Ho Chi Minh trail

A general term for a complex logistical system, the Ho Chi Minh trail was a system of logistical facilities in North Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia that the People's Army of Viet Nam used to send troops and equipment into South Vietnam. It was operated by the 559th Transportation Group under then-senior colonel Dong Sy Nguyen, which was under the General Directorate of Rear Services.

The commitment to build the trail came from a Politburo decision of May 1959, hence the name 559th Group; that was the date they decided to invade the South.

While the Trail proper was the ground route into the South, two related systems often are considered part:.
 * 759th Transportation Group for sea-based supply
 * 959th Transportation for supply of the Pathet Lao