![](/content/dam/classroom-magazines/junior-scholastic/issues/2017-18/042318/fleeing-vietnam/JS12-042318-EyewitnessVietnam-inset1.jpg)
Johnny Tebou
By Johnny Tebou, Age 12, Miami, Florida
The Vietnam War (1954-1975) was a Cold War struggle that pitted Communist North Vietnam against South Vietnam, which became a U.S. ally. When the North won, its military invaded the South. Many South Vietnamese fled the oppressive regime—including thousands who escaped in small, dangerously crowded boats. Sixth-grader Johnny Tebou talked with Tom Nguyen (nuh-EN) about his experience as one of the