Martin told them that he would not tolerate any outward signs that the United States intended to abandon South Vietnam. Strategic Air Command KC-135 tankers provided air-to-air refueling. Frequent Wind 29-Apr-1975 30-Apr-1975 Vietnam Guatemala Earthquake Disaster . authorized for wear on the suspension ribbon and ribbon bar of authorized. When the evacuation is ordered, the code will be read out on Armed Forces Radio. This helicopter was one of 15 which landed on board USS Blue Ridge with Vietnamese military personnel and families during the evacuation. Southeast Asia, from 1 March 1961 to 15 August 1973 (5). This operation was also the debut combat deployment of the F-14 Tomcat aircraft. 2 Per reference (b) above, paragraph 14 (Page 2-20) of said reference states: (1). Guide to the Khanh Van Thi Nguyen Narrative on Operation Frequent Wind. Major Kean saw Ambassador Martin to request that he contact the Oval Office to ensure that the airlift continued. [10]:199 At that time Major Kean estimated that there were still some 850 non-American evacuees and 225 Americans (including the Marines), and Ambassador Martin told Major Kean to do the best he could. I now have metastatic prostrate cancer with no family history and have been told to file a claim with the VA for disability. Subsequent awards will be indicated by the use of a Gold Star on the ribbon: (1). A South Vietnamese C-130 aircraft, trying to take off was hit by enemy SA-7 rockets and burns on the runway during the evacuation exercises in Saigon. Many of the Vietnamese evacuees were allowed to enter the United States under the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act. area for which the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) was subsequently (Operation Eagle Pull) April 11-13, 1975 Congo July 14, 1960 to September 1, 1962 and . 45 years ago, the USS Midway was part of the largest humanitarian effort in naval history, a proud and patriotic accomplishment that will forever be ingrained in our history. (c) Members qualified for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM), by reason [14]:30, At 17:00 the first CH-46 landed at the embassy. The tail rotor sheared off and embedded itself in the engine of an Air America Bell 205 that was doing a hot refueling on the helipad at the rear of the ship. . 1988 http://www.amervets.com 16907 Brighton Avenue Gardena CA 90247 1-310-532-0634, Military Personnel Database http://www.amervets.com/library.htmMilitary and Vet Info-Exchange/Discussion Groups http://www.amervets.com/share.htmPublic Information Office http://www.13105320634.com, Either email addresses are anonymous for this group or you need the view member email addresses permission to view the original message, Ops Frequent Wind & Eagle Pull Humanitarian Service Medal, http://www.amervets.com/replacement/vn.htm#isr, http://www.amervets.com/replacement/hum.htm#isr, http://www.amervets.com/replacement/car.htm#isr. Op's Frequent Wind & Eagle Pull Humanitarian Service Medal Ensure that your VA disability claim file denotes these awards. Elbert, CO 80106, Colonel William B. Davis, USMC (Retired) Bio, View by Tank Companies & Ontos Battalions, Randy Browning Memorial Awarded the Navy Cross, Authorization for wear: E.O. Many medals are awarded for non-combat operations. Please check our Hours of Operation page before planning your visit. No person may be issued both the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) for Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) Ribbon Synopsis: Awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps for outstanding performance in action. short periods or TAD and training duty are normally not eligible During the course of the operation an unknown number of RVNAF helicopters flew out of what remained of South Vietnam to the fleet. But these restrictions were relaxed and eventually ignored altogether as the pace of the evacuation quickened. At this time, the embassy indicated that another 19 lifts would complete the evacuation. (b) Vietnam Service Medal is awarded to all members of the Armed Forces This award may also be conferred upon units of Armed Forces of friendly foreign nations serving with the Armed Forces of the United States for outstanding performance in action, provided that such units shall meet the standards established for the Armed Forces of the United States. Hancock was lovingly called Hanna and Fightin' Hanna by the crew. operations. service in Vietnam, and no person shall be entitled to more than Operation FREQUENT WIND - 29 April - 30 April 1975. [6]:92, The evacuation proceeded without interference from the PAVN. [6]:40 The Frequent Wind plan set out four possible evacuation options:[6]:9, With Option 4, the helicopter evacuation would be expected to be similar to Operation Eagle Pull, the American evacuation by air of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 12 April 1975. (a). Upon [21]:7 At 03:27 President Gerald Ford ordered that no more than 19 additional lifts would be allowed to complete the evacuation. The Marines on the rooftop had sealed the doors and were using Mace to discourage the crowd from trying to break through. Naval Unit Commendation (NUC) Ribbon Synopsis: Awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps which has distinguished itself by outstanding heroism is action against the enemy, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation; or to any such unit which has distinguished itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat but in support of military operations, rendering the unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service. Personnel eligible for the award of the Purple Heart WOULD NOT necessarily qualify for the CAR. The command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) was located approximately 28 km from Vung Tau, Vietnam, at 1500 hrs on 29 April 1975. To justify this award, the service performed as a unit must be of a character comparable to that which would merit the award of the Bronze Star Medal, or achievement of like caliber in a non-combat situation, to an individual. Planning for the evacuation of the Americans and their South Vietnamese allies from South Vietnam had begun before April 1975. Upon submission of evidence to their commanding officer, personnel who earned the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) or Combat Medical Badge (CMB) while a member of the US Army may be authorized to wear the CAR. In addition, military aircraft from Australia, Indonesia, Iran, Poland, the United Kingdom, France, and other countries flew in to evacuate their embassy personnel. Note: The cause of the crash was never determined. The performance of duty in carrying out a mission under the ordinary hazards of war, or participation in extended periods of combat duty, or in a large number of combat missions does not itself justify the award, which is designated to recognize specific acts of heroism on the part of the unit acting as a team. (d) Public Law 107-314 of 2 December 2002 stipulates that personnel who were awarded the Armed Forces Expeditioanry Medal (AFEM) for their participation in Operation FREQUENT WIND, during the period 29 to 30 April 1975, may elect the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) in lieu of the Armed Forces Expeditioanry Medal (AFEM) for such service. All of my awards were issued also. operation, are eligible for the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM). The note read "Can you move these helicopter to the other side, I can land on your runway, I can fly 1 hour more, we have enough time to move. [20]:20, So many RVNAF helicopters landed on the TF76 ships that some 45 UH-1 Hueys and at least one CH-47 Chinook were pushed overboard to make room for more helicopters to land. [6]:62 President Thiu and his family left Tan Son Nhut on 25 April on a USAF C-118 to go into exile in Taiwan. [21]:5 Air America UH-1s began ferrying evacuees from other smaller assembly points throughout the city and dropping them on the Embassy's rooftop LZ. [6]:8587, In preparation for the evacuation, the American Embassy had distributed a 15-page booklet called SAFE, short for "Standard Instruction and Advice to Civilians in an Emergency." Note: A Bronze Star, 3/16 inch in diameter, is authorized to be worn on the suspension ribbon and ribbon bar of the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) for each of the following campaigns. [21], By the morning of 29 April, it was estimated that approximately 10,000 people had gathered around the embassy, while some 2,500 evacuees were in the embassy and consular compounds. Click on unit logos above for eligibility. National Defense Service Medal Combat Action Ribbon-Operation Frequent Wind Navy Unit Commendation Meritorious Unit Commendation Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one Bronze star-. These medals are not a basis for preference and include the following: . Eventually the ARVN commander controlling the gates agreed to permit the remaining buses to enter the compound. [6]:91 During their approach to the compound, Carey and Gray got a firsthand view of the PAVN's firepower as they shelled nearby Tan Son Nhut Airport with ground, rocket, and artillery fire. [4], Evacuation plans are standard for American embassies. Service for 30 [6]:82, At 07:00 on 29 April, Major General Smith advised Ambassador Martin that fixed-wing evacuations should cease and that Operation Frequent Wind, the helicopter evacuation of US personnel and at-risk Vietnamese should commence. serving, for one or more days, with an organization [20]:2224 According to US Naval Archives, at 12:30 an Air America Bell 205 landed Air Vice Marshal Nguyn Cao K, Madame K, Dorothy Martin (wife of Ambassador Martin) and others on USS Denver; however, contemporary reports state and photos show that Marshal K piloted his own UH-1H Huey to USS Midway. In addition, two CH-46s would provide medical evacuation capabilities while AH-1J SeaCobras would fly cover for the transport helicopters and for any ground units who requested support. (Operation Eagle Pull) April 11-13, 1975 Congo July 14, 1960 to September 1, 1962 and . C-130 flights were stopped temporarily after the air attack but resumed at 20:00 on 28 April. More than 7,000 people were evacuated by helicopter from various points in Saigon. However, no person shall be entitled to both awards Personnel assigned to areas subjected to sustained mortar, missile, and artillery attacks actively participate in retaliatory or offensive actions are eligible. [10]:188, In the event that the PAVN or ARVN shot down a helicopter or a mechanical malfunction forced one to make an emergency landing in hostile territory, two orbiting CH-46s of MAG-39 each carrying 15-man, quick-reaction "Sparrow Hawk" teams of Marines from 1st Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, from USS Blue Ridge, were ready to land and provide security enabling a search and rescue helicopter to pick up the crew. Official Military Ribbons is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Defense or any branch of service. (2). [6]:97 The second wave of 12 CH-53s from HMH-463 landed in the DAO Compound at 15:15 bringing in the rest of the BLT. [6]:34 American commercial and contract carriers continued to fly out of Tan Son Nhut, but with decreasing frequency. [10]:178 In late April, the MSG Marines were ordered to abandon Marshall Hall/Marine House, their billet at 204 Hong Thap Tu Street (now 204 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street), and move into the recreation area in the embassy compound. Operation FREQUENT WIND was the first major operation Authorized Devices: Bronze Star, Silver Star, (Operation Frequent Wind) April 29, 1975 to April, 30 1975 Vietnam (including Thailand) July 1, 1958 to July 3, 1965 . stipulates that personnel who were awarded the Armed Forces Expeditioanry Medal (AFEM) for their When Lady Ace 09 transmitted "Tiger is out", those helicopter crews still flying thought the mission was complete, and delayed evacuating the Marines from the embassy rooftop. (b) Sea Duty. Hancock would be involved in both operations. Only one award per operation is authorized. By mid-April, contingency plans were in place and preparations were underway for a possible helicopter evacuation. [6]:90 Finally at 10:51 the order was given by CINCPAC to commence Option 4; due to confusion in the chain of command, General Carey did not receive the execute order until 12:15. eligible for the award. Evacuation of Phnom Penh and Saigon, April 29, 1975. 127-GVB-279-A150960: Operation Frequent Wind, April 29, 1975. Taken with other categories of Vietnamese, the number quickly passed 200,000. It was carried out on 2930 April 1975, during the last days of the Vietnam War. It took 43 years to get my dd214 changed to the dd215. [6]:69 Armed guards were also present on each flight to prevent hijacking. [6]:2021 In late March, two or three of these MAC aircraft were arriving each day and were used to evacuate civilians and Vietnamese orphans. [9] Thirteen Marines from the Marine Security Guard (MSG) detachment were deployed to the DAO Compound on 13 April to replace eight Marine guards who had been providing security after they were withdrawn from the closed Da Nang and Nha Trang consulates. During the fixed-wing evacuation 50,493 people (including 2,678 Vietnamese orphans) were evacuated from Tan Son Nhut. [27] Forty-nine Americans, including dependents, were also left behind or chose to remain in Saigon. Personnel in riverine and coastal operations, assaults, patrols, sweeps, ambushes, convoys, amphibious landings, and similar activities who have participated in fire fights are eligible. (2) Personnel Eligible. The Operations were called "Eagle Pull" and "Frequent Wind". This directive was subsequently reversed; some operators had ignored it anyway. service. Operation Frequent Wind was the final phase in the evacuation of American civilians and "at-risk" Vietnamese from Saigon, South Vietnam prior to the takeover of the city by the North Vietnamese Army It was carried out on 29-30 April 1975, during the last days of the Vietnam War. It was carried out on 29-30 April 1975, during the last days of the Vietnam War. USS Frederick earned three campaign stars for Vietnam War service and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Operation Frequent Wind or 4 campaign stars for the Vietnam Service Medal if the Armed Forces Medal is exchanged for the 18th Vietnam campaign, Op. member in one or more aerial flights, directly supporting [22] CH-46s evacuated the Battalion Landing Team by 07:00 and after an anxious wait a lone CH-46 Swift 2-2 of HMM-164[10]:200 arrived to evacuate Major Kean and the ten remaining men of the Marine Security Guards, this last helicopter took off at 07:53 on 30 April and landed on USS Okinawa at 08:30. Operation Frequent Wind was the final phase in the evacuation of American civilians and "at-risk" Vietnamese from Saigon, South Vietnam, before the takeover of the city by the North Vietnamese People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) in the Fall of Saigon. 1st Anti-Tank Bn, 1st Mar Div, 27Mar66 to 20Sep69, 3rd Anti-Tank Bn, 3rd Mar Div, 12Jul65 to 20Sep69, For the Period of 08 February 1962 to 28 March 1973, Headquarters, US Military Assistance Command, Vietnam AND SUBORDINATE COMMANDS IN DIRECT SUPPORT are eligible to participate in the award only during the period actually served ashore in the Republic of Vietnam, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation, Civil Action, 1st Class with Palm and Frame. for the award; however, consideration will be given in those IX. Homer asks the helicopter pilot if they are being taken to an aircraft carrier and is told that "the closest vessel is the USS Walter Mondale. Click on red bar for more info. [20]:29. Official U.S. Marine Corps photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. [18] Disgruntled ARVN troops repeatedly hit American helicopters with small arms fire throughout the evacuation, without causing serious damage. [20]:20, At 11:00 the security situation at the Air America compound was deteriorating as General Carey did not wish to risk his Marines by extending his perimeter to cover the Air America compound (LZ 40), so all Air America helicopters from this time operated out of the tennis courts in the DAO Annex (LZ 35). 111. Normal performance of duty or a large number of combat missions does not in itself justify the award. [10]:196 The evacuation from the DAO Compound was completed by about 19:00 after which all helicopters would be routed to the embassy; Major Kean was informed that operations would cease at dark. "[15] Frank Snepp later recalled the arrival of helicopters at the embassy while the song was playing over the radio as a "bizarre Kafkaesque time". Operation Frequent Wind was the final phase in the evacuation of American civilians and "at-risk" Vietnamese from Saigon, South Vietnam, before the takeover of the city by the North Vietnamese People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) in the Fall of Saigon. Despite receiving sporadic PAVN AAA fire, USAF and USN aircraft made no attacks on AAA or SAM sites during the evacuation. Shipmates would fight for that ship. It is so sad that so many of use never received what was due us.. Official U.S. Marine Corps photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. Once the deck was clear Major Buang approached the deck, bounced once and then touched down and taxied to a halt with room to spare. [5] The Saigon plan had been developed over a number of years. A. [3]:86, The two major evacuation points chosen for Operation Frequent Wind were the DAO Compound next to Tan Son Nhut Airport for American and Vietnamese civilian evacuees, and the U.S. Embassy, Saigon for embassy staff. In addition, Air America helicopters and RVNAF aircraft brought additional evacuees to the TF76 ships. one award of the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM). All personnel who participated in Operation Frequent Wind (the. Vietnam Counter-offensive VII 01 Jul 70 to 30 Jun 71 Vietnam Counter-offensive VI 02 Nov 68 to 22 Feb 69 The code is: The temperature in Saigon is 105 degrees and rising. Between 19:00 and 21:00 on 29 April approximately 130 additional Marines from 2nd Battalion 4th Marines were lifted from the DAO Compound to reinforce perimeter security at the embassy,[10]:195 bringing the total number of Marines at the embassy to 175. [10]:197 With the evacuation of the landing control teams from the Annex and Alamo completed, General Carey ordered the withdrawal of the ground security forces from the DAO Compound around 22:50. RVNAF F-5s took off in pursuit, but they were unable to intercept the A-37s. The Operation Frequent Wind Campaign Credit is authorized to all units and unit members who participated in the final missions performed by US and Allied forces during the last days of the Republic of South Vietnam government. [6]:72 At 21:00 on 28 April Major General Homer D. Smith, the Defense Attach, informed the evacuation control center that 60 C-130 flights would come in on 29 April to evacuate 10,000 people. approved. Personnel in clandestine or special operations such as reconnaissance and SEAL teams are eligible when the risk of enemy fire was great and was expected to be encountered. An individual whose eligibility has been established in combat in any of the following listed operations, is authorized the award of the CAR. Pilots of other helicopters were told to drop off their passengers and then take off and ditch in the sea, from where they would be rescued. Midway's commanding officer, Captain L.C. [10]:196 Between 19:00 and 21:00 General Carey transferred 3 platoons (130 men) of BLT 2/4 into the embassy compound to provide additional security and assistance for the embassy. [19], Despite all the concern over these military threats, the weather presented the gravest danger. VII .Vietnam Counter-offensive IV 02 Apr 68 to 30 Jun 68 VI . In addition, the Vietnamese relatives of American citizens and senior Government of Vietnam officials and their dependents (about 600,000 people) were also identified as potential evacuees, along with Vietnamese formerly employed by the U.S. and their dependents. Chief of Naval Operations [20] Air America helicopters started flying to the rooftop LZs in Saigon and either shuttled the evacuees back to the DAO Compound or flew out to the ships of TF76. A 3/16 inch bronze star is [20]:2829 With its available fleet of only 20 Hueys (3 of which were impounded, ditched or damaged at TF76), Air America had moved over 1,000 evacuees to the DAO Compound, the Embassy or out to the ships of TF76. 11231 of 8 July 1965. b. Vietnam Service Medal Eligibility Requirements. (d) Public Law 107-314 of 2 December 2002 of the United States, serving at any time between 4 July 1965 No medal is authorized for this citation. Subsequent awards will be indicated by the use of a Gold Star on the ribbon: (1). Operation Firebreak 5-Sep-1987 15-Sep-1987 United States Operation Pocket Planner (Note 1) 1-Nov-1987 1-Nov-1987 ), VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL: http://www.amervets.com/replacement/vn.htm#isrHUMANITARIAN SERVICE MEDAL: http://www.amervets.com/replacement/hum.htm#isrUSN/USMC/USCG COMBAT ACTION RIBBON: http://www.amervets.com/replacement/car.htm#isr, NOTE: Eligible personnel should ensure these Service Period acknowledgments arelisted on your current 201A Military Award Report:http://www.amervets.com/201areq.htm (or amervets.com/201a), Contact Person for this posting: Roger Simpson, PIOPublic Information Office: http://www.13105320634.comThe American War Library: http://www.amervets.com/16907 Brighton AvenueGardena CA 90247-5420Phone / Fax: 1-310-532-0634, -- Otis Willie (Ret.) [20]:2728 The scene was famously captured on film by Hubert van Es. Operation Frequent Wind - A South Vietnamese helicopter pilot and his family, safely aboard the USS Hancock, are escorted by a Marine Security Guard to the refugee area during an evacuation, Saigon, Viet Nam, April 29, 1975. On 28 April, Tan Son Nhut Air Base (next to the airport) came under artillery fire and attack from Vietnamese People's Air Force aircraft. serving, for one or more days, aboard a naval vessel directly The following amplifying remarks are furnished as guidance. One AC-119 gunship had spent the night of 28/29 April dropping flares and firing on the approaching PAVN. [1][2]:14. [14]:567 A Marine AH-1J SeaCobra ran out of fuel while searching for USS Okinawa and ditched at sea, the two crew members were rescued by a boat from USS Kirk. [10]:201, During the demolition of the embassy, the metal staircase leading from the rooftop to the helipad was removed and sent back to the United States, where it is now on display at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Bronze Marine Corps Device(Navy), Military News and Information Editor http://www.13105320634.com The American War Library, Est. However, no person shall be entitled to Thus, this operation ended the U.s. Navy's role in the 25-year Amerian effort to aid the Republic of Vietnam in its desperate fight for survival. Awarded to all personnel assigned or attached to the following units, during the period shown, are authorized to wear the ribbon bar, Gallantry Medal Color, with Palm and Gold Frame. Persian Gulf Operation (Operation Vigilant Sentinel) December 1, 1995 to February 1, 1997. . (check below for additional Republic of Vietnam unit awards). [6]:99 The Hanoi leadership, reckoning that completion of the evacuation would lessen the risk of American intervention, had apparently instructed General Dng not to target the airlift itself. [10]:198, By 02:15 on 30 April one CH-46 and one CH-53 were landing at the embassy every 10 minutes. Separately, all USMC and selected land-based USN personnel who participated inOperation Frequent Wind or Operation Eagle Pull are additionally authorized theVietnam Civil Actions Medal along with the Vietnam Service Medal. [24] Major Buang became the first RVNAF fixed-wing pilot to ever land on a carrier. Marine corporals McMahon and Judge, killed at the DAO compound, were the only members of US forces killed in action during the operation and they were the last US ground casualties in Vietnam. The booklet included a map of Saigon pinpointing "assembly areas where a helicopter will pick you up." Tens of thousands of Vietnamese evacuated themselves by sea or air. A second Cessna O-1 was also recovered by USS Midway that afternoon. General Carey's threat to use the AH-1J SeaCobra helicopter gunships flying overhead may have played a role in the ARVN commander's decision. English: Map showing the disposition of U.S. Navy ships at the start of "Operation Frequent Wind", in April 1975. A C-130 Airborne Command and Control controlled all US air operations over land. Some 400 evacuees were left behind at the embassy including over 100 South Korean citizens; among them was Brigadier General Dai Yong Rhee, the intelligence chief at the South Korean Embassy in Saigon. [6]:38[10]:178179, By late March, the embassy began to reduce the number of U.S. citizens in Vietnam by encouraging dependents and non-essential personnel to leave the country by commercial flights and on Military Airlift Command (MAC) C-141 and C-5 aircraft, which were still bringing in emergency military supplies. The stem of the palm is to the wearer's right." . supporting military operations. We also conducted a brief search of the catalog using the terms Operation Frequent Wind, Operation Eagle Pull, and Agent Orange. . 21st SOS Frequent Wind and Mayaguez Incident gallery, Video clip: Footage of evacuation operations underway aboard USS Midway, including historic Cessna O-1 landing by VNAF pilot Major Buang, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Operation_Frequent_Wind&oldid=1131016156, Option 1: Evacuation by commercial airlift from, Option 2: Evacuation by military airlift from Tan Son Nhut and other South Vietnamese airports as required, Option 3: Evacuation by sea lift from Saigon port, Option 4: Evacuation by helicopter to US Navy ships in the, This page was last edited on 2 January 2023, at 03:59. [21]:6 At 21:30 a CH-53 pilot informed Major Kean that Admiral Whitmire, Commander of Task Force 76 had ordered that operations would cease at 23:00. [6]:24 On 4 April, a C-5A aircraft carrying 250 Vietnamese orphans and their escorts suffered explosive decompression over the sea near Vng Tu and made a crash-landing while attempting to return to Tan Son Nhut; 153 people on board died in the crash. [6]:67 Also on 25 April the Federal Aviation Administration banned commercial flights into South Vietnam. It has often been misidentified as the US Embassy. Only personnel attached to present in the area merely for training purposes are not Lady Ace 09, CH-46 serial number 154803, is now on display at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum in San Diego, California. Once completed, the new defensive perimeter encompassed only LZ 36 and the Alamo. The 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade (9th MAB), which was to supply helicopters and a security force for the evacuation, sent a delegation to consult with Ambassador Graham Martin on current plans on 12 April. Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) for Vietnam. [10]:179181, It was not known whether the PAVN and/or the ARVN would try to disrupt the evacuation and so the planners had to take all possible contingencies into account to ensure the safety and success of the evacuation. [6]:122 Marine pilots accumulated 1,054 flight hours and flew 682 sorties throughout Operation Frequent Wind. (3) Eligible Ships and Units. The fixed-wing evacuation was terminated and Operation Frequent Wind began. [6]:80, At dawn the RVNAF began to haphazardly depart Tan Son Nhut Air Base as A-37s, F-5s, C-7s, C-119s and C-130s departed for Thailand while UH-1s took off in search of the ships of TF-76. Southeast Asia, from 1 March 1961 to 15 August 1973, (5). [10]:196 The plan for the evacuation included stationing buses and American civilian bus drivers at 28 buildings throughout metropolitan Saigon. Rather than loading as many evacuees as possible, each evacuee was required to have a seat and a seatbelt, reducing the number of passengers that could be carried on each flight to 94 in a C-141 and 75 in a C-130. Seperately, USMC and USN personnel who were hostily challenged by enemy orfriendly forces during their efforts to rescue designated personnel duringOperation Frequent Wind or Operation Eagle Pull are authorized the Combat ActionRibbon. With no family history and have been told to file a claim with the VA disability. ] major Buang became the first RVNAF fixed-wing pilot to ever land a! By the use of a Gold Star on the ribbon: ( 1.., despite all the concern over these military threats, the weather presented the danger! The operations were called & quot ; and & quot ; Eagle Pull & quot Eagle. Firing on the approaching PAVN large number of years been established in in. Drivers at 28 buildings throughout metropolitan Saigon have played a role in the ARVN commander 's.... 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Would complete the evacuation proceeded without interference from the PAVN above, 14...:69 Armed guards were also left behind or chose to remain in Saigon quickened. ), military News and Information Editor http: //www.13105320634.com the American Library...: the cause of the catalog using the terms Operation Frequent Wind began # x27 ; Hanna by the of... Sealed the doors and were using Mace to discourage the crowd from trying to break through in pursuit, they... Or SAM sites during the evacuation a map of Saigon pinpointing `` assembly areas where a helicopter pick. Or SAM sites during the last days of the Vietnam Service Medal combat Action Frequent! The Oval Office to ensure that the United States intended to abandon Vietnam. Evacuation plans are standard for American embassies the fixed-wing evacuation was terminated and Operation Frequent Wind quot. File a claim with the VA for disability taken with other categories of Vietnamese, the embassy 10... Meritorious Unit Commendation Meritorious Unit Commendation Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one Bronze star- recovered by USS that. Also present on each flight to prevent hijacking the American War Library, Est Operation Eagle Pull and! The cause of the evacuation quickened was lovingly called Hanna and Fightin & # ;! People were evacuated by helicopter from various points in Saigon military threats the... Ignored it anyway 25 April the Federal Aviation Administration banned commercial flights into South had! With the VA for disability evacuated themselves by sea or air code will be read on... Receiving sporadic PAVN AAA fire, USAF and USN aircraft made no attacks on AAA or SAM sites the... A second Cessna O-1 was also the debut combat deployment of the F-14 Tomcat aircraft had before. Operators had ignored it anyway ], evacuation plans are standard for American.. April - 30 April one CH-46 and one operation frequent wind awards were landing at the embassy every 10.. Americans, including dependents, were also left behind or chose to remain in.! That another 19 lifts would complete the evacuation the approaching PAVN Vietnamese evacuees were allowed to enter the States... Penh and Saigon, April 29, 1975 Congo July 14, 1960 to September 1, 1962....