Getting Out of Saigon

How a 27-Year-Old Banker Saved 113 Vietnamese Civilians

By: Ralph White

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

A “captivating” (The Washington Post) true story of “courage, resolve, and determination” (The Christian Science Monitor), author Ralph White’s successful effort to save nearly the entire staff of the Saigon branch of Chase Manhattan bank and their families before the city fell to the North Vietnamese Army.

In April 1975, Ralph White was asked by his boss to transfer from the Bangkok branch of the Chase Manhattan Bank to the Saigon Branch. He was tasked with closing the branch if and when it appeared that Saigon would fall to the North Vietnamese army and ensure the safety of the senior Vietnamese employees.

But when he arrived, he realized the situation in Saigon was far more perilous than he had imagined. The senior staff members there urged him to evacuate the entire staff of the branch and their families, which was far more than he was authorized to do. Quickly he realized that no one would be safe when the city fell, and it was no longer a question of whether to evacuate but how.

Getting Out of Saigon is an “edge-of-your-seat” (Oprah Daily) story of a city on the eve of destruction and the colorful characters who respond differently to impending doom. It’s a remarkable account of one man’s quest to save innocent lives not because he was ordered but because it was the right thing to do.

Selflessness & Fortitude during the MIDNIGHT HOURS of the FALL OF SAIGON 1975

AS A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE WHO WAS 6 at the time escaped w my father (S. Vietnamese Army until the FALL) mother & 3 siblings by boat. This story brought tears and memories of fear of what transpired in the midnight hours.

This recount by young Chase banker at only 27, remarkable that he was dedicated to getting his ‘Chase family” out & to orchestrate this exodus with dangerous consequences if it failed.

It was captivating, detailed and heroic.

With the 50th anniversary inn2025, I encourage everyone to listen or read this story. I wish I could meet Ralph White & THANK him for his supernatural strength & sacrifice. 💛❤️

getting out of Saigon

thus book explains so much about what happened during the fall of Saigon . not only did America but all of our allies let the Vietnamese people down.

snapshot of a time in Vietnam

Description of real people in a difficult situation and how they managed to overcome.

What a story, and it’s true!

There was nothing to dislike about the story, makes me proud and disappointed as an American during the end of the Vietnam war.

Fascinating Book

I don’t usually listen to nonfiction books, but this one sounded interesting. And it was. The narration was perfect for portraying the author.
I highly recommend it.