen Hmong died trying. The blind trust that the US will have your back no matter what. And then at the end of the war, they ended up abandoned anyways.
I was so gratified to learn that we took this deserving people in, but then angered that our government has ignored their requests for GI benefits, after they fought for us. It is morally wrong to deprive these people of what they so richly deserve.
Took in isn't quite correct, we used them to get what we needed. Just another pawn for colonialism in southeast asia