Phan Thi Kim Phuc

# Phan Thị Kim Phúc

Who / What

Phan Thị Kim Phúc is a Vietnamese-Canadian activist and the iconic subject of one of the most powerful photographs from the Vietnam War. Born in South Vietnam, she became globally recognized as "the Napalm Girl" after being severely burned by napalm during an air strike at Trảng Bàng on June 8, 1972.

Background & History

Kim Phúc was born on **April 6, 1963**, in Huế, South Vietnam. Her image—taken by photojournalist Nick Ut—captured her fleeing the attack naked and burned, exposing the horrors of war to the world. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, she fled with her family to Canada, where she later became a naturalized citizen. She has since become an advocate for peace, human rights, and children affected by conflict.

Why Notable

Kim Phúc’s photograph remains one of the most powerful visual symbols of war crimes, influencing global anti-war movements and raising awareness about civilian suffering in conflicts. Her story underscores the devastating impact of napalm and broader humanitarian crises, earning her recognition as a symbol of resilience and advocacy for victims of violence.

In the News

While Kim Phúc’s personal life remains relatively private, her legacy continues to resonate in discussions on war trauma, human rights, and international peace efforts. Her work with organizations like **Save the Children** and her public appearances keep her image relevant as a reminder of historical atrocities and ongoing calls for accountability.

Key Facts

**Type:** Person

**Also known as:** The Napalm Girl, Girl in the Picture

**Founded / Born:** April 6, 1963 (Huế, South Vietnam)

**Key dates:**

**June 8, 1972** – Photographed by Nick Ut after napalm attack.

**1975** – Flees Saigon with her family to Canada.

**Naturalized Canadian citizen** (late 1980s).

**Geography:** Born in South Vietnam; now a resident of Canada.

**Affiliation:** Activist for peace, children’s rights, and humanitarian causes.

Links

[Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phan_Thi_Kim_Phuc)

Sources

• 🔗 Wikipedia

Phan Thị Kim Phúc (Vietnamese: [faːŋ tʰɪ̂ˀ kim fúk͡p̚]; born April 6, 1963), referred to informally as the girl in the picture and the napalm girl, is a South Vietnamese-born Canadian woman best known as the child depicted in the Pulitzer Prize–winning photograph, titled The Terror of War, taken at Trảng Bàng during the Vietnam War on June 8, 1972. The image shows a nine-year-old Kim Phúc running naked on a road after being severely burned on her back by a South Vietnamese Air Force napalm attack. The image became one of the most iconic and powerful symbols of the war, influencing global public opinion and anti-war movements.