From Boats to Boots & Beyond: Vietnamese refugees who chose career in U.S. military

Hear the story of the 138 Vietnamese refugees rescued by the USS Ranger CV-61 in 1981 and how one of the rescued children pursued a career in the U.S. military

On March 20, 1981, the USS Ranger CV-61 rescued a boat full of 138 Vietnamese refugees as they drifted in the sea hoping for freedom. One of the rescued refugees, at the time at 13-year old boy, came to the United States with his family and became naturaAmerican citizens. Seeking to return the favor of the country who rescued him, through hard work and commitment this young boy became Lt. Colonel Lan Dalat of the U.S. Army. We expect that Lt. Col. Dalat will join us and veterans of the USS Ranger at this symposium to tell his side of the story.

This event is offered as part of the USS Ranger reunion in coordination with the education programs offered by Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.

Local students and veterans of the USS Ranger will be in the audience, but the event is also open to the public. Parking and admission is free for all who come to the event.