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COMMANDER // 1921–2008

Cao Văn Viên

generalVietnamSouth Vietnam2 battles1 war

Lifespan

1921 – 2008

1925195019752000Vietnam War · 1955–1975 broad period; major U.S. combat 1965–1973Tet Offensive — 1968 · South Vietnam · Vietnam War1975 spring offensive — January 1, 1975 · South Vietnam · Vietnam War

Active service 1968–1975 — 2 battles across 1 war; first command at age 47.

Profile

Cao Văn Viên was a four-star army general in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He rose to the position of Chairman of the South Vietnamese Joint General Staff. Considered one of "the most gifted" of South Vietnam's military leaders, he was previously called an "absolute key figure" and one of "the most important Vietnamese military leaders" in the U.S.-led fighting during the Vietnam War. Along with Trần Thiện Khiêm he was one of only two four-star generals in the entire history of South Vietnam.

Source · Wikipedia · Q2936938

Battles (2)

Last verified June 2026
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