Resources

Boris, Linda. Every Sparrow That Falls Falls: A Vietnam Orphanage Story. Tate Publishing, 2014.

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On April 4, 1975, the U.S. Government's first flight of orphans being evacuated out of South Vietnam just before the fall of Saigon ended in disaster. Over half the passengers and crew survived, however, due to the airmanship, professionalism, and heroic actions of the crew, civilian escorts, and rescuers. Gleaned from survivor and witness statements and direct interviews with others involved the tragic crash, this story comes to life in a way that only first hand accounts can achieve.

 

Aune, Regina, and Aryn Lockhart. Operation Babylift: Mission Accomplished, A Memoir of Hope and Healing. Pebbles Media, 2019.

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This memoir recounts the experiences of two survivors of the inaugural Operation Babylift flight, which tragically crashed shortly after takeoff. The authors share their personal journeys and the bond they formed from the events of April 4, 1975.

 

Sachs, Dana. The Life We Were Given: Operation Babylift, International Adoption, and the Children of War in Vietnam. Beacon Press, 2010

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Sachs provides a comprehensive examination of Operation Babylift, exploring the complexities of international adoption during the Vietnam War and its lasting impact on the children involved.

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Shaw, Ian W. Operation Babylift: The Inspiring Story of the Australian Women Who Rescued Hundreds of Orphans at the End of the Vietnam War. Hachette Australia, 2019

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This book details the efforts of Australian women who organized the evacuation of orphans during the final days of the Vietnam War, highlighting their determination and compassion.

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Connolly, Allison Varzally. Children of Reunion: Vietnamese Adoptions and the Politics of Family Migrations. The University of North Carolina Press, 2014.

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This book explores the history of Vietnamese adoption in the United States, focusing on the challenges and politics surrounding family reunification and international adoption.

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Taylor, Rosemary. For Children Cannot Wait. Hodder & Stoughton, 1972.

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Written by a key organizer of Operation Babylift, this book details Taylor’s experiences working with Vietnamese war orphans and her humanitarian efforts during the Vietnam War.

 

Freeman, Cherie Clark. After Sorrow Comes Joy: One Woman’s Struggle to Bring Hope to Thousands of Children in Vietnam and India. Paternoster, 2005.

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Freeman chronicles her work as a missionary and aid worker, sharing stories of hope and resilience through her efforts to help children during the Vietnam War and beyond.

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Barnes, Shirley Peck. The War Cradle: The Untold Story of Operation Babylift. , 2000.

 

An overview of the ordinary people who were excited into action, despite an unpopular war; to seek out the abandoned children of Vietnam…to give them new life, fresh hope, and find homes for them in the West.

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Wise, Phillip R. Fragile Delivery: The Operation Babylift Crash. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2012. ISBN: 978-1475069099.

 

This memoir recounts the harrowing experience of Phillip R. Wise, a surviving crew member of the C-5A Galaxy crash during Operation Babylift on April 4, 1975. The book delves into his journey of coping with the tragedy and his efforts to connect with the adult Babylift orphans.

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Topping, Allan H. Wings of Freedom. BluewaterPress LLC, 2021.

 

This book provides a personal account of the author’s experiences during the final days before the fall of Saigon in April 1975, focusing on the evacuation efforts of Pan American World Airways.