Bouam Long

Bouam Long, a remote village in northern Laos, played a crucial role during the Secret War (1964-1973). Known as "Lima Site 32," Bouam Long became a key strategic location in the conflict between the Royal Lao Government (RLG), supported by the United States, and the communist forces of the Pathet Lao and the North Vietnamese Army (NVA).

The village was under the command of Colonel Moua Cher Pao, a respected Hmong leader and the father-in-law of General Vang Pao. Colonel Moua Cher Pao was famously known as "The Lion of the North" for his bravery and leadership. Under his command, Bouam Long served as a vital base for Hmong fighters who resisted the communist forces. The village’s remote location in the mountainous terrain made it difficult for the enemy to attack, but it was also crucial for launching guerrilla attacks against the Pathet Lao and NVA.

Bouam Long was well-fortified with deep trenches lined with sharpened bamboo spikes, which were used to deter enemy advances. The bunkers in Bouam Long were strategically placed on mountain tops, allowing the Hmong fighters not only to defend their positions but also to support nearby bunkers. This setup created a strong defensive network that was hard for the enemy to break through. With support from the CIA and U.S. airpower, Hmong fighters used Bouam Long as a base to disrupt enemy supply lines and protect key areas (Anthony & Sexton, 2024).

Throughout the Secret War, Bouam Long remained an important stronghold for the Hmong and their allies. The base was heavily defended and sustained by air drops of supplies, including food, ammunition, and medical supplies. The village’s airstrip was essential for resupply missions that kept the Hmong forces going, even when they were surrounded by enemy forces. The defense of Bouam Long, led by Colonel Moua Cher Pao, showed the resilience and determination of the Hmong people, who fought bravely to protect their homeland (Benson, 2021).

After the war, unlike many other leaders who fled Southeast Asia, Colonel Moua Cher Pao briefly went to Thailand, where he lived in the Ban Vinai Refugee Camp in Loei Province. However, he soon returned to Laos to continue fighting with the Hmong resistance army. He remained dedicated to the cause until his death from natural causes in 1994. His legacy as "The Lion of the North" lives on as a symbol of courage and commitment to the Hmong struggle for freedom (Lee, n.d.).

Bouam Long remained under Hmong control even after the official end of the Secret War in 1975, standing as one of the last strongholds against the communist forces. It was only after the war years that Bouam Long eventually fell, marking the end of organized Hmong resistance in the region. The fall of Bouam Long after 1975 was a significant moment in Hmong history, symbolizing the end of a long and determined fight for their homeland (Anthony & Sexton, 2024).

Bouam Long’s role in the Secret War, and the leadership of Colonel Moua Cher Pao, are powerful reminders of the intense battles fought in the remote regions of Laos. For the Hmong people, Bouam Long represents both the bravery and sacrifices made in the fight to protect their homeland.

References

Anthony, V. B., & Sexton, R. R. (2024). The war in Northern Laos 1954-1973.

Benson, F. C. (2021). Turbulence in Sam Neua Province (Laos): 1953-1970.

Celeski, J. D. (2024). Special air warfare and the secret war in Laos: Air commandos 1964-1975.

Lee, D. (n.d.). Hmongstory Legacy.