Lon Nol vs Su Yu

Lon Nol led a military coup that overthrew King Sihanouk while he was abroad. He established the Khmer Republic, ending the monarchy and aligning Cambodia with the United States during the Vietnam War.

Lon Nol officially proclaimed the Khmer Republic, abolishing the monarchy. He became president and implemented a pro-American, anti-communist regime, which led to civil war with the Khmer Rouge and North Vietnamese forces.

Lon Nol's government collapsed as Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh. He fled into exile in the United States, ending the Khmer Republic and leading to the establishment of Democratic Kampuchea under Pol Pot.

Su Yu was appointed commander of the East China Field Army (later the Third Field Army). He led this force in major campaigns against the Kuomintang, including the Huaihai Campaign, where his outnumbered forces achieved decisive victories through superior tactics.

Su Yu played a key role in the Huaihai Campaign, a major engagement of the Chinese Civil War. His forces encircled and destroyed a large Kuomintang army, capturing over 500,000 troops. This victory was crucial for the Communist takeover of eastern China.

Su Yu was purged during the Cultural Revolution, accused of being a 'capitalist roader' and a 'military revisionist'. He was removed from his posts and subjected to criticism, though he was later rehabilitated after Mao's death.