aspect of rural and urban life, and the nation was collectivized. Ho Chi Minh presided over this system and served as President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam until his death in September, 1969. He was then 79 years old.
Two words frequently used by those who met Ho were “genius” and “intractable.” Personally, he was quiet but forceful. His voice was thin, with the suggestion of a lisp. Visitors said that his eyes seemed to glow from beneath his bushy eyebrows.