Vietnam War Refugees in Guam: A History of Operation New Life

At the end of the Vietnam War, over 130,000 South Vietnamese fled their homeland, and many landed on Guam. Operation New Life, funded by a $405 million Congressional appropriation, was a massive humanitarian effort that saved thousands of lives. This book chronicles the first mass migration of Vietnamese boat people.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

More than 130,000 South Vietnamese fled their homeland at the end of the Vietnam War. Tens of thousands landed on the island of Guam on their way to the U.S. Many remained there. Guamanians and U.S. military personnel welcomed them. Funded by a $405 million Congressional appropriation, Operation New Life was among the most intensive humanitarian efforts ever accomplished by the U.S. government, with the help of the people of Guam. Without it, many evacuees would have died somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.

This book chronicles a part of the first mass migration of Vietnamese boat people, before and after the fall of Saigon in April 1975—a story still unfolding almost half a century later.

The Vietnam War ended in 1975, and many South Vietnamese refugees sought safety in other countries. One of the destinations was Guam, an island in the Pacific Ocean. Tens of thousands of Vietnamese refugees arrived on Guam, and the local population, as well as U.S. military personnel, welcomed them.

The U.S. government, with the help of the people of Guam, initiated Operation New Life to assist the Vietnamese refugees. This operation was one of the most extensive humanitarian efforts ever undertaken by the U.S. government. It provided food, shelter, medical care, and other essential services to the refugees.

Operation New Life was funded by a $405 million Congressional appropriation. The funds were used to build housing complexes, provide medical facilities, and establish schools for the refugees. The local government of Guam also provided assistance, including employment opportunities and language classes.

Without Operation New Life, many of the Vietnamese refugees would have died in the Pacific Ocean. The conditions on the boats were harsh, and many refugees suffered from malnutrition, dehydration, and disease. The operation saved the lives of thousands of Vietnamese refugees and allowed them to start new lives in Guam.

The story of the Vietnamese refugees on Guam is a testament to the resilience and generosity of the people of Guam and the U.S. government. It also highlights the complexities of refugee migration and the importance of providing assistance to those in need.

Today, the Vietnamese community in Guam is thriving, and the refugees who arrived on Guam in 1975 have contributed significantly to the island's economy and culture. The legacy of Operation New Life continues to be felt in Guam, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and humanity in times of crisis.

Weight: 151g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476686998