Famous Vietnamese Military Leaders

Võ Nguyên Giáp was a general of the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN), communist revolutionary, and politician. He led Vietnamese communist forces to victories in wars against Japan, France, South Vietnam, the United States, and China. Giáp served as the military commander of the Việt Minh and the PAVN, minister of defense of North Vietnam and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, deputy prime minister, and a member of the Politburo. He played a crucial role in transforming the PAVN into a formidable fighting force capable of defeating its adversaries.

Lady Trieu was a fierce female warrior in 3rd century Vietnam who courageously resisted the rule of the Chinese Eastern Wu dynasty. She expressed a strong desire for independence and freedom, vowing to fight against aggressors and reclaim her country from foreign domination. Known for her bravery and determination, Lady Trieu is celebrated in Vietnamese history as a symbol of resistance and patriotism. Her unwavering spirit and defiance against oppression have inspired generations of Vietnamese people in their quest for national independence.

Trần Hưng Đạo, also known as Grand Prince Hưng Đạo, was a prominent military commander and statesman of the Trần dynasty in Vietnam. He led the Đại Việt military forces with great skill and strategic acumen, successfully repelling two out of three major Mongol invasions in the late 13th century. Hưng Đạo's victories over the Yuan dynasty under Kublai Khan are revered as some of the most significant military achievements in Vietnamese history. His leadership and tactical prowess solidified his reputation as a revered saint and deified figure among the Vietnamese people.

Nguyễn Văn Thiệu was a South Vietnamese military officer and politician who rose through the ranks of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces (RVNAF) to become president from 1967 to 1975. He joined the Vietnamese National Army (VNA) after quitting the Việt Minh, later becoming a division commander and colonel. Thiệu played a key role in various coups and power struggles, eventually assuming the presidency through a rigged election. His rule was marked by accusations of corruption, incompetence in military leadership appointments, and ultimately, resignation and exile before the fall of Saigon.

Trưng Trắc was a prominent figure in Vietnamese history, known for leading the uprising against the Han Dynasty's rule. As the first female monarch and ruler of the Vietnamese people, she established a separate government for the Vietnamese for three years, with its capital in Mê Linh. Despite the eventual defeat of the rebellion by Han forces, Trưng Trắc's legacy symbolizes resilience and national spirit in Vietnamese culture. Historians recognize her leadership and the widespread support she garnered for her cause, highlighting her significant impact on Vietnamese history.

Major General Nguyễn Ngọc Loan was a South Vietnamese general and chief of the South Vietnamese National Police. He gained international attention for his role in the summary execution of a Viet Cong prisoner of war named Nguyễn Văn Lém during the Tet Offensive in 1968. Despite controversy surrounding his actions, Loan's professional life was marked by his leadership in the South Vietnamese police force. His involvement in the event was documented by journalists and became well-known through iconic images in American journalism.

Văn Tiến Dũng was a prominent Vietnamese general who held several key positions within the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN). He served as the PAVN chief of staff and later as the PAVN commander in chief. Additionally, he was a member of the Central Military–Party Committee (CMPC) and held the position of Socialist Republic of Vietnam defense minister. Throughout his professional life, Văn Tiến Dũng played a crucial role in shaping the military and defense strategies of Vietnam during significant periods of the country's history.

Dương Văn Minh was a South Vietnamese politician and senior general in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. He played a significant role in various military and political events, including leading a coup that resulted in the assassination of President Ngô Đình Diệm in 1963. Minh served as the President of South Vietnam for a brief period in 1975, eventually surrendering to North Vietnamese forces. Throughout his career, Minh faced power struggles and challenges while advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Vietnam conflict.

Trần Văn Trà, also known as Nguyễn Chấn, was a prominent figure in the People's Army of Vietnam, serving as a colonel-general. He held key military positions, including Commander of B2 Front and Deputy Commander of the Liberation Army of South Vietnam during significant periods in the 1960s and 1970s. Trà was also a member of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Vietnam for multiple terms. His professional life was marked by strategic military leadership and active involvement in the political landscape of Vietnam during a crucial period in its history.

Nguyễn Khánh was a South Vietnamese military officer and Army of the Republic of Vietnam general. He served in various capacities as head of state and prime minister of South Vietnam while leading a military junta from January 1964 to February 1965. Throughout his career, Khánh was involved in numerous coup attempts, both failed and successful, between 1960 and 1965. Following his defeat and exile from South Vietnam, he lived in the United States with his family until his death in 2013.

Lý Thường Kiệt, also known as Ngô Tuấn, was a prominent Vietnamese general and admiral during the Lý dynasty. He served as an official under several Lý emperors and played a significant role in the Song–Lý War. Throughout his career, he led successful military campaigns including the invasion of Champa and raids on Song dynasty provinces. He also thwarted the Song invasion of Vietnam led by Gou Kui and Zhao Xie. Lý Thường Kiệt's strategic prowess and leadership skills contributed greatly to his reputation as a formidable military commander.

Phan Đình Phùng was a Vietnamese revolutionary and Confucian court scholar who led rebel armies against French colonial forces. Known for his uncompromising will and principles, he rose through the ranks under Emperor Tự Đức, gaining a reputation for integrity and fighting corruption as the Imperial Censor. Despite facing exile and imprisonment for protesting against the imperial court's actions, Phan continued to organize rebel armies in the Cần Vương movement to expel the French and establish an independent Vietnam.

Tran Ngoc Châu was a prominent Vietnamese soldier and civil administrator, serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and holding positions such as city mayor and province chief. He was known for his innovative approaches to counter-insurgency during the Vietnam War, focusing on providing security to civilian populations. Châu later entered politics, becoming a legislative leader in the National Assembly in Saigon. He faced accusations of treason and subsequent imprisonment, eventually escaping to America in 1979.

The Trưng sisters were Luoyue military leaders who rose to power by commanding a rebellion of Luoyue tribes and others against Chinese domination in Vietnam. Trưng Trắc became the first female monarch and queen in Vietnamese history, known as Queen Trưng. Together with her sister Trưng Nhị, they ruled for three years before their deaths in battle against the Eastern Han general Ma Yuan's forces. The sisters are revered as national heroines of Vietnam for their fearless leadership and defiance against foreign rule.

Nguyễn Tri Phương, also known as Nguyễn Văn Chương, served as a prominent mandarin and military commander in the Nguyễn dynasty. He played a crucial role in leading Vietnamese armies against French forces during key battles such as the Siege of Tourane, the Siege of Saigon, and the Battle of Hanoi in 1873. Known for his strategic prowess and leadership skills, Nguyễn Tri Phương's professional life was marked by his unwavering commitment to defending Vietnam against foreign conquest.

Chu Văn Tấn was a prominent figure in the People's Army of Vietnam during the First Indochina War. He served as the Minister of Defence of Vietnam and was a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Throughout his career, he held various key positions including chief of Interregional, secretary zone party committee, Tribunal president of Military court, and president of administrative committee of Việt Bắc Interzone. Chu Văn Tấn played a significant role in the military and political landscape of Vietnam during his time.

Lê Văn Duyệt was a Vietnamese general who played a crucial role in aiding Nguyễn Ánh, later Emperor Gia Long, in achieving victory in the Tây Sơn wars, unifying Vietnam, and establishing the Nguyễn dynasty. He rose to become a high-ranking mandarin under the first two Nguyễn emperors, Gia Long and Minh Mạng. Duyệt's military prowess allowed him to ascend the ranks swiftly within the Nguyễn army, ultimately serving as viceroy of southern Vietnam and overseeing the region's development and stability. His defense of Christian missionaries and opposition to certain imperial policies led to conflicts with Emperor Minh Mạng, culminating in the desecration of his tomb and subsequent revolt by his adopted son.