To: U S Army EOD; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; SAMWolf
The Chinook that we thought we would never see again rises into the air, carrying us out of Xuan Loc. Dao evidently felt responsible for our safety. He had called in his personal command helicopter to get us out, and has it landed in an area where it would not get mobbed. As General Le Minh Dao says good-bye, tears begin to well in his eyes…"I do not want you to die with me...if they give you a chance to return here, you must refuse. Please tell the Americans you have seen how the 18th Division can fight and die. Now please go!"
Xuan Loc ping - if you thought the evacuation of Saigon was "regretful," just wait until you hear about the battle of Xuan Loc, days before. The entire 18th ARVN division was wiped out making its last stand against Charlie.
