Hanoi Hannah, The Broadcaster Who Discouraged U.S. Troops

From 1965 to 1973, Trinh Thi Ngo, better known as Hanoi Hannah, hosted a radio segment for a North Vietnamese propaganda station that aimed to destroy the morale of American troops.

For U.S. troops serving in the Vietnam War, a radio was a priceless possession. Soldiers could listen to music or news, but many also picked up another voice: that of Hanoi Hannah, a North Vietnamese broadcaster whose job was to discourage the enemy as much as possible.

For eight years, from 1965 until 1973, she spread messages in impeccable English meant to dampen the resolve of American troops. The U.S. government, she claimed, was “lying.” The war was “a sinking ship.” Policymakers back in Washington, D.C. had “ordered you to die.”

Her messages might not have been as effective as she wanted — some veteran