Xuan Oanh and People-to-People Diplomacy During the Vietnam War
August 19 is also recognized as the Traditional Day of the People’s Public Security, as well as the traditional day of the family of renowned songwriter Xuan Oanh. Within his family, his wife, Le Thi Xuan Uyen, holds the distinction of being the first female spy in the Hanoi Police. Xuan Oanh and his wife are proud parents to three sons. One of whom is pursuing a career in business, while the other two have chosen to serve in the police force as esteemed Generals, namely General Do Le Chau and General Do Le Chi. However, his expertise lay in the realm of public diplomacy, where he excelled at understanding and rallying international public opinion. He even played a pivotal role in supporting American pilots who were held captive at Hoa Lo during the final stages of the war against the United States, working towards the ultimate goal of national unification. Thomas Wilber, son of US pilot Gene Wilber, who was detained at Hoa Lo prison for nearly five years until early 1973, has wri...