Veterans' Voices: The Secret War

Veteran William Lee recalls his village’s decision to leave their homes to hide in their gardens during a particular difficult time at the beginning of the war.

Veteran William Lee describes that long, grueling months and years soldiers spent in the field during the Secret War. 

Veteran Vang Moua describes the process of what happened to the bodies of un-named Hmong soldiers that died during battle.   

Veteran Vang Cha Zue was just 14 years old when he was recruited to become a soldier and describes his experience in boot camp. 

Veteran Vang Cha Vue describes becoming a solider in order to protect their land and how he deceived the communists in order to flee to Thailand. 

Veteran Tsong Tong Vang describes fleeing from his home and crossing the MeKong River 19 times to help other Hmong refugees who could not swim.  

Veteran Tsong Tong Vang recalls the battle where an rocket explosive landed close to him, killing his brother and damaging his ears for life. 

Veteran Tsong Tong Vang describes how he, and many his age, we were recruited straight from school to become soldiers, even living double lives. 

Veteran Song Khoua Xiong recalls daily battles that continued for so long, young trainees were brought in to help.