Fighting in Laos, Duoc was the only member of his VC squad to survive. Isolated and deep within the jungle he was lost for more than a year. Presumed dead, his commanding officer advised Duoc's family that he was dead. Eventually he made his way home to Hue, but was ostracised as a possible traitor to the government. Angry at his treatment, Duoc left for Hanoi and established himself on Banana Island, a plantation accessible by bridge that is home to over thirty families who do not receive any government assistance or funding. Duoc has been the Mayor of Banana Island since arriving in 1976.