Lis Lwm was born in Xiengkhoung, Laos in 1935. He became an elementary school teacher at a very young age and provided education to the children in the village where he lived. Many called him “Xib Fwb Lis Lwm”, which translates to “Teacher Lis Lwm”.
In 1967, as tension and pressure increased from the Vietnam War, General Vang Pao sent men to scout for brave individuals to train and fly T-28’s in which Lis Lwm volunteered for. After six months of intensive training, Lis Lwm became the first Hmong pilot in history.
Through triumph and successful missions, Lis Lwm excelled quickly and became one of the best pilot that the U.S CIA and the Royal Lao Air-force depended on. He was later promoted to be the leader of the T-28 pilot division.
Over the course of his career, Lis Lwm had flown the over 5,000 combat missions, as much as 10 combat missions a day, and had flown more combat missions than any other pilot in history. His skills and bravery was very remarkable.
It was known that every time he went on a successful mission, he would circle his plane around the hills of his village to let his wife and family know that he won another battle that day.
July 12, 1969 - On his way back from a combat mission, Lis Lwm received a request directly from General Vang Pao to go on a sacrifice mission to save the Hmong people in village of Muang Soui, whom have been surrounded by the enemies. Despite being low on fuel and missiles, Lis Lwm was furious once he heard the news and flew straight to Muang Soui to save his people. Once Lis Lwm flew in, all the enemies started retreated and the village became safe again. However, on this sad day, his plane was shot down.
His last words were, “if the Hmong were to survive this war and prosper, please love my family and remember my name.”
Prior to his death, Lis Lwm was granted a uniform to be promoted to a Major rank. However, after his death, Lis Lwm was posthumously promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
Our dance team would like to dedicate this dance to honor his bravery and sacrifice for the Hmong people during Vietnam War. His family is now currently living in the U.S. If you come across them someday, please thank, honor and love his family as Lis Lwm had asked for.
May you continue to fly high and watch over how prosperous the Hmong people have became. This dance is dedicated to remember about you.
Original song: Lis Lwm by Viv Thoj
Remus by: DJ Peter
Singer: Nyiaj Phaj Yaj
Paj Huam by: Leej Muam Hmoob