Lê Quang Tung

Colonel Lê Quang Tung: The Shadow Commander

Who was Colonel Lê Quang Tung and what role did he play in the tumultuous years of South Vietnam?

The Man Behind the Curtain

Colonel Lê Quang Tung, a name that echoes through the annals of South Vietnamese history, was more than just a military commander. He was the shadow figure behind the scenes, working under the orders of his brother-in-law, Ngô Đình Nhu, to maintain control over the country’s special forces.

Security and Counterespionage

Tung’s background in security and counterespionage made him a formidable figure. His role was not just about fighting insurgents; it was about repressing dissent. He became commander of the special forces in 1960, a position that allowed him to carry out violent attacks against dissidents, including the infamous raid on Xá Lợi pagoda in 1963.

The Raid on Xá Lợi Pagoda

Imagine a sacred place turned into a battleground. The raid on Xá Lighbrought together hundreds of deaths and disappearances, marking Tung’s period as one of the most violent in South Vietnam’s history. This was not just an attack; it was a symbol of the regime’s brutality.

The CIA Operation

But Tung wasn’t just a local enforcer. He also headed a CIA-backed operation to infiltrate North Vietnam with ARVN personnel posing as locals. The plan, however, was nearly universally unsuccessful, with most operatives captured or killed. It was a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, but the odds were always against them.

Assassination Attempts

Tung’s ambitions extended beyond mere repression. He was reported to be planning an assassination attempt on US Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., all under the guise of a government-organized student demonstration. Another target was Thích Trí Quang, a Buddhist leader who had sought asylum in the embassy after being targeted in pagoda raids.

The Krulak–Mendenhall Mission

As tensions escalated, the United States began exploring alternatives to Diệm’s regime. The Krulak–Mendenhall mission suggested terminating funding for special forces and running covert campaigns against Tung. However, Diệm and Nhu continued to support him, knowing his loyalty was invaluable.

The Fake Coup

Diệm and Nhu knew a group of generals were planning a coup by September 1963. To outmaneuver them, they ordered Tung and other loyalists to plan a fake coup called Operation Bravo. The goal was to trick dissidents into joining the false uprising and provide a public relations stunt to give the regime’s strength an appearance of legitimacy.

The Real Coup

However, General Đính, part of the real coup plot, informed Tung that the counter-coup needed overwhelming force. He said tanks were required because armor is dangerous. In an attempt to outwit Tung, Đính suggested sending special forces out to the country instead of moving reserves into Saigon.

The Final Days

On 1 November 1963, Tung was summoned by coup organizers. As he was led away, he shouted ‘Remember who gave you your stars!’ The other generals knew the threat Tung posed and discussed his elimination during their planning. At nightfall, the brothers were taken with hands tied and shot into graves.

Colonel Lê Quang Tung’s story is a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the dark underbelly of political power. His actions shaped the course of South Vietnam’s history, leaving an indelible mark on a nation torn by conflict and division.

Remember, in the shadows of history, there are always those who wield power with both hands—gripping tightly to their ambitions while crushing those who dare to challenge them. Colonel Lê Quang Tung was one such figure, his legacy a reminder of the price paid for loyalty in the face of tyranny.