Hla Thaung

Private Aung San Thuirya Hla Thaung (also known as Private Hla Thaung - serial 88865 ( - 28 April 1949) of 3rd Burma Rifle Battalion (Bamar Tha Nat Kine Tat Yin - Tha Na Ka) was the Bamar 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 Oo during the fight against of Kayin insurgency in Myanmar.

On the early hours on 28 April 1949 at the Daik Oo battlefront, HQ company of 3rd Burma Rifle 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 Rifle 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 (Order No. 10/A Htoo/50) 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. [Defence Museum, Yangon]

Before the battle of Daik Oo, Private Hla Thaung fought bravely against the insurgents in the battles of Rakhine Yoma, Irrawaddy Delta Region, Zeegone, Wetkaw and Insein.

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