ABC Evening News opening segment on May 1, 1975

[SouthBayDem]

This is an off-air recording from the Vanderbilt Television News Archive of the first nine minutes of the ABC Evening News on May 1, 1975. The lead stories that night were about the withdrawal from Vietnam.

Summary of this clip from Vanderbilt:

INTRODUCTION HOWARD K. SMITH (WASHINGTON, DC); HARRY REASONER (NEW YORK CITY)
#37076
05:00:00 pm — 05:00:30 pm

SAIGON EVACUATION / UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
#37077
05:00:30 pm — 05:08:30 pm
(Studio) Several unanswered questions remain concerning Tuesday' evacuation of Americans, and South Vietnam from Saigon; exs. listed. ABC's Ken Kashiwahara among last to leave Saigon; arrives safely in Manila today.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith
(Manila, Philippines) Growing number people involved in actual evacuation feel American embassy waited too long to evacuate Americans and South Vietnam. Some military men feel American embassy ignored Hanoi ultimatums for evacuation; embassy staff blamed in general and South Vietnam ambassador Graham Martin in particular for foot-dragging. At end of evacuation, United States Marines forced to use tear gas to keep South Vietnam back from United States copters landing on roof; embassy had promised these people they would be evacuated, but in end American promise broken. Kashiwahara recounts own personal experience of escape from Saigon. Film of embassy compound shown; fear, desperation and panic on every face.
REPORTER: Ken Kashiwahara
(Studio) ABC asks White House to respond to Kashiwahara's report
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith
(White House) Publicly and privately, sources not familiar with any North Vietnam deadline on Saigon evacuation. However, President did communicate his concern to ambassador Martin with regard to evacuation delay.
REPORTER: Steve Bell
(Studio) Defense Secretary James Schlesinger says all United States ships leaving South Vietnam coastal waters, but will pick up any refugees managing to escape to high seas. Earlier, new Saigon government charges United States ships violating Vietnam sovereignty. Later, at news conf., Schlesinger discusses equipment losses.
REPORTER: Harry Reasoner
(DC) [SCHLESINGER - says estimates of equipment now in North Vietnam hands run in excess of $5 billion.] ABC acquires only aerial intelligence photos of equipment; pictures shown.
REPORTER: Frank Tomlinson

SOUTH VIETNAM / TOTAL COMMUNIST VICTORY / LIFE GOES ON
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05:08:30 pm — 05:09:20 pm
(Studio) Viet Cong announce Communist forces win total victory in South Vietnam. New government broadcasts proclamations of stiff penalties for crimes ranging from rape to looting; dance halls outlawed too. May Day parade occurs in Saigon, according to dispatches reaching Tokyo. Report also says many government employees return to their posts; most open air market stalls reopened.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith

ABC’s prime time schedule that night included Barney Miller and The Streets of San Francisco.

[Sancho]

1. I well remember!

I graduated from college in 76. My father was an Army officer who used the GI bill for college and medical school. I registered for the draft in 1970, and was not picked. I was prepared to flee the US if I was drafted, and I was essentially banned from going home. No understanding or sympathy from my parents or family.

I introduced Jimmy Carter at a rally when he was running for President, and I participated in a lot of protests between 70 and 76. I thought (and still think) the entire war was contrived for profit and power. We lost so many young people, and killed many more. A horrible stain on the US.

The MIC is still at it today. The evil ones have not left us.

Let's invade Greenland!!

[twodogsbarking]

2. You summed it up very well but that isn't how people want to remember it. Puzzles me.