In the spring of 1975, Northern Vietnamese forces encircled Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, triggering the end of the Vietnam War. The United States had withdrawn most of its troops by this time but still maintained a diplomatic presence. With the fall of Saigon imminent, American diplomats, military personnel, and CIA operatives found themselves in a chaotic scramble to evacuate both American citizens and Vietnamese allies who would face retribution from the Communist forces. The situation grew increasingly desperate as thousands sought refuge at the U.S. Embassy, hoping for escape as North Vietnamese artillery grew closer.

Inside the Embassy and across Saigon, individual acts of bravery emerged among Americans and South Vietnamese. Officials like Stuart Herrington faced moral dilemmas and organized makeshift evacuation plans, often defying orders to abandon local allies. Helicopters became a lifeline, airlifting people to safety amid harrowing scenes of human desperation and determination. As the clock ticked down, the complexity of the logistics and the sheer number of people needing rescue made every moment critical. The frantic evacuation efforts painted a poignant picture of loyalty, courage, and the haunting cost of war.