News Summary
On April 29, 1975, amid the chaos of the Fall of Saigon, South Vietnamese pilot Major Buang-Ly and his family faced peril while seeking refuge. The USS Midway, involved in Operation Frequent Wind, became the focal point of an extraordinary rescue. With courage, Captain Larry Chambers chose to prioritize saving lives over military assets, allowing Major Buang to land on the deck, exemplifying human decency in desperate times. This moment, marked by sacrifice, reflects the crucial decisions made that day and the bravery displayed by all involved.
Bravery Aboard the USS Midway: A Family Rescued Amidst the Fall of Saigon
On April 29, 1975, a dramatic and heartwarming chapter unfolded in the history of the USS Midway. As the North Vietnamese forces advanced towards Saigon, a South Vietnamese pilot, Major Buang-Ly, found himself in a perilous predicament—a situation that called for decisive action and extraordinary courage. Major Buang was flying a single-engine Cessna Bird Dog with his wife and five children, desperately seeking a safe place to land.
Operation Frequent Wind: A Chaotic Evacuation
At the time, the USS Midway was deeply involved in *Operation Frequent Wind*, a major effort to evacuate around *7,000 individuals*, including both South Vietnamese and American citizens, as chaos reigned in Saigon. The flight deck of the Midway was teeming with helicopters, prepared for their crucial mission, and the value of the military hardware positioned there was an astounding *$30 million*.
“Can You Move These Helicopters?”
With no radio to communicate, Major Buang took a life-changing risk. He wrote a desperate note and dropped it onto the deck of the Midway. The note simply requested, *“Can you move these helicopters to the other side, I can land on your runway, I can fly 1 hour more…”* This plea for help set the stage for Captain Larry Chambers to make a tough decision. As bullets flew and uncertainty loomed large, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Was it time to prioritize the impressive machinery on the deck, or should the focus shift to saving lives?
A Difficult Decision
Captain Chambers understood the potential consequences of allowing Buang’s family to land on the Midway. The risk of having them ditch in the ocean was incredibly high, possibly resulting in tragedy for his family. Under orders from superiors who opposed landing the small aircraft, Chambers faced a decision that would test his bravery. He chose to listen to his heart rather than to military protocol.
Turning the Ship into the Wind
In a remarkable act of leadership, Captain Chambers ordered the *entire air wing* aboard the Midway to clear space on the deck for the plane. His decision involved turning the ship into the wind, creating a more favorable landing environment for the incoming aircraft. With true determination, the crew pushed helicopters off the deck, sending them splashing into the sea below—a bold choice made to save a family in peril.
Success Against the Odds
Despite potential disciplinary action lingering in the air, Captain Chambers focused on the task at hand. Major Buang executed a successful landing on the Midway, and the crew sprang into action to rescue the small plane from being blown away by fierce winds. This moment became a poignant symbol of sacrifice and human decency in desperate times.
The Legacy of Bravery
Buang was later regarded by Chambers as “the bravest son of a b*tch” he’d ever met, acknowledging the incredible courage it took for a father to attempt such a landing under dire circumstances. The event, which marked the end of U.S. military involvement in Vietnam, also underscored the tremendous loss and economic toll experienced throughout the conflict.
A Promotion Well Earned
Fortunately for Captain Chambers, his brave choice did not go unnoticed. He faced no disciplinary action for his willingness to save lives instead of protecting military assets. Rather, he was later promoted to rear admiral, a testament to the respect earned through extraordinary acts of kindness and bravery.
Reflecting on Duty
In looking back on that fateful day, Captain Chambers emphasized the importance of initiative and responsibility in the military, reinforcing the belief that saving lives must take priority over hardware. What transpired aboard the USS Midway serves as an enduring reminder of the *impact of compassion*, especially in the face of chaos—a true testament to the human spirit in the throes of crisis.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- BBC News: Bravery Aboard the USS Midway
- Deccan Herald: Celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City
- Straits Times: Celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City
- DW: China-Vietnam Tensions Flare Up
- Google Search: USS Midway Vietnam War
