Ace LE HAI
COLONEL, MIG-17 PILOT – VIETNAM PEOPLE’S ARMED FORCES HERO
Colonel Le Hai, a war hero, was born in 1942 in Quang Ngai and moved to the North in 1954. As a member of the Yen The Air Squadron, he shot down six American aircraft. He piloted the MiG-17 for the Vietnam People’s Air Force and earned the title of Ace, reserved for pilots who shoot down five enemy aircraft. While the U.S. officially recognized five Aces during the Vietnam War, Vietnam only confirmed three after careful examination of air combat records. Colonel Le Hai also served as an A-37 attack pilot and commanded the 937th Regiment in 1975. Later, he piloted Su-22 bombers and commanded the 372nd Division. From 1992 to 2002, he transitioned to civilian service as the Deputy General Director of the Southern Airports Corporation. .
Pilots of a MiG-17 flight of the 923nd Fighter Regiment returning to Kep airfield after winning a victorious air battle. (From left) Luu Huy Chao, Le Hai, Hoang Van Ky and Le Xuan Dy.
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