The Montagnards: The Green Berets’ Secret Vietnam Warriors

Join us for a symposium to discuss the Montagnard tribes in the Central Highlands of Vietnam and their importance to the U.S. Special Forces during the Vietnam War. Green Beret veterans and Montagnard refugees will share their unique perspectives on their experiences and discuss how this wartime assistance led to lifelong friendships.

During the Vietnam War, the Green Berets of the U.S. Army befriended and enlisted the help of the Montagnard tribes in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.  This area was deemed critical by the U.S. to victory in Vietnam and more than 61,000 Montagnards enlisted in the Civilian Irregular Defense Groups. Nearly a third of those fought alongside Americans in mobile strike forces, saving American lives and forming life-long friendships.   The Montagnards were the secret Vietnam warriors of the U.S. Green Berets and since the end of the war, the United States has given the tribe refugee status.  Many Vietnam veterans have helped the Montagnard people flee to our country.