Pan Am's Evacuation Flight Out of Vietnam Revealed in New Book

by Michael Manning, published March 19, 2021

 Michael Manning Header - Al Topping and Pan Am

Al Topping was Pan Am's Director of Operations in Saigon, Vietnam. He became a man of destiny. (Photo: PAHF)
 

In 2006, I had the unique privilege of interviewing Allan Topping for "Airways Magazine." Topping was Pan Am’s Director of Operations in Saigon, Vietnam from 1972-1975. 

On April 24, 1975 Pan Am operated its final departure from South Vietnam. Six days later, the North Vietnamese tanks rolled into the city. With time running out, and communist troops surrounding Saigon, this daring and dramatic rescue was made into a movie called Last Flight Out. On April 22, 1990 the movie aired on the NBC-Television Network. I saw it many years later on DVD. The movie depicts yet another event that is part of Pan Am's contribution to the history of commercial aviation.

 

"Last Flight Out " Movie Cover Photo

 

James Earl Jones plays Al Topping in the movie "Last Flight Out"

Photo Courtesy of NBC: James Earl Jones as Al Topping

 

 

Now, more than 45 years later, Al Topping, Pan Am's former Director for South Vietnam has written a book about this last flight from Saigon. The book is called "Wings of Freedom".

Topping is pleased that the film was made; however as he was on the ground during those final days and hours, there were events that were left out of the final version of the film. Those missing and important events became some of the motivating factors behind Al's decision to write Wings of Freedom. The story is gripping.

During those tense final days in South Vietnam, the local government was still in control but simultaneously in a free fall. When it became apparent that Pan Am employees and their families were in grave danger, Topping organized a daring evacuation with company pilots and flight attendants volunteering to fly in -- literally into a war zone -- for this life-saving mission. I am extremely proud to call Al Topping a friend after all these years.

 

Haing S. Ngor plays Al Topping's Assistant Luc Van Nguyen

Photo Courtesy of NBC: Haing S. Ngor as Pan Am employee and Assistant to Al Topping, Luc Van Nguyen.

 

Scenes of a Saigon Marketplace - National Archives Footage, Circa 1960

 


Order Al Topping's Book

"Wings of Freedom"

Read a Pre-Publication Chapter

Wings of Freedom by Al Topping, Cover Image

 


Al Topping with his Book "Wings of Freedom"

Al Topping with his new book, "Wings of Freedom"

Autographed copies are available for $23.50 (includes shipping & handling).

 

TO ORDER, CONTACT AL TOPPING
Cell: 786-999-3594
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Customized Caps Commemorating

“SAIGON APRIL 24, 1975”

 $30.00 ea. 

On one side is the Pan Am logo & the other side says “SAIGON APRIL 24, 1975”

 

Caps celebrating Wings of Freedom
Pan Am "Wings of Freedom Caps for Purchase
 

Related Articles: