Hla Thaung

Who was Hla Thaung?

Private Aung San Thuriya Hla Thaung of 3rd Burma Rifles Battalion was a recipient of Aung San Thuriya Award, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry and bravery in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to members of Myanmar Armed Forces. He won the award at the Battle of Daik-U during the fight against of Karen insurgency in Myanmar.

On the early hours on 28 April 1949 at the Daik-U battlefront, HQ company of 3rd Burma Rifles Battalion was encircled by the attacking KNDO forces with much greater strength supported by artillery. Private Hla Thaung gallantly fought back the insurgents to defend the HQ company. He fought with bravery and risk his life while killing large numbers of enemy troops and halting the enemy advances towards the position of HQ Company. Holding a Bren GPMG Gun in his hand, firing non-stop to hold off the enemy until his last dying breath, Private Hla Thaung provided covering fire for the troops of 3rd Burma Rifles Battalion to retreat safely from the encircled position. He fell during this battle and when his comrades found his body after the battle, his fingers were still tightly gripped to the trigger of his Bren Gun. He was awarded Aung San Thuriya medal for his selfless valour, sacrificing his life in order to save the lives of his comrades and bravery in face of superior number of enemy forces.