50TH anniversary of the Fall of Saigon: Vietnam Veterans reflect on their time in the war

"The goal for everybody is to survive."

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY)–April 30th marks 50 years since the world witnessed the fall of Saigon, marking the end of the Vietnam War—a historic moment in American history. However, behind the headlines, there are personal stories—stories of sacrifice, resilience, and a war that still weighs on the hearts of those who lived through it. This year, we’re commemorating the 50th anniversary of that significant day.

“I felt proud to be there. I think there was nobody- very few people who objected to the war,” said Vietnam Veteran Jeffrey Witte.

For 13 months, Witte took base in Vietnam. He served in the army’s medical corps as an orthopedic surgeon.

“We all had the feeling that our leaders made the choice that this is important. We didn’t have the experience or knowledge to say we shouldn’t be doing this. So, we did it,” Wittee explained. “The goal for everybody is to survive.”

He says the work was exhausting- saving U.S. troop’s lives, as well as allied fighters.

“You do extra things to support your base. We had helicopters go down. People tried to ride on helicopters. It was a lot. Once you’ve done some of the more of the things others haven’t done- not necessarily more dangerous, you’re asked to do it again,” Witte shared.

Another perspective comes from those who were out at sea. Gerald Decker is another Vietnam Veteran- a Second-Class Petty Officer in the Navy. He did four cruises to Vietnam.

“I look at it as the end of the most turbulent decade of American history,” Decker explained.

He said it was a difficult time for American troops.

“Most of us say we went to Vietnam as boys and came back as men. It changed us. The military itself changed us, but the Vietnam War changed us as war changes anyone for those who see combat,” Decker explained.

So, as we mark this milestone, we honor their service, their courage, and the lessons learned from a war that still impacts us today. Although the fall of Saigon closed the book on the Vietnam War, most active U.S. involvement ended two years earlier when the Paris Peace Accords went into effect in 1973.