Cao Văn Viên
South Vietnamese general (1921–2008) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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In this Vietnamese name, the surname is Cao. In accordance with Vietnamese custom, this person should be referred to by the given name, Viên.
Cao Văn Viên (December 21, 1921 – January 22, 2008) was one of only two South Vietnamese four-star army generals in the history of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He rose to the position of Chairman of the South Vietnamese Joint General Staff.[2][3] Considered one of "the most gifted" of South Vietnam's military leaders,[4] he was previously called an "absolute key figure"[5] and one of "the most important Vietnamese military leaders"[6] in the U.S.-led fighting during the Vietnam War. Along with Trần Thiện Khiêm he was one of only two four-star generals in the entire history of South Vietnam.[7]
Quick Facts Born, Died ...
Cao Văn Viên | |
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Born | (1921-12-21)December 21, 1921[1] Vientiane, French Laos |
Died | January 22, 2008(2008-01-22) (aged 86) Annandale, Virginia, U.S. |
Allegiance | |
Service/ | |
Years of service | 1949 – October 25, 1955 (Vietnamese National Army) October 26, 1955 – April 30, 1975 (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) |
Rank | General (Đại Tướng) |
Commands held | Vietnamese Airborne Division; III Corps; Chairman, Joint General Staff, Vietnamese Armed Forces; Vietnamese Navy (acting) |
Battles/wars | Battle of Kiến Phong (now Đồng Tháp Province) |
Awards | |
Spouse(s) | Tran Thi Tao (died 1991) |
Children | 3, including Lan Cao |
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