SGU Fighter Pilot - Laos

• Secret War Origins: The SGU (Special Guerrilla Units) Fighter Pilots were part of the CIA-backed “Secret War” in Laos (1961–1975), supporting U.S. efforts against the North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao communists. • Hmong Pilots: Many of the SGU pilots were Hmong tribesmen, recruited and trained by the CIA and Air America, despite having little or no prior exposure to aviation. • T-28 Trojans: SGU pilots primarily flew North American T-28 Trojan aircraft, modified for combat and close air support missions, often under dangerous conditions. • “Ravens” Connection: The American “Ravens”—forward air controllers—worked closely with SGU pilots, directing airstrikes and providing crucial support for ground operations. • Improvised Training: Due to time constraints and secrecy, pilot training was extremely short, sometimes lasting only a few weeks—yet Hmong pilots quickly adapted and flew combat missions. • High Loss Rates: The life expectancy for SGU pilots was alarmingly low due to intense combat and lack of advanced equipment; many lost their lives in action. • Supply Drops and Rescue: Besides combat, SGU pilots performed daring supply drops to remote guerrilla outposts and rescued downed airmen behind enemy lines. • Unsung Heroes: SGU Fighter Pilots received little recognition during or after the war, as their missions were classified and the U.S. government denied involvement in Laos for years. • Legacy and Diaspora: After the Pathet Lao victory in 1975, many surviving pilots and their families fled to Thailand and eventually resettled in the United States and other countries. • Enduring Legacy: Today, the heroism of SGU Fighter Pilots is commemorated in Hmong-American communities, with monuments and annual ceremonies honoring their role in the Secret War.