Lê Quang Tung

Colonel Lê Quang Tung: The Dark Side of South Vietnam’s Special Forces

Who was Colonel Lê Quang Tung, and what role did he play in the tumultuous history of South Vietnam? Colonel Lê Quang Tung, a key figure during the Diệm regime, rose to prominence as commander of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) Special Forces. His background in security and counterespionage made him one of South Vietnam’s most powerful military officers, but his actions were often shrouded in controversy.

The Rise and Fall of a Powerful Officer

Under the guidance of Ngô Đình Nhu, Tung became involved in repressing dissidents rather than fighting against the Viet Cong insurgents. His involvement in raids such as the Xá Lợi pagoda raid in August 1963 is a stark reminder of his ruthless tactics. The raid resulted in hundreds of deaths and disappearances, leaving a trail of destruction that still haunts the memory of those who lived through it.

The Xá Lợi Pagoda Raid: A Tragic Turning Point

On August 21, 1963, Tung’s men raided Xá Lợi Pagoda, a significant Buddhist temple in Saigon. The attack was brutal and indiscriminate, with hundreds of monks and nuns killed or arrested. The damage to the pagoda was extensive, and it became a symbol of the regime’s brutality against religious freedom.

The attacks were replicated across the nation, resulting in an estimated death toll of hundreds. U.S. officials threatened to withhold aid unless Tung’s forces focused on fighting communists rather than political or religious dissidents. This marked a turning point in his career and the broader conflict in Vietnam.

Failed Operations and Assassination Attempts

Tung’s program of infiltrating North Vietnam failed, and he also planned an assassination attempt on Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., the U.S. ambassador to South Vietnam. The failure of these operations further strained his relationship with both the U.S. and other key figures in South Vietnamese politics.

The Assassination Plot: A Failed Attempt

At Nhu’s request, Tung planned an operation to assassinate Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. and other key officials during a government-organized student demonstration outside the US Embassy in Saigon. Another target was Thích Trí Quang, a Buddhist leader who had been given asylum in the embassy after being targeted in the pagoda raids.

The plan was ambitious but ultimately failed due to poor planning and coordination. The incident highlighted the deep divisions within South Vietnamese politics and the increasing tension between the U.S. and Diệm’s regime.

Operation Bravo: A Fake Coup Gone Wrong

By September 1963, Diệm and Nhu knew that a group of generals was planning a coup. They ordered Tung and Tôn Thất Đính to plan a fake coup against the government, codenamed Operation Bravo. The scheme was intended to round up dissidents, but it backfired when Đính revealed his true intentions during the real coup.

Tung was summoned to a meeting where he was told a coup was taking place. He was taken away and forced to surrender his men. Diệm refused to surrender, and his loyalist was executed. Tung’s brother was killed alongside him after being caught trying to escape. The coup was successful, and Diệm and Nhu were captured and executed.

The failure of Operation Bravo not only led to the downfall of Diệm and Nhu but also marked a significant shift in the dynamics of power within South Vietnam. Tung’s involvement in these events highlights the complex web of political intrigue and violence that characterized the Cold War era in Southeast Asia.

In conclusion, Colonel Lê Quang Tung’s story is a testament to the dark and often brutal nature of Cold War politics. His rise to power and subsequent fall from grace serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of using military force for political ends. As we reflect on this period in history, it is crucial to remember the human cost of these conflicts and the importance of finding peaceful resolutions to political disputes.