Nguyen Cao Ky

Nguyen Cao Ky was appointed commander of the Republic of Vietnam Air Force. He led the air force during the Buddhist crisis and participated in the coup that overthrew President Ngo Dinh Diem.

Nguyen Cao Ky became Prime Minister of South Vietnam, leading a military junta. His government intensified the war against the Viet Cong and North Vietnam, with strong US support.

Nguyen Cao Ky ran for president but lost to Nguyen Van Thieu, becoming vice president. The two leaders had a tense relationship, with Ky later accusing Thieu of corruption and mismanagement of the war.

Nguyen Cao Ky fled South Vietnam as Saigon fell to North Vietnamese forces. He settled in the United States, where he became a critic of the communist government and later returned to Vietnam for visits.