Terence Khoo (Choa Chu Kang Christian Cemetery)

Terence Khoo (born 21st November 1936 - died 20th July 1972) was a former Straits Times photgrapher from 1954-1956 before leaving to freelance and later work for Agence-France Presse staff before joining American Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) in 1964 to cover the Vietnam War where he met his untimely death. Two Singapore photographers were killed in action in the battle in Quan Tri. Terence Khoo (35) and Sam Kai Faye (48) were killed while covering the battle for American Broadcasting Corporation on  20 July 1972.  Sam was shot by a sniper near Quang Tri. Terence stayed behind to help. His last know words to a Korean soundman who manage to escape were; "I'm Ok", Moments later, he too was shot. Their bodies were recovered a few days later. Terence Khoo's brother, John Khoo flew to Saigon (now known as Ho Chin Minh ) to bring the body back. Terence Khoo's fiancee, Miss Winnie Ng (of Hong Kong), John Khoo (his brother and a police photographer) accompanied the body that was placed in an aluminium coffin. A memorial service was held at Khoo's home at 23-A Lincoln Road before burial at Choa Chu Kang Christian Cemetery. Sam Kai Faye was buried at Peck San Teng Buddhist Cemetery, off 4th mile Thomson Road.

Tomb of Terence Khoo (Choa Chu Kang Christian Cemetery)

The epitaph for him reads;  A fine and courageous journalist who died as he lived, tenacious yet compassionate, his selfless concern others put him in dangers path many a time on the battlefield. He went beyond his duties as a journalist, risking his life helping U.S and South Vietnamese forces to evacuate wounded civilians. He died in action on the war-torn battlefield in Quan Tri. Truly a man with courage of soul. A son so valiant and noble-hearted, whose filial piety, kindness, loving cate and thoughtfulness will always be remembered. Survived by his mother, Sim Geok Kee ,sister-in-law, Wong Lai Kuan and brother, Khoo Kiam Soon.

Terence Khoo's mother (Madam Sim Geok Kee) and fiancee (Miss Winnie Ng)

The coffins of Terence Khoo and Sam Kai Faye

Funeral of Mr. Terence Khoo - i can recognise his mother and his fiancee in the picture  (source: National Archives)

Terry the front line hero

Terence Khoo received a certificate of appreciation from 9th Infantry Division Commander, Major General Julian J. Ewell. He was commended for his bravery in helping rescue casualties from a rice field while under heavy enemy fire. Terence was filming the evacuation and realising the seriousness of the situation, put aside his camera and helped in the rescue.

His Legacy

Terence Khoo has bequeathed one-third of his insurance money of $62,500 to the University of Singapore. Yearly awards of $1,300 were given to the medical research for good students from not well to do families. The first award went to Lim Meng Kin, a final year medical student who went on to become a Brigadier General and later after retirement, the Chief Executive Officer of Health Corporation of Singapore.

Terence Khoo 

[research on-going]


References
Terry the front line hero. (1969, March 23). The Straits Times, page 9
2 jurugambar S'pura terbunoh di-Vietnam. (1972, July 22). Berita Harian, page 1
To varsity from Terence-a cash surprise. (1972, August 1). The Straits Times, page 15
"I' am OK." Moments later, he was shot. (1997, December 6). The Straits Times, page 28