Colonel Nguyễn Văn Bảy, real name Nguyễn Văn Hoa, was born in Lai Vung, Sa Đéc Pronvince(now called Đồng Tháp Province). He ran away from home and joined the army at the age of 17 since he didn't want to get married, got selected to receive Mig-17 pilot training in 1965 and had his first engagement in October 6, 1965.
During the war, he flew a total of 94 sorties, fired 13 times and claimed 7 kills(5 acknowleged by the US including 2 F-8s, 1 F-4B, 1 A-4C and 1 F-105D).
For his actions in the war, he was awarded many decorations including Hero of the People's Armed Forces, Ho Chi Minh Order, Feat Order 2nd class, Feat Order 3rd class. After his retirement, he went back to his hometown, doing what he loved: being a farmer until his death at 21:00, 22nd September 2019.
RIP Colonel Nguyen Van Bay.
Interesting fact: the english version of his wikipedia page and a lot of media outlets confuses him with another pilot, also with the name Nguyen Van Bay. This Nguyen Van Bay is the one that engaged USS Highbee and USS Oklahoma City. He died after being shot down in 1972
