Ly Tong

Ly van tong

Ly Tong (September 1, 1945 – April 5, 2019) was a Vietnamese-American anti-communist activist and former pilot in the Republic of Vietnam Air Force. He is known for his dramatic actions against the Communist Party of Vietnam and his efforts to promote democracy in Vietnam.

Early Life

Ly Tong was born in Nha Trang, Vietnam, in 1945. He joined the Republic of Vietnam Air Force and became a pilot. During the Vietnam War, he flew numerous combat missions.

Imprisonment and Escape

After the fall of Saigon in 1975, Ly Tong was captured by the North Vietnamese Army and imprisoned in a re-education camp. He managed to escape from the camp in 1980 and fled to Thailand. From there, he eventually made his way to the United States.

Anti-Communist Activities

Ly Tong became a prominent figure in the Vietnamese-American community for his staunch anti-communist stance. He undertook several high-profile actions to protest against the Vietnamese government.

Hijacking Incidents

In 1992, Ly Tong hijacked a Vietnam Airlines plane and dropped anti-communist leaflets over Ho Chi Minh City. He was arrested and imprisoned in Thailand but was later released. In 2000, he hijacked another plane, this time over Cuba, and dropped leaflets over Havana.

Hunger Strikes and Protests

Ly Tong also engaged in hunger strikes and other forms of protest to draw attention to the human rights situation in Vietnam. He was a vocal critic of the Vietnamese government and worked to mobilize the Vietnamese diaspora in support of democratic reforms.

Later Life and Death

Ly Tong continued his activism until his death in 2019. He passed away in San Diego, California, at the age of 73.

Legacy

Ly Tong is remembered as a controversial but passionate figure in the fight for democracy and human rights in Vietnam. His dramatic actions and unwavering commitment to his cause have left a lasting impact on the Vietnamese-American community and the broader struggle for freedom in Vietnam.

See Also

• Vietnam War
• Republic of Vietnam Air Force
• Communist Party of Vietnam
• Vietnamese-American community