Talk With History: Discover Your History Road Trip

The Last Flight Out of Vietnam: 50 Years After Escaping Saigon

Feb 10, 2025

46:05

In this episode, Scott and Jenn interview author Mickey Nguyen, the son of South Vietnamese pilot Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Ba. Mickey recounts his father's heroic actions during the fall of Saigon in April 1975.

His father executed a daring helicopter escape, saving his family and countless others from the advancing communist forces, a story featured in the Oscar-nominated film 'Last Days in Vietnam' and detailed in Mickey's memoir, 'The Last Flight Out.' The interview delves into the incredible details of their journey, the support from the U.S. Navy, and Captain Paul Jacobs' humanitarian efforts.

Mickey shares vivid memories and reflections on his family's survival and new life in America, leading up to the upcoming 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon.

📖 Buy the book: Last Flight Out

🎥 Video version of this podcast episode

00:00 Intro

01:55 Mickey Nguyen

03:02 Mickey's Journey and the Memoir 'The Last Flight Out'

03:53 The Heroic Escape: April 1975

06:34 Reconnecting with the USS Kirk Crew

07:56 The Making of the Documentary

09:36 The Dramatic Helicopter Ditch

12:03 The Final Escape from Saigon

27:44 Hovering Challenges and Sea State Factors

28:45 Dangerous Rescue Operations