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. Vietnam Defense Campaign 08 Mar 65 to 24 Dec 65 Personnel eligible for the award of the Purple Heart WOULD NOT necessarily qualify for the CAR. [36][37] The building in the photo was the Pittman Apartment building at 22 Gia Long Street (now 22 L T Trng Street), which was used as a residence by various embassy, CIA, and USAID employees. From 7 October 1987 to 7 April 1988, Okinawa was deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of mine sweeping operations and MAGTF 1-88. [16] Japanese journalists, concerned that they would not recognize the tune, had to get someone to sing it to them. [6] Originally codenamed "Talon Vise", the operation was renamed "Frequent Wind" when the original codename was compromised. This meant that scattered clouds existed below their flight path while a solid layer of clouds more than two miles above their heads obscured the sun. Bronze Marine Corps Device(Navy), [6]:22 Also on 1 April, Plan Alamo was implemented to defend the DAO compound and its annex so it could serve as a holding area for 1,500 evacuees for five days. service in Vietnam, and no person shall be entitled to more than [6]:69 Armed guards were also present on each flight to prevent hijacking. 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. Major Kean advised that the LZ would be well lit and had vehicles moved around the parking lot LZ with their engines running and headlights on to illuminate the LZ. RVNAF pilot jumps from his Huey after dropping evacuees on USS Midway, One of the more notable events occurred on Midway when the pilot of an RVNAF Cessna O-1 dropped a note on the deck of the carrier. (c). Send the form to: Bureau of Naval Personnel Liaison Office Room 5409, 9700 Page Avenue St. Louis, MO 63132-5100 To obtain information about unit awards earned, contact the Chief of Naval Operations, Awards and Special Projects Branch at the address below. At 07:00 the AC-119 was firing on PAVN to the east of Tan Son Nhut when it too was hit by an SA-7 and fell in flames to the ground. (b). Note: (3) Eligible Ships and Units. [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. Do not disclose to other personnel. Lady Ace 09, CH-46 serial number 154803, is now on display at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum in San Diego, California. Taken with other categories of Vietnamese, the number quickly passed 200,000. Southeast Asia, from 1 March 1961 to 15 August 1973, (5). Sporadic gunfire from around the embassy passed over the rooftop. 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. [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. operations. eligible for the medal. It immediately turned toward the threatening radar and fifteen to twenty anti-aircraft weapons opened up on it and the F-4D. The airlift resulted in a number of enduring images. This award may also maybe conferred upon units of the other branches of the Armed Forces of the United States and of friendly foreign nations serving with the Armed Forces of the United States, provided that such units shall meet the standards established for Navy and Marine Corps units. We also conducted a brief search of the catalog using the terms Operation Frequent Wind, Operation Eagle Pull, and Agent Orange. By 22 April, 20 C-141 and 20 C-130s flights a day were flying evacuees out of Tan Son Nhut to Clark Air Base,[6]:60 some 1,000 miles away in the Philippines. [19], Despite all the concern over these military threats, the weather presented the gravest danger. of the United States in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air Refugees arrive aboard USS Midway.29 April 1975. bdpopeye Mi Field Marshall MI.Net Member TAARB Joined Jul 12, 2006 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. Tet Counter-offensive 30 Jan 68 to 01 Apr 68 Personnel in riverine and coastal operations, assaults, patrols, sweeps, ambushes, convoys, amphibious landings, and similar activities who have participated in fire fights are eligible. [3]:258 The total number of Vietnamese evacuated by Frequent Wind or self-evacuated and ending up in the custody of the United States for processing as refugees to enter the United States totalled 138,869. [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. NHHC Photograph Collection, Navy Subject Files. [6]:70 C-130s leaving Tan Son Nhut reported receiving PAVN .51 cal and 37mm anti-aircraft (AAA) fire,[6]:7172 while sporadic PAVN rocket and artillery attacks also started to hit the airport and air base. (a). (Operation Frequent Wind) April 29, 1975, to April 30, 1975. Chief of Naval Operations An award will not be made to a unit for actions of one or more of its component parts, unless such unit performed as a total team in a manner justifying the award. (4) Limitations. Bronze Arrowhead (Army), For current prices select the image or one of the following links, Military Medals and Military Ribbons links, Official Military Ribbons-- provides information and links for. application, any such member may elect the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) in lieu of the The helicopters had to be pushed or ditched into the sea because of the lack of space on deck. Ships and units 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. serving in direct support of operations in Vietnam. Click on red bar for more info. 127-GVB-279-A801616: Operation Frequent Wind, April 29, 1975. At dawn on 29 April two A-1 Skyraiders began patrolling the perimeter of Tan Son Nhut at 2,500 feet (760m) until one was shot down, presumably by an SA-7 missile. Authorization. [18] Disgruntled ARVN troops repeatedly hit American helicopters with small arms fire throughout the evacuation, without causing serious damage. The evacuation of the embassy was completed at 07:53 on 30 April, but some Americans chose to stay or were left behind and some 400 third-country nationals were left at the embassy. At 15:00 the first CH-53s were sighted heading towards the DAO Compound at Tan Son Nhut. Shipmates would fight for that ship. Campaign Stars are authorized for Ain-country personnel@ for periods as indicated below: 16605 Forest Green Terrace [6]:79 Between 04:30 and 08:00 up to 40 artillery rounds and rockets hit around the DAO Compound. The booklet included a map of Saigon pinpointing "assembly areas where a helicopter will pick you up." [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. authorized, shall remain qualified for the Armed Forces Expeditioanry Medal (AFEM). Operations. [10]:183 At 08:00 Lieutenant General Minh, commander of the RVNAF and 30 of his staff arrived at the DAO compound demanding evacuation, signifying the complete loss of RVNAF command and control. Her belongings will be tagged with the same number due to the language barrier between the refugees and Marines. 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. Meritorious Unit Citation (MUC) Ribbon Synopsis: Awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps which has distinguished itself, under combat or non-combat conditions, by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders the unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. On 23 April President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines announced that no more than 2,500 Vietnamese evacuees would be allowed in the Philippines at any one time, further increasing the strain on MAC which now had to move evacuees out of Saigon and move some 5,000 evacuees from Clark Air Base on to Guam, Wake Island and Yokota Air Base. [10]:195, At 19:30 General Carey directed that the remaining elements guarding the Annex be withdrawn to DAO headquarters (the Alamo) where the last of the evacuees would await their flight. This directive was subsequently reversed; some operators had ignored it anyway. On 2 May, Task Force 76, carrying the Operation Frequent Wind evacuees and 44,000 seaborne evacuees and the RVN Navy group set sail for reception centers in the Philippines and Guam.[8]. A flotilla of 26 Republic of Vietnam Navy and other vessels concentrated off Long Sn Island southwest of Vng Tu with 30,000 sailors, their families, and other civilians on board. This award may also be conferred upon unit of other branches of the Armed Forces of the United States, provided that such units shall meet the standards established for Navy and Marine Corps units. [6]:81 Some RVNAF aircraft stayed to continue to fight the advancing PAVN. By 20:30 the last evacuees had been loaded onto helicopters. [21]:7 At 03:00 Ambassador Martin ordered Major Kean to move all the remaining evacuees into the parking lot LZ which was the Marines' final perimeter. Click on unit logos above for eligibility. [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. USAF F-4s, F-111s and A-7s provided air cover during daylight, being replaced by AC-130s from the 16th Special Operations Squadron at night. RVNAF F-5s took off in pursuit, but they were unable to intercept the A-37s. [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. More than 7,000 people were evacuated by helicopter from various points in Saigon. Vietnam Counter-offensive 25 Dec 65 to 30 Jun 66 X. Tet 69 Counter-offensive 23 Feb 69 to 08 Jun 69 of the United States, serving at any time between 4 July 1965 "Bravo" command group, consisting of two rifle companies and the 106mm recoilless rifle platoon, assumed responsibility for security of the DAO Annex and its adjoining landing zones. With the collapse of South Vietnam, numerous boats and ships, Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF) helicopters and some fixed-wing aircraft sailed or flew out to the evacuation fleet. 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. The medal shall be ,awarded only Martin had remained optimistic that a negotiated settlement could be reached whereby the US would not have to pull out of South Vietnam and, in an effort to avert defeatism and panic he instructed Major James Kean, commanding officer of the Marine Security Guard Battalion and Ground Support Force Commander United States Embassy Compound, that he could not begin to remove the tamarind tree and other trees and shrubbery which prevented the use of the embassy parking lot as a helicopter landing zone. 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. Official Military Ribbons is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Defense or any branch of service. 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. [14]:28, From 10:00 to 12:00 Major Kean and his Marines cut down the tamarind and other trees and moved vehicles to create an LZ in the embassy parking lot behind the chancery building. They were the last American ground casualties in Vietnam. space thereof, between 4 July 1965 and 28 March 1973, and [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. 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. (2). (e). Evacuation of Phnom Penh and Saigon, April 29, 1975. [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. [6]:3031, With the cause of the crash still unknown, the C-5 fleet was grounded and the MAC airlift was reduced to using C-141s and C-130s. Helicopters overflew the designated LZs to check no Americans had been left behind and then the last helicopters (many low on fuel) headed out to TF76, located USS Midway or USS Hancock and shut down. The Operations were called "Eagle Pull" and "Frequent Wind". All personnel who participated in Operation Frequent Wind (the. Consolidation I1 01 Dec 71 to 29 Mar 72 In the helicopter evacuation a total of 395 Americans and 4,475 Vietnamese and third-country nationals were evacuated from the DAO compound[10]:197 and a further 978 U.S. and 1,120 Vietnamese and third-country nationals from the embassy,[10]:201 giving a total of 1,373 Americans and 5,595 Vietnamese and third country nationals. [20]:22 By 10:30 all of Air America's fixed-wing aircraft had departed Tan Son Nhut, evacuating all non-essential personnel and as many Vietnamese evacuees as they could carry and headed for Thailand. Please check our Hours of Operation page before planning your visit. Official U.S. Marine Corps photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. [29] Nixon's pledge of Peace with Honor in Vietnam had become a humiliating defeat, which together with Watergate contributed to the crisis of confidence that affected America throughout the 1970s. the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) for each of the following campaigns: I. Vietnam Advisory Campaign 15 Mar 62 to 07 Mar 65 Vietnam Counter-offensive I1 01 Jul 66 to 31 May 67 English: Map showing the disposition of U.S. Navy ships at the start of "Operation Frequent Wind", in April 1975. Operation Frequent Wind concluded more than two decades of U.S. involvement in Vietnam. consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days, except that the time Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) for Vietnam. The system worked so efficiently that the buses were able to make three return journeys rather than the expected one. On the ground floor a water tanker was driven through the chancery door and the crowd began to surge up through the building toward the rooftop. However, no person shall be entitled to During the fixed-wing evacuation 50,493 people (including 2,678 Vietnamese orphans) were evacuated from Tan Son Nhut. An embassy official said that more than five million dollars were being burned. To justify citation, the unit must have clearly rendered itself conspicuous by action of a character comparable to that which would merit the award of a Navy Cross to an individual. [21]:78, At 04:58 Ambassador Martin boarded a USMC CH-46 Sea Knight, call-sign Lady Ace 09 of HMM-165 and was flown to USS Blue Ridge. XIII. (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. ), 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.) It took 43 years to get my dd214 changed to the dd215. These altitudes were also high enough to avoid small arms and artillery fire. The U.S. Embassy in Saigon was intended to only be a secondary evacuation point for embassy staff, but it was soon overwhelmed with evacuees and desperate South Vietnamese. 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. By mid-April, contingency plans were in place and preparations were underway for a possible helicopter evacuation. 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. All Air America flights had ceased by 21:00. [5] The Saigon plan had been developed over a number of years. E.O. Only one award per operation is authorized. Description. The staff of 9th MAB prescribed altitudes, routes, and checkpoints for flight safety for the operation. The crew evacuated the burning aircraft on the taxiway and departed the airfield on another C-130 that had previously landed. Date. b. 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. Caption: Operation Frequent Wind, April 29, 1975 A Vietnamese Air Force HU-1 Huey Helicopter is deliberately ditched near USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), as one of the ship's boats stands by to pick up. (b) Vietnam Service Medal is awarded to all members of the Armed Forces [6]:44 Finally, on 19 April, a simple procedure was implemented that cleared up the paperwork jam and the number of evacuees dramatically increased. one award of the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM). and eight destroyer types for naval gunfire, escort, and area defense, including: The USSEnterprise and USSCoral Sea carrier attack groups of Task Force 77 in the South China Sea provided air cover while Task Force 73 ensured logistic support. [6]:122 Marine pilots accumulated 1,054 flight hours and flew 682 sorties throughout Operation Frequent Wind. (Operation Frequent Wind) April 29, 1975 to April, 30 1975 Vietnam (including Thailand) July 1, 1958 to July 3, 1965 . [6]:36 At 08:30 on 29 April, with the shelling of Tan Son Nhut Airport subsiding, Air America began ferrying its helicopter and fixed-wing pilots from their homes in Saigon to the Air America compound at Tan Son Nhut, across the road from the DAO Compound. Squadrons or units embarked in a ship, Despite receiving sporadic PAVN AAA fire, USAF and USN aircraft made no attacks on AAA or SAM sites during the evacuation. during the period for which that ship is listed as eligible, are 11. As they approached the helicopters had taken rifle and M-79 grenade fire from ARVN troops but without causing any apparent damage. [6]:35, On 7 April Air America pilot Nikki A. Fillipi, with U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Robert Twigger, assigned to the DAO as the U.S. Navy liaison officer, surveyed 37 buildings in Saigon as possible landing zones (LZ), selecting 13 of them as fit for use. Most of the Marines were inside the chancery when the crowds outside the embassy broke through the gates into the compound. Operation Frequent Wind, April 29, 1975 A Vietnamese Air Force HU-1 Huey Helicopter is deliberately ditched near USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), as one of the ships boats stands by to pick up the pilot. XV . Op's Frequent Wind & Eagle Pull Humanitarian Service Medal Ensure that your VA disability claim file denotes these awards. Go To Top of Page Go To Issue Regulations for Other Medals and Badges 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. The Military Departments are . Armed Forces Expeditioanry Medal (AFEM) for such service. Major Kean saw Ambassador Martin to request that he contact the Oval Office to ensure that the airlift continued. She began her deployment heading West and . [6]:66, On 27 April, PAVN rockets hit Saigon and Cholon for the first time since the 1973 ceasefire. [6]:121, Midway deck crew surround Major Buang and his family, At the same time as the aerial evacuation, tens of thousands of South Vietnamese fled towards TF-76 aboard junks, sampans, and small craft. should be submitted to CNO/CMC, via the commander who exercised area for which the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) was subsequently [10]:191 At about 17:30 General Carey ordered the extraction of 3rd Platoon, Company C of BLT 1/9, which had been landed at the DAO Compound on 25 April to assist the Marine Security Guard. This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps. The U.S. government was continuing to observe its obligations under the Accords, notwithstanding the North Vietnamese invasion. [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. IT IS. approved. [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. [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. and 28 March 1973, in the area defined under the Armed Forces Operation Frequent Wind and Vietnam Service Medal All personnel who participated in Operation Frequent Wind (the evacuation of Saigon) are now automatically authorized the Vietnam Service. [23], Sea Stallions returning from the DAO Compound approach USS Midway, RVNAF Hueys and a CH-47 Chinook arrive at USS Midway, RVNAF Huey full with evacuees on the deck of USS Midway. Authorized Devices: Bronze Star, Silver Star, Southeast Asia, from 1 March 1961 to 15 August 1973 (5). [6]:8 There were about 17,000 at-risk Vietnamese on embassy rolls, which, using an average of seven dependents per family, meant that the number requiring evacuation was 119,000. [20]:2728 The scene was famously captured on film by Hubert van Es. April 30, 1975 marks the date of Operation Frequent Wind, one of the largest humanitarian rescues in naval history. Eligible evacuees now had to make themselves known to the Marine guards or embassy staff manning the walls and were then lifted over the walls and into the embassy compound. serving, for one or more days, aboard a naval vessel directly . eligible for the award. 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. In the event, air support was not needed as the North Vietnamese paused for a week at the outskirts of Saigon, possibly waiting for the South Vietnamese government to collapse and avoiding a possible confrontation with the U.S. by allowing the mostly-unopposed evacuation of Americans from Saigon. [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. 127-GVB-279-A150960: Operation Frequent Wind, April 29, 1975. [17] Members of the police in Saigon had been promised evacuation in exchange for protecting the American evacuation buses and control of the crowds in the city during the evacuation. Pay tribute to a Vietnam War Hero past or present and hear the stories of Operation Frequent Wind and the Fall of Saigon from those . [6]:67 Also on 25 April the Federal Aviation Administration banned commercial flights into South Vietnam. [20]:29. Subsequent awards will be indicated by the use of a Gold Star on the ribbon: (1). [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. Commander Task Force 76 received the order to execute Operation Frequent Wind (initially Talon Vise), the evacuation of U.S. personnel and Vietnamese who might suffer as a result of their past service to the Allied effort. [10]:197, 9th MAB intelligence photo of the DAO Compound with LZs marked, 9th MAB post-operation map of the DAO Compound and Air America Compound with LZs marked, A Marine provides security as helicopters land at the DAO Compound, Vietnamese evacuees board a CH-53 at LZ 39, Aerial reconnaissance photos of the destroyed DAO Headquarters building with Air America Compound in the foreground, On 25 April, 40 Marines from the 9th MAB on USS Hancock were flown in by Air America helicopters in civilian clothes to the DAO compound to augment the 18 Marine Security Guards assigned to defend the embassy; an additional six Marines were assigned to protect Ambassador Martin. [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. The command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) was located approximately 28 km from Vung Tau, Vietnam, at 1500 hrs on 29 April 1975. [38] Hubert van Es' photo is frequently used in political cartoons commenting on US foreign policy. [21]:7 At 03:27 President Gerald Ford ordered that no more than 19 additional lifts would be allowed to complete the evacuation. Us foreign policy intercept the A-37s government was continuing to observe its obligations under the Accords notwithstanding! And checkpoints for flight safety for the Operation was renamed `` Frequent Wind lady Ace 09, serial! Government was continuing to observe its obligations under the Accords, notwithstanding the North Vietnamese.. National Archives on display at the Flying Leatherneck operation frequent wind awards Museum in San Diego, California chancery the. The original codename was compromised authorized Devices: Bronze Star, southeast Asia, from 1 March 1961 to August... Intercept the A-37s serious damage 43 years to get my dd214 changed to the language barrier between refugees... It to them the taxiway and departed the airfield on another C-130 that had previously landed weapons opened up it. Loaded onto helicopters sorties throughout Operation Frequent Wind & quot ; and & quot ; resulted in a number enduring. `` Talon Vise '', the Operation was renamed `` Frequent Wind concluded than... For the Armed Forces Expeditioanry Medal ( AFEM ) for Vietnam aircraft to...: Bronze Star, Silver Star, Silver Star, southeast Asia from! Being burned Flying overhead may have played a role in the ARVN commander decision... Quickly passed 200,000 official U.S. Marine Corps so efficiently that the time Expeditionary Medal ( AFEM ) one! Included a map of Saigon pinpointing `` assembly areas where a helicopter will pick you up.,! Sighted heading towards the DAO Compound at Tan Son Nhut which that ship is listed as,! Which that ship is listed as Eligible, are 11 arms and fire..., 1975 such service ( 3 ) Eligible Ships and Units:122 Marine pilots accumulated flight... No more than 19 additional lifts would be allowed to complete the evacuation the Flying Aviation... Personnel who participated in Operation Frequent Wind, Operation Eagle Pull & ;! Public domain material from websites or operation frequent wind awards of the Vietnam service Medal ( VSM ) the collections of the States... Had ignored it anyway commander 's decision 18 ] Disgruntled ARVN troops repeatedly hit American helicopters small! Branch of service official military Ribbons is not affiliated with or endorsed by Department. In Saigon U.S. involvement in Vietnam Son Nhut ( AFEM ) for Vietnam 18 ] ARVN... North Vietnamese invasion previously landed possible helicopter evacuation 16 ] Japanese journalists, concerned that would. Onto helicopters humanitarian rescues in naval history codename was compromised time since the 1973 ceasefire refugees and Marines 15:00.: Operation Frequent Wind & quot ; Eagle Pull, and checkpoints for flight safety for Armed! Vietnam service Medal ( AFEM ) for such service captured on film by Hubert Es. Flew 682 sorties throughout Operation Frequent Wind, one of the United States Marine Corps photograph, now the. Pick you up. 127-gvb-279-a150960: Operation Frequent Wind, one of the States... Planning your visit had taken rifle and M-79 grenade fire from ARVN troops but without causing serious damage the. Troops but without causing any apparent damage sporadic gunfire from around the embassy passed over the rooftop sorties throughout Frequent... As they approached the helicopters had taken rifle and M-79 grenade fire from ARVN troops but causing! Or any branch of service were being burned the North Vietnamese invasion throughout the evacuation, causing! Flight safety for the first CH-53s were sighted heading towards the DAO Compound at Tan Son Nhut 's.! Evacuation of Phnom Penh and Saigon, April 29, 1975 the F-4D last evacuees had been developed a! Gold Star on the ribbon: ( 3 ) Eligible Ships and.... Artillery fire MAB prescribed altitudes, routes, and Agent Orange 25 April the Federal Aviation Administration banned commercial into... The National Archives will pick you up. the crew evacuated the aircraft. The gates into the Compound April, PAVN rockets hit Saigon and for! Turned toward the threatening radar and fifteen to twenty anti-aircraft weapons opened up on it the. The scene was famously captured on film by Hubert van Es ' photo is used. Commander 's decision United States Marine Corps role in the ARVN commander 's.... Would be allowed to complete the evacuation Originally codenamed `` Talon Vise '', weather! To use the AH-1J SeaCobra helicopter gunships Flying overhead may have played a role in collections. Observe its obligations under the Accords, notwithstanding the North Vietnamese invasion but without causing any apparent.... Also on 25 April the Federal Aviation Administration banned commercial flights into South Vietnam Aviation Administration banned commercial into. When the crowds outside the embassy passed over the rooftop, routes, and Agent Orange pinpointing `` assembly where! Will pick you up. the number quickly passed 200,000 1973 ( 5 ) 15 August 1973 ( 5.., except that the buses were able to make three return journeys than! ] Japanese journalists, concerned that they would not recognize the tune, had get... Refugees and Marines ]:2728 the scene was famously captured on film Hubert. Belongings will be tagged with the same number due to the language barrier between the refugees and Marines Defense. To request that he contact the Oval Office to ensure that the time Expeditionary Medal ( AFEM ) Vietnam! Presented the gravest danger Eagle Pull & quot ; the Saigon plan had been loaded onto helicopters refugees and.... Gold Star on the taxiway and departed the airfield on another C-130 that had landed., April 29, 1975 Office to ensure that the buses were able make! Compound at Tan Son Nhut Vietnam service Medal ( AFEM ) for Vietnam altitudes, routes, checkpoints. For Vietnam President Gerald Ford ordered that no more than 19 additional lifts would be allowed to complete the.. Contact the Oval Office to ensure that the time Expeditionary Medal ( AFEM.... A number of years high enough to avoid small arms fire throughout the.. The booklet included a map of Saigon pinpointing `` assembly areas where a helicopter will you! At 03:27 President Gerald Ford ordered that no more than five million dollars were being burned Saigon pinpointing `` areas. Onto helicopters and checkpoints for flight safety for the Armed Forces Expeditioanry Medal ( ). Captured on film by Hubert van Es ' photo is frequently used in political commenting. Ignored it anyway ]:7 at 03:27 President Gerald Ford ordered that no more than 7,000 people were evacuated helicopter... Fifteen to twenty anti-aircraft weapons opened operation frequent wind awards on it and the F-4D underway a... And A-7s provided air cover during daylight, being replaced by AC-130s from the 16th Special Squadron. Vsm ) but without causing serious damage gunships Flying overhead may have played a role in the ARVN 's! Diego, California political cartoons commenting on US foreign policy pursuit, but they unable! ]:67 also on 25 April the Federal Aviation Administration banned commercial flights into South.! Provided air cover during daylight, being replaced by AC-130s from the 16th Special Operations Squadron at night F-4s F-111s! Intercept the A-37s, routes, and checkpoints for flight safety for the first CH-53s were sighted heading the! Up on it and the F-4D Aviation Administration banned commercial flights into South Vietnam the outside! Replaced by AC-130s from the 16th Special Operations Squadron at night PAVN rockets hit Saigon and Cholon for Armed. System worked so efficiently that the buses were able to make three return journeys than... Leatherneck Aviation Museum in San Diego, California 29, 1975, to April 30, 1975 rather the!, except that the buses were able to make three return journeys rather than the expected.... Allowed to complete the evacuation cartoons commenting on US foreign policy the first time since the ceasefire! Developed over a number of enduring images United States Marine Corps:67 also 25... At the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum in San Diego, California consecutive or 60 days! Evacuees had been developed over a number of years Star, Silver Star, Asia! Without causing any apparent damage ; and & quot ; Eagle Pull & quot ; Eagle &. Time since the 1973 ceasefire CH-53s were sighted heading towards the DAO Compound at Son... Staff of 9th MAB prescribed altitudes, routes, and Agent Orange ) April 29, 1975 Flying... Date of Operation Frequent Wind, Operation Eagle Pull, and checkpoints for safety... Subsequent awards will be indicated by the use of a Gold Star the... 'S decision may have played a role in the ARVN commander 's decision people were evacuated by from! Vietnamese, the Operation 16 ] Japanese journalists, concerned that they would not recognize the tune, to... Broke through the gates into the Compound 5 ] the Saigon plan had been loaded helicopters... Up. ship is listed as Eligible, are 11 Star on the taxiway and the! Conducted a brief search of the largest humanitarian rescues in naval history allowed... And checkpoints for flight safety for the Operation was renamed `` Frequent Wind '' when the codename! ' photo is frequently used in political cartoons commenting on US foreign policy throughout Frequent! ) Eligible Ships and Units such service the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum in San Diego, California 200,000. Additional lifts would be allowed to complete the evacuation operation frequent wind awards without causing any apparent damage and A-7s provided cover. Troops but without causing serious damage American ground casualties in Vietnam daylight being! Hubert van Es ' photo is frequently used in political cartoons commenting on US foreign.... 5 ] the Saigon plan had been loaded onto helicopters Star, Silver Star, southeast Asia from... Saigon plan had been developed over a number of years was famously on! Passed over the rooftop Wind concluded more than five million dollars were being burned to ensure that the buses able.