Lon Nol 1913 – 1985

Biography

Lon Nol was born on November 13, 1913, in Pou Rieng District, Cambodia, during a time of significant change for his country. He would go on to become one of Cambodia’s most prominent military figures, rising to the rank of Field Marshal—a testament to his long career in service and the responsibilities entrusted to him throughout his life.

His military career spanned decades, during which he held positions of considerable authority and influence within Cambodia’s defense establishment. As Field Marshal, he represented the highest echelon of military leadership, overseeing strategic decisions during a turbulent period in Southeast Asian history.

Lon Nol spent his final years in the United States, living in Fullerton, California. He passed away on November 17, 1985, at the age of 71, succumbing to heart failure. He was laid to rest in Fullerton, far from the country where he had spent most of his life in service. His legacy remains a complex chapter in Cambodia’s twentieth-century history.