Unveiling Secret War Laos: Tales from U.S. Allied Lao Veterans and the CIA during the Vietnam War
Friday, May 9, 2025 | 9:00–10:30 PM EDT | Hybrid Event | Thomas Jefferson Building, Whittall Pavilion (Library of Congress) & Online
Register to attend virtually
The Library of Congress Asian Division and the Veterans History Project will host a hybrid event to commemorate the end of the 50th anniversary year of the Vietnam War: Unveiling Secret War Laos. This panel features Lao Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU)/Royal Lao Army (RLA) veterans alongside former U.S. CIA officers and Army Special Forces who will share firsthand accounts of the covert war fought in Laos—one of the least known theaters of the Vietnam conflict.
Featured Panelists include:
- Lieutenant Touy Thiravong (Lao SGU/RLA)
- Major Chanto Vorasarn (Lao SGU/RLA)
- Thomas Leo Briggs (CIA case officer)
- James K. Bruton (U.S. Army Special Forces)
- Colonel Khao Insixiengmay (Lao SGU/RLA)
- Osa Phiangdae Gilstrap (Daughter of Lao SGU veteran)
- Susan Boot Caolo (Applied Anthropologist)
This is a rare opportunity to hear powerful stories from those who were on the ground in Laos, as well as from researchers and family members preserving this history. The event includes a Q&A session and is open to the public.
In-Person Attendance: No registration required
Virtual Attendance: Click here to register
For more information, please contact: Ryan Wolfson-Ford: rwolfsonford@loc.gov, Tien Doan: tdoa@loc.gov