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military officials and followed military code of conduct and
dress code. Since we were the fi rst civilian
professors,we dressed in casual clothes and had long hair.
After discussing some issues relating to the Cultural
Service Department, General Lam Quang Thi looked over
at us and demanded: “Next week,I want to see these civilian
professors hair cut as short as offi cers'.Nobody should have
long hair like this. "
I felt that this was an unreasonable order, so I spoke up:
“Major General, we are civilian professors.We are currently
teaching at Da Lat University, and have been approved by the
Ministry of National Defense to teach culture at this Military
School. Please, Major General, allow us to have a civilian
haircut. Don't you think it would be odd, Major General, if
we wear civilian suits and ties but have haircut as short as the
offi cers do?".
After listening, Major General Thi fell silent...
After the meeting was dispersed, Bui Dinh Ri approached
me and asked: "Why are you so reckless ?, the General
will certainly punish you for this offense" In the days that

followed, I was also worried about what the General would
do to me? With the power of killing in hand, the Commander
of this school could push the destiny of my life into the dark
way... I anxiously waited... Many times I considered bringing

the Senate Vice President's letter to him. But every time my
conscience didn't let me.
Many military professors, in the Cultural Service
Department, told me that I was too reckless and I would
be seriously disciplined for going against the order of the
commander-in-chief... I continued to wait worrying... One
week, two weeks,then three weeks...But nothing happened.
I still went to the pulpit and continued my teaching
responsibility.
In mid-1971, I transfered to The University of Hue and on
one occasion I welcomed Lieutenant General Lam Quang Thi,
now Commander of the First Army Corps (in charge of Quang
Tri and Thua Thien )in his visit to this University.This time,
we met again, and General Thi was very happy: "Seeing Mr.

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