Defining a hero in a time of aggression is challenging. How do we define a hero? Must a hero be a soldier who is killed in war, an officer, or a leader of men? Must he be highly trained, educated, or even smart?

The contemporary world identifies heroes in the context of social media icons, athletes and movie stars, or other elite cultural stars, but the definition of a hero is not embodied in these ephemeral, fickle or trivial moments and endeavours of the human experience.

A hero is one who sacrifices him or herself without any expectation of return. A hero’s worth is not measured by his or her strength, ability, intellect or fame. Heroism is sacrifice.

This is the story of Sam Sokongchat, a young Cambodian soldier, who is just one person among many other brave soldiers that have dedicated themselves to the defence of the nation. His story is one of great heroism and it is illustrative of many other people who continue to sacrifice their happiness for a greater purpose.

Sam Chhun, Sokongchat’s aunt, describes the heroism of her nephew, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation, at the age of just 19.

Sokongchat was a brave young soldier, born on December 4, 2006, in Tuol Prasat village, Bak Anloung commune, Trapeang Prasat district, Oddar Meanchey province.

He died on the Ta Krabei front-line on July 26, 2025.

Sokongchat was the eldest child in the family, with three younger siblings: a sister and two brothers. He was born into a poor family, but he carried high hopes and aspirations in his everyday life. He went to live with his grandmother and completed his studies up to Grade 7 in his hometown.

Later, when his grandmother could no longer afford to support his secondary education, she entrusted his care to his aunt, Sam Chhun, who lives in Chhuk village, Krasang commune, Chong Kal district, Oddar Meanchey province.

Despite the distance from his aunt’s home, Sokongchat pursued his secondary education at Techo Sen Samrong High School with determination and resilience.  Each morning, he awoke early to prepare rice and pack his own food before setting out for school, often returning home late in the evening after a long day of study.

When he reached Grade 12, Sam Chhun asked her mother-in-law for permission to let him live with her for a year, so that he wouldn’t face difficulties with his studies — especially during the crucial year of preparing for his high school graduation exam. Despite the difficult situation, Sokongchat worked hard and managed to finish Grade 12 with good results.

Sokongchat received a scholarship in electrical studies at an institute in Battambang province. He decided to continue his studies there, living in a dormitory with other students from Anlong Veng district.

While studying electrical engineering, he often told his aunt that he was afraid of heights and the dangers of electric shocks.

Even though he was studying electrical engineering, his determination and desire to join the army was strong. He constantly pleaded with his aunt for permission to join the army.

She consistently refused, explaining that nearly all the men in their family were front-line soldiers who were rarely home. She wanted him to become a teacher because he was good at math. Yet Sokongchat never gave up his aspiration to serve.

Eventually he applied for and was accepted into the army, leaving behind his electrical studies in Battambang province to begin military training in Siem Reap province. From that day forward, Sokongchat never visited home.

His courageous spirit never wavered, even as war unfolded around him.

This was his first combat experience — defending his homeland and fellow citizens against Thai military aggression. On the first day of battle, he told his aunt, “So many bombs dropped today. The noise is deafening… and I’m a little bit scared. I’m just waiting to hear the commander’s orders.”

“Today I’m alone in the trench, just me and a snail. The gunfire and explosions are still deafening; it’s not quiet,” he told her, on day two of the fighting.

On the third day of fighting, July 26, he called his aunt for the final time.

“There’s even more bombing today. Don’t worry about me. This time, I have a partner in the trench. I’ve been eating instant noodles to keep up my strength, as the food supply team hasn’t been able to reach us. I’m only eating enough to stay strong and keep fighting.

“The sky is heavy with fog, and the visibility is low — we can’t see the Thai military drones. I’m still waiting for the commander’s signal,” he told her.

On July 26, 2025, Sokongchat was severely wounded, and lost the battle to survive.

The following day, his aunt, Chhun organised a funeral ceremony for him, even as many villagers fled to seek safety. The ceremony could not be conducted in the traditional way, as bombs continued to fall. The village was deserted, and there was no way to use loudspeakers or perform ritual music.

Chhun described him as a young man of strong character — hardworking, compassionate and always mindful of others’ hardships. A quiet fighter, he was remarkably resilient. Before leaving for his studies in Battambang, Sokongchat expressed his wish to volunteer at the Anlong Veng Peace Center, located in his home district.

Even while studying, he regularly participated in community volunteer work to serve the people of Anlong Veng.

The Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam) and the Anlong Veng Peace Center are honoured by the heroism, selflessness and sacrifice of Sam Sokongchat. This is the story of a hero’s dreams.

Written with permission from his family by Youk Chhang and Un Sodavy, of the Documentation Center of Cambodia.