Vang Pao Biography and Timeline

Hmong Irregular Forces

Begins building CIA-supported Hmong forces against Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese forces

Role range: 1960-1975

Hmong Irregulars

Builds CIA-backed Hmong irregular forces in northern Laos

Role range: 1960-1975

Barrel Roll Support

His forces rely on US air support as Operation Barrel Roll expands

Role range: 1960-1975

Long Tieng Base

Expands Long Tieng as the main Hmong and CIA-supported base

Role range: 1960-1975

Plain of Jars Operations

Leads Hmong irregular operations around the Plain of Jars

Role range: 1960-1975

Lima Site 85 Crisis

Hmong and US-linked forces lose the strategic radar site.

Role range: 1960-1975

Lima Site 85 Loss

Loses a radar support site used for air operations over Laos.

Role range: 1960-1975

Operation Raindance

Leads CIA-supported attacks around the Plain of Jars

Role range: 1960-1975

Operation About Face

Leads a major offensive that retakes positions on the Plain of Jars

Role range: 1960-1975

Long Tieng Defense

Defends the CIA-backed Hmong base at Long Tieng during heavy fighting

Role range: 1960-1975

Operation About Face

Commands Hmong forces in campaigns to retake positions in northern Laos

Role range: 1960-1975

Pressure on Long Tieng

Defends Hmong positions as North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao pressure continues

Role range: 1960-1975

Exile of Vang Pao

Leaves Laos with many Hmong supporters after the Pathet Lao victory

Hmong Resistance Abroad

Organizes exile networks after leaving Laos

US Arrest

Arrested in the United States in a case alleging plots against the Lao government