In a recent interview, former U.S. Foreign Service agent Craig Johnstone shared the story of Lionel Rosenblatt’s daring move to rescue Vietnamese allies and their families from the advancing communist army when the U.S. government failed to act. Rosenblatt, who passed away at 82 after battling cancer, defied orders in 1975 to lead an unauthorized rescue mission that saved hundreds of lives before the Fall of Saigon.
Johnstone described Rosenblatt as someone who tackled problems head-on and was highly effective in finding solutions on the go. The mission marked a turning point in Rosenblatt’s career, leading him to a lifelong commitment to aiding refugees through roles at the U.S. Department of State and as the president of Refugees International.
Recalling the pivotal moment when they decided to take matters into their own hands, Johnstone emphasized the urgency they felt for their Vietnamese colleagues’ safety as North Vietnamese forces closed in on South Vietnam. Despite facing difficulties and operating covertly in Saigon, they managed to arrange safe passage for hundreds of at-risk Vietnamese individuals.
Upon their return to Washington, instead of reprimanding Rosenblatt for his rogue actions, then-Secretary of State Henry Kissinger commended him and offered him various postings within the State Department, which Rosenblatt declined to continue his work on refugee issues.
Rosenblatt’s dedication to aiding refugees extended beyond Vietnam, as he later played a crucial role in resettling Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees in the U.S. and advocating for the Hmong hill-tribe minority in Laos. His efforts to secure the resettlement of Hmong refugees reflected his unwavering commitment to supporting displaced populations in crisis situations.
Throughout his career, Rosenblatt’s colleagues praised him for his exceptional advocacy on behalf of refugees, describing him as a compassionate and strategic leader who saved countless lives through his unconventional methods. His legacy as a trailblazer in refugee assistance continues to inspire others to follow in his footsteps, although his impact remains unparalleled.