Heroic Rescue at Sea: USS Midway’s Legendary Evacuation

The USS Midway clearing its deck to facilitate a dramatic evacuation during the Fall of Saigon.

News Summary

On April 29, 1975, Capt. Larry Chambers made a life-altering decision during the Fall of Saigon. As Major Buang and his family sought refuge, Chambers cleared the deck of the USS Midway, risking his career to save them. This act of bravery exemplified the larger humanitarian efforts during the chaos of evacuation operations, ultimately rescuing thousands and marking a pivotal moment in naval history.

Heroic Rescue at Sea: USS Midway’s Unforgettable Moment

On April 29, 1975, a dramatic scene unfolded aboard the USS Midway that has since become a legendary tale of bravery and sacrifice during the chaotic moments of the Fall of Saigon. With North Vietnamese forces closing in, Capt. Larry Chambers faced a heart-wrenching decision that would put everything on the line for the safety of one family.

Amidst Chaos: The Warning Signs of Evacuation

As the evacuation operations, known as Operation Frequent Wind, ramped up, the urgency in the air was palpable. Saigon was in disarray, and thousands faced a perilous choice: escape or face the bleak prospect of capture by the advancing troops. Among the desperate was South Vietnamese Air Force Major Buang-Ly, who had hustled into the skies with his wife and five children in a small Cessna Bird Dog. The stakes could not have been higher.

A Heartfelt Plea from Above

In a nail-biting twist, Major Buang lacked any radio communication to relay his situation to the USS Midway. Instead, he devised a creative solution—he dropped a handwritten note directly onto the carrier’s deck. This wasn’t just any note; it was a heartfelt plea that detailed his family’s urgent need for a place to land. The note read: “Can you mouve these Helicopter to the other side, I can land on your runway, I can fly 1 hour more, we have enough time to mouve. Please rescue me, Major Buang wife and 5 child.”

A Commander’s Tough Choice

Capt. Chambers was faced with a dilemma: allow the Buang family to potentially crash into the ocean, or risk his career by clearing the deck of expensive helicopters to make room for their safe landing. Initially, he understood the gravity of the situation more than most. Clearing the deck could lead to his court-martial; however, the thought of a family perishing due to hesitation weighed heavily on him.

Action Stations: A Team Effort

With unwavering resolve, Chambers made his decision. He ordered the ship’s entire air wing of around 2,000 personnel to prepare for the emergency landing while skillfully maneuvering the carrier into the wind for optimal conditions. Crew members immediately sprang into action, shoving helicopters valued at nearly $30 million into the South China Sea to clear the way. It’s worth noting that in the chaos, no one had the time to keep accurate count of how many helicopters were sacrificed.

A Safe Landing Against the Odds

After a tense wait, the deck was cleared just in time for Major Buang, who successfully landed his aircraft on the USS Midway. As wind whipped around, crew members rushed to secure the plane, ensuring it wouldn’t be lost to the ocean breeze. Capt. Chambers complimented Buang’s courage, recognizing the risk that came with landing on a moving aircraft carrier.

A Grand Rescue Operation

As history tells it, about 7,000 South Vietnamese and Americans were rescued during those intense days, with roughly 2,000 evacuees finding sanctuary on the USS Midway alone. Major Buang and his family were among those who escaped, a testament not just to his bravery, but to the entire crew’s commitment to humanity.

Legacy and Recognition

Despite the potential fallout from his bold decision, Capt. Chambers faced no disciplinary action, and his exemplary leadership did not go unnoticed. He would eventually rise through the ranks to become the first person of color to command a US Navy aircraft carrier and, two years later, would be promoted to rear admiral.

The End of an Era

The events of that fateful day in April symbolize more than just individual heroics; they mark a significant chapter in the saga of the Vietnam War, highlighting the courage found even amidst calamity as the US military’s involvement came to an end. The USS Midway and its crew will always be remembered for their valiant efforts, reminding us that in the face of uncertainty, humanity often shines the brightest.