Gerald Ford Initiates Operation Babylift in Vietnam

Gerald Ford

Pol Light Moment #92 happened on April 3, 1975, when Gerald Ford initiated Operation Babylift to rescue orphans in South Vietnam. Gerald Ford was the 38th President of the United States serving from 1974 to 1977. He served as Vice-President of the United States from 1973-1974 and prior to that represented the 5th District of Michigan in the United States House of Representatives from 1949-1973.

Operation Babylift was Gerald Ford's initiative to rescue orphans who were in danger in the war-torn South Vietnam. On April 3, 1975, Ford set aside $2 million dollars to provide for military flights to bring orphans in Vietnam to the United States. Approximately 2,700 orphans were brought to the United States where homes were waiting for them with families pre-approved to adopt them (About.com, Operation Babylift).

Carrie Craft writes, "Operation Babylift is a very interesting part of adoption history and there is much on the Internet, including grateful letters from adoptees to President Ford thanking him for the chance to live (About.com, Operation Babylift)." The Vietnam Babylift website tells some of those stories and gives more personal information about the initiative.

Gerald Ford has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Gerald Ford posts search with the Gerald Ford label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

---

Photo: The photo of Gerald Ford is in the Public Domain.