Duong Van Minh, a.k.a. "Big Minh," was a senior military officer in 1954, at the time of the formation of Diem's government. In 1956 he defeated the sects that threatened the regime, notably the Hoa Hao. In 1963 he headed the military council that toppled Ngo Dinh Diem, becoming Head of State until three months later, when General Nguyen Khahn deposed the junta and took the power. In 1971, he challenged President Thieu in the general elections, but later withdrew his bid, convinced that his chances of victory were slim.

In April 1975 Minh became interim President, surrendering Saigon on the 29^th of that month to the North Vietnamese troops.