Angels Flying Out of Hell: The 7,000-Mile Journey of the Operation Babylift Orphans
$24.00
by Bette James
Excerpts from the Book
Volunteers at the Saigon orphanages, in an effort that would come to be known as ‘Operation Babylift,’ were desperately trying to evaluate as many children as possible before the city fell. They would, as history played itself out, have less than the month of April to carry out this task, as far as it could be carried out, and then, ironically, their chance to save children would end with the end of the war.
Babylift occurred in a time when our nation, wounded in spirit, offered a heroic effort to save the smallest victims of a war that had no victory, and that resulted in no real peace.
Description
Excerpts from the Book
Volunteers at the Saigon orphanages, in an effort that would come to be known as ‘Operation Babylift,’ were desperately trying to evaluate as many children as possible before the city fell. They would, as history played itself out, have less than the month of April to carry out this task, as far as it could be carried out, and then, ironically, their chance to save children would end with the end of the war.
Babylift occurred in a time when our nation, wounded in spirit, offered a heroic effort to save the smallest victims of a war that had no victory, and that resulted in no real peace.
“It is wonderful to realize that thousands of others are part of this high drama; this sweat-starting, breath-stopping, throat-contracting, heart-swelling, mind-expanding adventure.”
“The most unlikely people are working as partners with God and each other.”
“If this miracle can happen here–and there is no IF; it is happening–then there is hope for the future despite worldwide evidence to the contrary.”
-Jean Fox Holland’s diary
Bill Kurtis – Reporting for CBS in Saigon, April 1975 –
Angels Flying Out of Hell is magnificent on so many levels that I had to stop crying long enough to thank the author for letting me be a part of it. Frankly, I had no idea of the facts around the C-5A plane crash. I don’t think many did. Our attention was on the fall of Saigon, and the crash was such a blow that we didn’t really want to know the details… James’ portrayal of the heroism, the passion of the volunteers, the urgent race against time to save lives made it hard to take a breath. Yet, that’s how it happened. I did not know the extent of “the lift,” and the thousands who participated.
In the end, how lucky these children were to escape and to become aware years later that they had been taken to a place to make a better life. That’s the value of this book – not only to let the world know what people do in a crisis, but to let the children appreciate the perilous journey of their beginnings.
Peggy Robinson (verified owner) –
I just ordered my copy of Angels Flying Out of Hell, and I can hardly wait to get my hands on it and start reading. I had the great honor of being a student of Mrs. Bette James for my high school English class. She was not only a great teacher, but she was also an excellent story teller. When she would read aloud to our class, I would be transported to another world. I’m sure her book will do the same. The story and emotions will come alive for me, just as if I were there. Thank you, Mrs. James, for giving us this gift of your stories!
Marcie Say –
This compelling story shows that with all the hate and violence in the world that there are people who are willing to risk their life for babies and children not even knowing what the outcome will be in the end for them. During one of the scariest times many have lived through and have been exposed to, you will read about all the innocent lives needing to be saved and the hero’s, and I am grateful to be one of those babies saved. So much anger in the world but a lot of love goes a long way. A wonderful job Bette James on such an extraordinary book!
Col. L. Douglas Folts, USAF (Ret.) –
I love this book! It documents a great event in our country’s history, the 1975 Operation Babylift. There are so many people who will benefit from the book, and many more who will be recognized for their contributions. Angels Flying Out of Hell weaves history and personal stories together to make it a true work of art. It was a moment in history that somehow escaped the pens of other historians. God bless author Bette James for having the will and tenacity to be the first. on behalf of men and women who gave so willingly of themselves to make it happen, I congratulate and thank the author.
Cindy Schnelle –
After many years of research about a topic near and dear to her heart, Bette James has published Angels Flying Out of Hell. James has always had an intense love of and tenderness for all children. Upon hearing about the plight of just one of the orphans who flew out of Vietnam during the Babylift of 1975, James decided that this story must be told. And tell it she did! The reader is transported to the controversial time when the U.S. military withdrew from Vietnam which in turn intensified the predicament of the many, many children whose lives would be changed forever with the advance of the Communist regime. She tells of the generous, caring, unselfish people who were involved with the Babylift. You will laugh one moment and cry the next as the true, well-documented, heart-wrenching story unfolds. This is a must read for those who seek the real story behind this humanitarian event.