The third and final article in NPR’s series about the USS Kirk is now complete. This third story is really a continuation of the first story, although they are all related. It sort of went like this:
- Kirk’s part in the evacuation of Saigon
- The July2010 reunion of Kirk officers and crew and our Vietnamese friends
- Kirk’s part in the rescue of the Vietnamese Navy
This third story can be found on NPR’s website (story 3).
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
You are all heroes of the highest order. Thank you for your service.
I was 13 years old when South Vietnam fell and I can still remember the news footage of the desperate people clinging to helicopters as they took off in hopes of fleeing the country before the crush of communism overran them. This story is a tremendous story of heroism and patriotism. It is a great reminder of how important the fight for freedom is and how it never comes without a cost. Merely saying “thank you” to the crew of the Kirk at this point seems so insignificant. The acts of those brave men changed history.
Dear Dave and Beth:
From the crew of the Kirk I thank you for your follow up effort in contacting our site. Your words weigh deeply on our hearts.
We do, however, don’t feel ourselves as heroes. We did our best to provide for our fellow humans in their time of need. We did that despite the fact that we were labled as war mongers and baby killers by those caught up in the antiwar movement. I think we proved that, even though we were trained to destroy, we had the heart to reach out to those in need. To that end we are proud.
Sincerely,
Jim “Bon” Bongaard
OS2 USS Kirk 1972-1975
Founder USS Kirk Association
For the third time, tonight I drove home in tears listening to NPR and the great humanitarian feats that those on the USS Kirk performed in Viet Nam. Myself a pacifist who understands the need for the military at times, am proud to say the men of the USS Kirk are the true representation of the heart and soul of the United States of America. Thank you for your service and even more for showing the world the good in the American spirit.
Ryan Lloyd Lindner