Hla Thaung

Hla Thaung
လှသောင်း
Born Magyidan Quarter, Kungyangon Township, Rangoon Division, British Burma
Died 28 April 1949
Daik-U, Pegu Division, Burma
Allegiance Union of Burma
Service/branch Myanmar Army
Years of service 1947-1949
Rank Private
Unit 3rd Burma Rifles Battalion
Battles/wars Rakhine Yoma
Irrawaddy delta
Battle of Insein
Battle of Daik-U
Awards Aung San Thuriya

Private Aung San Thuriya Hla Thaung (Burmese: လှသောင်း [l̥a̰ θáʊɴ]; died 28 April 1949) of 3rd Burma Rifles Battalion (Bama Thenatkaing Tatyin - Tha Na Ka) (Serial 88865) was a recipient of Aung San Thuriya Award, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry and bravery in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to members of Myanmar Armed Forces. He won the award at the Battle of Daik-U during the fight against of Karen insurgency in Myanmar.

On the early hours on 28 April 1949 at the Daik-U battlefront, HQ company of 3rd Burma Rifles Battalion was encircled by the attacking KNDO forces with much greater strength supported by artillery. Private Hla Thaung gallantly fought back the insurgents to defend the HQ company. He fought with bravery and risk his life while killing large numbers of enemy troops and halting the enemy advances towards the position of HQ Company. Holding a Bren GPMG Gun in his hand, firing non-stop to hold off the enemy until his last dying breath, Private Hla Thaung provided covering fire for the troops of 3rd Burma Rifles Battalion to retreat safely from the encircled position. He fell during this battle and when his comrades found his body after the battle, his fingers were still tightly gripped to the trigger of his Bren Gun. He was awarded Aung San Thuriya medal (Order No. 10/A Htoo/50) for his selfless valour, sacrificing his life in order to save the lives of his comrades and bravery in face of superior number of enemy forces.[1]

Before the battle of Daik-U, Private Hla Thaung fought bravely against the insurgents in the battles of Rakhine Yoma, Irrawaddy Delta Region, Zeegon, Wetkaw and Insein.

References

  1. Defence Museum, Yangon


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