Hmong Links
Meo : Hmong (pronounced: "mong") You may consider
these two words representing the Hmong people "interchangeable." Of course,
the Hmong people do not. And, out of respect for these marvelous people/warriors,
please always refer to them as Hmong! You see, in the Lao (Laotian) language
(or slang,) the Hmong are called "Meo" - wrongfully, for who else - but the people
(themselves) should have approval of their destiny and/or name?
Out of respect for the Laos Nation, they accept being referred to as "Lao" too,
but now that you are informed - say with pride "Hmong!"
Don't believe the (extremist) articles on human rights towards the Hmong (above???) Well, then - for those that find creditability in one of our nations best publications (in any category) - National Geographic!!! "THE HMONG OF LAOS: No place to run" By W.E. Garrett Senior Assistant Editor National Geographic Vol. 145, No. 1, January 1974, Pp 78-111 Other National Geographic Articles on Laos: "Little Laos, Next Door to Red China," By Elizabeth Perazic Vol. 117, No. 1, January 1960, pp 46-69 "Report on Laos," By Peter T. White and W.E. Garrett Vol. 120, No. 2, August 1961, pp 241-275 Click on cover(s) for selected photos.
U.S. Book Ordering Details
This page represents excerpts from "Tragic Mountains," for your information and hopefully - to purchase (like I did for Christmas, in 1995.) It is a well documented research of the contributions of the Hmong people as staunch allies of we Americans during the Vietnam War, and horribly are betrayal and what followed the withdrawal of U.S. troops in 1975... The author is well versed on S.E. Asian matters as a correspondent there for many years and her research gives her much credit. For me, it is the type of book that I would buy the next printing edition - just to have more current research she may add in it... For a few days, as noted, this page will be designated as " Under construction." "Songkran" (Thai/Lao New Years 4/16/00) I have selected passages of the book to be informative and again (hopefully,) excite you to go right out and get your own!!! The intent, by law, is not to violate any copyright laws as excerpt(s) go. Some of the research notes are purposely "partial" so as to be in keeping with the legal notion of "excerpts." It provided me with additional background on an episode in the "secret wars" that was Laos during the Vietnam War as they related to U.S.A.F. Navigation Site "Lima 85", or Phou Pho Thi ; code name "commando club." And, a correction to the names of the missing airmen, including one airman's rank. Minor, I know, but I am sure not to the fallen airman's family ! Well, let me get started! First of all, "introductions" - "my hero" ; a warrior, a soldier and patriot of his own people, the Hmongs : General Vang Pao General Pao looks pretty ordinary there, sitting on a high, high mountain in his people's homeland , but he is anything but ordinary - extraordinary ! He led his warrior Hmongs against our common enemy so as to remove the invaders to his country and homeland and all he wanted was a resort golf course... We Americans, our leaders, in so many words : promised him this... Now, Mr. Vang Pao is a few years older and will probably never see that beautiful resort, in his homeland , "purched" high on the mountains of his province deep in a valley setting... But, for good "balance," I think it is very important that you have the opportunity to review the notes and research of another source than our own Air Force files. I have read the (politically-motivated) documents from the purported episode at L/S 85, and I must say, the book author's version strikes of some undisputed truths and simply put - illustrates the frailty of man, the ugly-side of politics and how some get hurt by doing the right thing... The expression "comedy of errors" comes to mind in regard to the tragedy that was L/S 85 "pointing a finger" to the highest office of our land, the Presidency and to those military personnel directly responsible for security in Udorn RTAFB and the "priorities of war" dictated from 7th Air Force HQ in Saigon... And, how vulnerable we all can be as the "small pawns" doing our duty for honor and country... I hope the men that have survived, died or whatever may be their personal fait are at peace now. They deserved better, and were only performing their duty as we veterans all know it to be. Those that are (actually) responsible, will have to live with this burden until their individual dying day... I do not envy them. No - better them than I. In this religious time of year, and the rebroadcast of "Moses" is on television as I write/publish this page ; Moses is returning from the mountain where he has seen or listened to God. "My eyes could not look upon him." This is a fait that faces those that could have changed the evacuation of L/S 85, but for one (1) day... Could they "face" the men who served at this outpost, with little defense (against battalions of regular troops)??? I dare say not. Politics. Complete knowledge of a prepared attack, constructing a road at the base of the mountain!!! .. priorities .. "Contradiction in terms" - letter from the Office of the Director, CIA As this letter pointed out, General Pao was respected by everyone (both sides) in his homeland, see photo of the General meeting with Kong Le the next "puppet" leader for the communist party in the Vientiane goverment, of the time. General Pao's stature, in his dress whites may be relatively small, but that is all that is small about this warrior! His leadership was never questioned by his men, as can be seen in the face on one of the Hmong's Ace Pilot - photo in front of his pride aircraft, a T-28. Although, this research on my behalf, was motivated from uncovering (yet) another episode of the Vietnam War (L/S 85,) here is an illustration of the staunch warrior people the Hmong people are - a 13 year old soldier being praised by an adult comrade officer in the Royal Lao Army. I could not do justice to the account of this (small) soldier's heroism, but I will "set the stage" for an excerpt of the account of "Lima Lima", an airstrip defended by the Hmong and this (little) soldier assigned on the perimeter with a 50 caliber machine gun and now the excerpt . And, finally - a couple of pages documented in the appendices of the book regarding the author's personal research notes and sources for documents and interviews : Some final photographs to ponder - "Mr. Vang Pao comes to Washington" Mr. Vang Pao attends a Hmong Reunion in Minnesota. Hmong - Americans march on D.C. This concludes these excerpts from "Tragic Mountains" and I hope you run right out and pick up your own personal copy so be better enlightened as to one of our finest allies-in-battle the history of the United States has ever known! Again, in the memory of those comrades that did not return and served so that we may enjoy freedom today. Click here for ordering information. Spelling of Ly Lue Hmong Clan name, using the English alphabet, is subject to interpretation based upon phonetic or symbolic methods of pronounciation whether Hmong or Lao and "Tragic Mountains" in Chapter 1 provides two basic alternate (English alphabet) spelling: Ly and Lee and therefore spelling Ly as "Le" is not far fetched either... The following are the given spellings (one inset in one of the photos below) and another spelling in the photo caption found in "Tragic Mountains", pg-163. Ly Lue, Tragic Mountain Lee, Lue (name inserted) and Le, Lue (yet another acceptable spelling). |
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