South Vietnamese Veteran’s Perspective on U.S. Military Advisors During the Vietnam War

Hien Van Le spent 21 years in the military. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was the Head of Military Intelligence of the South Vietnamese Marine Corps from 1970 until the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. In this segment from Iowa Experience: Vietnam, Van Le recalls how U.S. advisers to Vietnam were treated by the South Vietnamese troops prior to the start of the Vietnam War. The panel discussion was recorded at Iowa PBS in Johnston, IA on September 10, 2017.

Hien Van Le: I was in the battlefield when the U.S. advisor was sent to us. They were very welcome with open hands and open heart. The U.S. advisor treated us very well also.

Dean Borg, Moderator: If that was true, Hien, then why did America have to commit actual combat troops? If they were there and helpful to you advising why were you not strong enough to resist the North Vietnamese?

(Hien Van Le speaking)

Hien Van Le: The U.S. advisors were welcome and were treated very well in Vietnam. But it doesn't mean that the South Vietnam did not need more support. We needed more support to fight Communism.