OVA
Description
Nguyễn Văn Chôm is a former lieutenant in the South Vietnamese Air Force who becomes a mercenary fighter pilot at Area 88. He arrives at the base with the rank of lieutenant and flies an F-105 Thunderchief, his aircraft displaying a personal mark of a winged tiger. Known by the fearsome epithet the Man-Eating Tiger of Tonkin Bay, he is a brutal and bloodthirsty individual who openly enjoys killing enemy pilots, even shooting those who have ejected from their aircraft with his Vulcan cannon. His face bears prominent scars, and he is often seen smoking a cigar during peacetime, adding to his intimidating presence.
Despite his cruel exterior, Chôm has a softer side that emerges in his fondness for children, and he is often involved with a young character named Kim. His past in the Vietnam War connects him to fellow mercenary Mickey Simon, with whom he initially has a hostile rivalry. Over time, their frequent conversations and shared history lead to a grudging mutual understanding, and Chôm gradually blends into the broader group of pilots at Area 88, exchanging greetings and developing a sense of camaraderie. He also frequently argues with Shin Kazama, especially after Shin shoots down a friendly fighter whose pilot was blinded, yet he eventually comes to respect Shin’s abilities.
Chôm’s role in the story is that of a supporting mercenary whose violent nature initially stands out but who later reveals a more human side. In his final moments, during a large-scale air battle, his aircraft is hit by overwhelming enemy fire and his ejection seat malfunctions, throwing him from the machine. He suffers severe abdominal wounds, with his internal organs protruding, and is pulled into the rear seat of Mickey’s F-14. As he dies, he recalls the familiar scenery of the Mekong River in his homeland, and his body is later buried by his fellow pilots, an uncommon honor among the often-unclaimed dead of Area 88. His notable abilities lie in his aggressive and ruthless combat style, making him a dangerous opponent in the air.
Despite his cruel exterior, Chôm has a softer side that emerges in his fondness for children, and he is often involved with a young character named Kim. His past in the Vietnam War connects him to fellow mercenary Mickey Simon, with whom he initially has a hostile rivalry. Over time, their frequent conversations and shared history lead to a grudging mutual understanding, and Chôm gradually blends into the broader group of pilots at Area 88, exchanging greetings and developing a sense of camaraderie. He also frequently argues with Shin Kazama, especially after Shin shoots down a friendly fighter whose pilot was blinded, yet he eventually comes to respect Shin’s abilities.
Chôm’s role in the story is that of a supporting mercenary whose violent nature initially stands out but who later reveals a more human side. In his final moments, during a large-scale air battle, his aircraft is hit by overwhelming enemy fire and his ejection seat malfunctions, throwing him from the machine. He suffers severe abdominal wounds, with his internal organs protruding, and is pulled into the rear seat of Mickey’s F-14. As he dies, he recalls the familiar scenery of the Mekong River in his homeland, and his body is later buried by his fellow pilots, an uncommon honor among the often-unclaimed dead of Area 88. His notable abilities lie in his aggressive and ruthless combat style, making him a dangerous opponent in the air.