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Hmong fighters in Vietnam
Episode 3171 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Hmong Vietnam Veterans, what they did for us in the Vietnam War and how they are being treated by us today. The featured story is titled: Hmong Vietnam Veterans, what they did for un in the Vietnam War and how they are being treated by us today. It appeared on the KMSP website and was submitted by Panhia Yang
Yang reported that during the Vietnam War era, the United States conducted a covert conflict in neighboring Laos known as the Secret War. Although Laos was officially neutral, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency recruited tens of thousands of Hmong soldiers—many as young boys—to fight against North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao forces and to help protect American interests in Southeast Asia. These Hmong fighters were organized into Special Guerrilla Units (SGU) and undertook dangerous missions such as scouting enemy positions, engaging in frontline combat, rescuing downed American pilots, and defending U.S. facilities. Former CIA Director William Colby credited the Hmong with saving thousands of American lives by disrupting enemy advances and supply lines. It’s estimated that 30,000–40,000 Hmong soldiers died in this covert campaign.
When the U.S. withdrew in 1975, many Hmong were left behind and faced severe persecution. Thousands fled to Thailand, and many died from disease, starvation, or violence during the exodus. Those who made it eventually resettled in the United States as refugees, especially in Minnesota where large Hmong communities now exist.
Today, SGU veterans continue to seek formal recognition and benefits from the U.S. government. Because they were technically under CIA authority—not U.S. military command—they are not currently recognized as U.S. veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not qualify for typical VA benefits. However, they were granted honorary citizenship in 2000, and some burial benefits were later established. Minnesota has recently become the first state to provide SGU veterans with rights and services similar to American veterans, including veteran designation on IDs, burial privileges, and other honors.
Listen to Episode 3171 and discover more about Hmong Vietnam Veterans, what they did for un in the Vietnam War and how they are being treated by us today.
