Nguyen Cao Ky

Date of Birth: September 8, 1930

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: July 23, 2011

Biography

Nguyễn Cao Kỳ was a prominent Vietnamese military officer and politician who played a significant role during the Vietnam War. Born in Sơn Tây, French Indochina, Kỳ initially joined the French-backed Vietnamese National Army and later became a pilot in the South Vietnamese Air Force. Rising through the ranks due to his charisma and leadership skills, he eventually became the Prime Minister of South Vietnam from 1965 to 1967 and then served as Vice President from 1967 until 1971. Kỳ was known for his flamboyant personality and often controversial statements. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by efforts to stabilize the government amidst the chaos of the Vietnam War. He was a staunch anti-communist and worked closely with the United States. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, Kỳ fled to the United States and lived there in exile. He later returned to Vietnam in 2004 and advocated for reconciliation between the diaspora and the communist government.

5 Interesting Facts about Nguyen Cao Ky

1. Nguyễn Cao Kỳ was an avid pilot and often flew his own aircraft, earning him the nickname “the Flying General.”

2. He was known for his flamboyant fashion sense, often seen wearing colorful scarves and aviator sunglasses.

3. Kỳ once publicly stated his admiration for Adolf Hitler’s leadership style, a comment that generated significant controversy.

4. He played a key role in the 1966 Buddhist Uprising, suppressing the rebellion with military force.

5. After moving to the United States, Kỳ ran a liquor store and later wrote several books about his experiences.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Nguyen Cao Ky

1. “In a war, you have to be as ruthless as your enemy.”

2. “I have always been a soldier first and a politician second.”

3. “The Vietnam War was a very sad chapter in our history, but it is a chapter that we must learn from.”

4. “I believe in reconciliation, not revenge.”

5. “My greatest hope is that Vietnam can be united and strong.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Nguyễn Cao Kỳ’s highest net worth is estimated to have been around $1 million, primarily from his business ventures and book sales after moving to the United States.

Children

Nguyễn Cao Kỳ had at least six children. One of his daughters, Nguyễn Cao Kỳ Duyên, is a well-known Vietnamese-American singer and television personality.