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In this episode we are joined by Allan Topping, a Pan Am employee who evacuated almost 500 people out of Saigon days before the city fell. 

On April 24, 1975, at the conclusion of the Vietnam War, with time running out as Saigon was surrounded by North Vietnamese troops, a Pan Am 747 jumbo jet carried 463 American and South Vietnamese civilians to safety and freedom. 

At the center of this dangerous and desperate mission was Allan Topping. 

Mr. Topping is the author of a book, “Wings of Freedom: A True Story,” about his incredible experience in Saigon. 

To purchase the book, please visit the Museum’s online store: https://shop.thepanammuseum.org/products/wings-of-freedom-a-true-story-by-allan-topping

In 1990, NBC made a movie out of Al’s story called Last Flight Out starring James Earl Jones, Richard Crenna, and Rosliand Chao. 

Watch the full movie on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FH5Ef3AzsA

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A very special thanks to Mr. Adam Aron, Chairman and CEO of AMC and president of the Pan Am Historical Foundation and Pan Am Brands for their continued and unwavering support!