Larry Chambers

Captain Larry Chambers was a United States Navy officer who commanded the USS Midway during the final days of the Vietnam War. He gained recognition for his courageous decision to disobey orders and clear the flight deck of his aircraft carrier to allow South Vietnamese Air Force Major Buang-Ly and his family to land safely during the chaotic evacuation from Saigon in April 1975. Chambers' actions, which involved sacrificing military hardware for the sake of human lives, exemplified his leadership and commitment to saving others in dire circumstances. He later rose to the rank of rear admiral, becoming the first person of color to command a US Navy aircraft carrier.