Nguyen Khoa Nam

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is a Vietnamese name; the family name is Nguyen. According to Vietnamese custom, this person properly should be referred to by the given name Nam.

General Nguyen Khoa Nam (23 September 1927–30 April 1975), was an illustrious Vietnamese soldier, born in Da Nang.

He was enrolled at Ecole des Garcons in Da Nang and graduated in 1939. He attended Thu Duc Military Academy, graduated in 1953 with the rank of sub-lieutenant (chuan uy), and was assigned to an airborne unit.

He served in various positions within the French-sponsored Vietnam National Army(1953-1955) and later, the American-supported Army of the Republic of Vietnam( 1955-1975). He was a Lieutenant in an airborne unit, a Company Commander at 7th Airborne Battalion, a Major in command of 5th Airborne Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel in command of 3rd Airborne Brigade, Colonel of 3rd Airborne Brigade, Brigadier General of 7th Division, and Major General of 4th Corps/4th Tactical Region.

His numerous decorations include the National Order of Vietnam Fourth Class medal and National Order of Vietnam Third Class medal.

In 1975 at the closing of the war, rather than fleeing the country or surrendering to the enemy, General Nguyen Khoa Nam and his deputy, General Le Van Hung committed suicide by shooting themselves in the head. General Nam was buried at Can Tho Military Cemetery the following day. Generals Nam and Hung are both well respected for their heroic decisions by the people of Vietnam.