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Marines Left Behind as Saigon Falls: A Forgotten Evacuation

2/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In February 1975, as tanks advanced on Saigon, Marines on the U.S. Embassy roof evacuated nearly 2,100 Americans and Vietnamese amid chaos.
After U.S. Ambassador Graham Martin was airlifted to safety, the evacuation was canceled because air staff did not see Marines remaining.
Marine Juan Valdez questioned whether he and his fellow Marines would be forgotten on the embassy roof.
The remaining Marines were left behind as South Vietnam deteriorated.

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Story summary

In February 1975, as tanks advanced on Saigon, Marines on the U.S. Embassy roof evacuated nearly 2,100 Americans and Vietnamese amid chaos.
After U.S. Ambassador Graham Martin was airlifted to safety, the evacuation was canceled because air staff did not see Marines remaining.
Marine Juan Valdez questioned whether he and his fellow Marines would be forgotten on the embassy roof.
The remaining Marines were left behind as South Vietnam deteriorated.