Freedom has a unique connotation, amongst those who did not have it and later earned it, has a taste all of its own. For South Vietnamese Air Force Maj Buang-Ly he earned freedom for his family of five children, wife, and himself.

On 29 April, 1975, one the most remarkable flights to freedom occured. The fledgeling nation of South Vietnam was fighting for its very existence and was days away from surrender. The US presence in the nation had dwindled to a handful of CIA officers, military advisors, and a US Embassy contingent split amongst various locations throughout downtown Saigon. The order to evacuate had just been given and the race to freedom for the South Vietnamese whom had supported US interests was on.

Evacuation from the Defense Attache Office Compound, Saigon, Republic of South Vietnam

Amongst the many heroics of the day both by US and civilians alike, is the flight of a O-1 Bird Dog and the subsequent un-arrested carrier landing for a fixed-wing aircraft, a first in US Naval History. Piloted by Major Buang-Ly, whom had picked up and stuffed his family into the two-seat cockpit, the O-1 Bird Dog made its way off the coast of South Vietnam in search of a US aircraft carrier that he could land his family laden plane on. Believing that aircraft carriers were in the area, Major Buang-Ly made the gutsy decision to go for it.

With an hour’s left of fuel, Major Buang-Ly finally found the USS Midway, currently recovering US helicopters landing and taking-off as fast as they could. Flying over the deck of the Midway Major Buang-Ly dropped three notes, the first two had fluttered off the deck, but the third he had stuffed into the barrel of his pistol and the note finally made it onto the deck of the USS Midway. His message, “Can you move the 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 Bung, wife and 5 child

RVN Huey being pushed over the side to make way for Major Buang-Ly

The USS Midway’s Commanding Officer, Captain Larry Chambers ordered the deck cleared. Upon approach, Major Buang-Ly carefully brought the 0–1 Bird Dog for a perfect landing.

The note dropped from the Bird dog.

As the deck crew rapidly secured the 0–1, Major Buang-Ly and his family tumbled out of the aircraft. Bringing to an end one of the most incredible escapes to freedom in this century. Major Buang-Ly and his family would continue to reside in the United States and most recently were recognized during the Fall of Saigon ceremonies.

Sometimes all it takes is a guts, glory, and a bit of luck. Semper Fi Buang-Ly.