Who Is Dương Văn Minh? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Dương Văn Minh was born on February 16, 1916, making him 109 years old as of 2025. Minh was a prominent military officer and politician, best known for serving as the last President of South Vietnam before its fall in April 1975. His tenure came at a tumultuous time in history, characterized by the Vietnam War's escalating intensity. After the war, Minh lived in exile until his passing in 2009, but his legacy lives on, deeply etched in the narrative of Vietnam's history.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 16, 1916 |
| Age | 85 Years |
| Birth Place | Mỹ Tho Province, Cochinchina, French Indochina |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | China |
| Date of death | 6 August, 2001 |
| Died Place | Pasadena, California, US |
Popularity
Dương Văn Minh's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details about Dương Văn Minh's height and weight during his lifetime are limited, given that he passed away in 2009. However, in his younger years, he was described as being of average height and build, a typical physique for a soldier of that era. The exact metrics of his height and weight are not widely documented.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Dương Văn Minh was married to Nguyễn Thị Hoa, and together they had a family, including children who continued to live in diaspora after the fall of Saigon. There is limited public information about his personal relationships beyond his marriage, reflecting the traditionally private nature of Vietnamese family matters.
Net Worth and Salary
While there are no accurate estimates of Dương Văn Minh's net worth during his lifetime, he held various military and governmental positions that likely afforded him a comfortable lifestyle. However, following the fall of South Vietnam, he lived in exile and struggled financially, indicative of many political figures who faced similar fates after regime changes. Financial records from his later years are not readily available, making it difficult to ascertain a specific figure for his net worth.
Career, Business, and Investments
Dương Văn Minh embarked on a career in the military early on and rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming a general in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN). His political career peaked when he assumed the presidency in April 1975, a position he held for only days before the fall of Saigon. After his presidency, Minh's life was characterized by periods of exile and reflection on the tumultuous events he witnessed and participated in. There is no public record of business ventures or investments made by Minh post-presidency, as his focus remained on his family and adapting to life in a new country.
Born in Tiền Giang province in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam, Minh joined the French Army at the start of World War II, and was captured and tortured by the Imperial Japanese, who invaded and seized French Indochina.
After his release, he joined the French-backed Vietnamese National Army (VNA) and was imprisoned by the communist-dominated Viet Minh before breaking out.
In 1955, after Vietnam was partitioned and the State of Vietnam controlled the southern half under Prime Minister Ngô Đình Diệm, Minh led the VNA in decisively defeating the Bình Xuyên paramilitary crime syndicate in street combat and dismantling the Hòa Hảo religious tradition's private army.
This made him popular with the people and Diệm, but the latter later put him in a powerless position, regarding him as a threat.
Social Network
Although Dương Văn Minh does not have active social media profiles, he is a notable historical figure whose life continues to be discussed across various platforms. Historians and political analysts often reference his presidency and military decisions in relation to Vietnam’s history, ensuring his presence endures in scholarly discussions and online forums.
In 1963, the authoritarian Diệm became increasingly unpopular due to the Buddhist crisis and the ARVN generals decided to launch a coup, which Minh eventually led. Diệm was assassinated on 2 November 1963 shortly after being deposed. Minh was accused of ordering an aide, Nguyễn Văn Nhung, to kill Diệm.
Minh then led a junta for three months, but he was an unsuccessful leader and was heavily criticized for being lethargic and uninterested. During his three months of rule, many civilian problems intensified and the communist Viet Cong made significant gains.
Angered at not receiving his desired post, General Nguyễn Khánh led a group of similarly motivated officers in a January 1964 coup. Khánh allowed Minh to stay on as a token head of state in order to capitalize on Minh's public standing, but retained real power. After a power struggle, Khanh had Minh exiled.
Minh stayed away before deciding to return and challenge General Nguyễn Văn Thiệu in the presidential election of 1971. When it became obvious that Thieu would rig the poll, Minh withdrew and did not return until 1972, keeping a low profile.
Education
Dương Văn Minh received his early education in French colonial schools in Vietnam. He later pursued military training, which led to his initial commission in the Vietnamese Army. His educational background played a vital role in shaping his leadership skills and strategic mindset during the Vietnam War.
He went to Saigon where he attended a top French colonial school, now Le Quy Don High School, where King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia also studied. Unlike many of his classmates, Minh declined French citizenship and joined the Corps Indigène, the local component of the French colonial army.
