15. The Trail

The Ho Chi Minh Trail, a pivotal supply route for the North Vietnamese during the Vietnam War, was largely maintained by an unsung workforce comprised predominantly of women. These brave individuals, known colloquially as the Heroic Mothers of Vietnam, played a crucial role in ensuring the trail’s functionality amidst relentless bombing campaigns by the U.S. military.

Tasked with the daunting job of repairing damaged sections, transporting supplies, and even clearing unexploded ordnance, these women demonstrated remarkable resilience and ingenuity. Their efforts not only facilitated the continuous flow of troops and materiel to combat zones but also embodied the collective spirit and determination of the Vietnamese people during the conflict.