A Minnesota PBS Initiative
Close friends
In 1967, during the Vietnam War, my father was an American troop advisor to a Vietnamese army troop. During his time there, he became very close to his Vietnamese counterpart, Captain Lao. A couple years later, after my dad returned home, he got word that his buddy, Lao had been killed.
After my father left, Lao was still a troop commander. When the war ended on April 30, 1975, Lao started walking home to his wife and 6 children. One month later he was ordered to a communist "re-education" camp for approximately 3 years.
It wasn't until 1997 that my dad actually learned that Lao was living in Minnesota with his family. They have since reconnected and remain friends to this day. They eventually would like to go back to Vietnam for a visit.
Lao said "Two men who knew each other for one year, but saved each others' lives several times."
Thank you,
Shirley
Two men who knew each other for one year, but saved each others' lives several times.
30 years later...
Biographical Details
Submitted From: St. Louis, MO
Story Subject: Family
Story Themes: Father, Friendship, Return to Vietnam, Reunion, Vietnamese