April 2, 1975
World Airways flight attendants Carol Shabata (standing) and Valerie Witherspoon (kneeling) play with the Vietnamese orphans on the historic evacuation flight.
April 2, 1975
The East side of Hangar 110, Oakland International Airport as Members of the press and others meeting the first “un-official” flight of Vietnamese orphans. The bus seen in the picture was one of several that transported the arriving orphans to the Armory at the San Francisco Presidio.
April 2, 1975
Pat Palazzolo photographed the landing of Ed Daly’s unofficial “Babylift” flight – he heard the news of the plane’s arrival on the radio.
April 2, 1975
Vietnamese orphans arrive at the California National Guard Armory on the Presidio.
April 3, 1975
At a press conference in California, President Ford announces he is authorizing funds to speed the transfer of Vietnamese orphans to their adoptive U. S. families.
April 4, 1975
Interior views of first “Operation Babylift” flight. Volunteers held the babies and children in their laps during flight.
April 4, 1975
Before the flight, the pilot allowed reporters to go through the cargo compartment and take pictures. The two Combat Photographers (MSgt Castro and Sgt Nance) were in this compartment for the flight and continued filming right until the end.
April 4, 1975
Crash site of Galaxy C5-A. The airplane departed from Saigon-Tan Son Nhut Airport, and crashed shortly after take-off. One hundred thiry-eight people were killed in the crash, including 78 children.
April 4, 1975
Crash site of Galaxy C5-A. The airplane departed from Saigon-Tan Son Nhut Airport, and crashed shortly after take-off. One hundred thiry-eight people were killed in the crash, including 78 children.
April 5, 1975
Vietnamese babies in their carriers.
April 5, 1975
Medical checks were part of the arrival process for the babies and children upon arrival in the U.S.
April 5, 1975
Some of the babies were treated for dehydration after landing in California.
April 5, 1975
President and Mrs. Ford carrying Vietnamese children during “Operation Babylift.” The children’s adoptive parents were anxiously awaiting them at the airport.
April 5, 1975
President Ford disembarks with a child in his arms.
April 5, 1975
President Ford holds a Vietnamese baby in his lap before arriving at the airport hangar.
April 5, 1975
US Air Force personnel help children aboard the flight to their new home in the United States.
April 1975
Hugh Hefner provided his plane the “Big Bunny” to transport Vietnamese children to New York City. Here, the babies are cared for by Playboy bunnies.
April 1975
Many of the employees deployed to the Defense Attaché Office Saigon helped escort evacuating Vietnamese orphans from Saigon during the collapse of South Vietnam in April 1975.
April 1975
Military personnel attended to the children during the flights to their new home in the United States. Note the cardboard boxes being used as cribs for the infants.
April 1975
Comforting a Vietnamese child during the flight to the U.S.
April 1975
Nigel Brooks was working at Los Angeles Airport when these Vietnamese babies arrived. He noted that the babies were cradled inside the cardboard boxes during the flight.
April 1975
Volunteers and federal personnel carry babies as they arrive at Los Angeles Airport.
April 1975
Volunteers keep the babies safe.
April 1975
The Presidio was used as triage station – medical personnel and volunteers checked the babies and children for illness, fed them and kept them clean.
April 1975
Medical staff at the Presidio examine baby.
April 1975
Nurse at Presidio comforts baby. Note the SPOVO badge.