Graduated from USNA in May and was on my way for temporary duty in Beijing at the embassy and Beijing Language Institue for 3 months. Landed in Hong Kong (still UK then) and the Asst Naval attache met me coming off the plane to tell me about the massacre and that my orders had changed - I was not to proceed further. Basically said ‘stay out of our way, stay out of trouble, shit’s going down, we don’t have time for a wet behind the ears Ensign’. Offered to get coffee, help with paperwork, whatever, denied.
Spent the next several weeks in Hong Kong blowing 3 months advance pay before heading back to USNA for the rest of the summer and eventually SWO school in RI.
I have all sorts of publications - books, magazines, papers - with smuggled pictures and stories that made their way out of the mainland during that time. Watched local protests from a distance.
It was something.
ThankQ for your excellent service!