“Ready to fight at all time” 
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When we got to Phousabo outpost, we trekked along road Route 6. We went far and the road condition was really bad. Being in water, as time goes by, your clothes get worn out and torn. Your shoes were no longer good being drenched in water. There were soldiers whose feet were in pain. We reported to the senior [commanders about our dire conditions]... Then we were airlifted and transported to the village of Nam Blong. They sent us to Nam Blong. [At the frontline], you were scared, but you had your weapons with you. You prepared your guns. The enemy had their guns. When we crossed the Xieng Choua area, we had a few battles. There was one night when we slept at Xieng Choua, an area near the river… [We had soldiers who stayed all night as guards]. The North Vietnamese army was in close proximity already. A soldier from our Company 2 that camped close to our’s was on night patrol. He wasn’t careful so the enemy killed him. The next morning, they were fighting over there and the Vietnamese had run over to our side.

Above photo: Zong Lor Thao points to his chest where shrapnel still remains in his body. Below, during the interview Thao shows shrapnel wound, which a piece is still in his body.