Episode Summary: "Humans or Helicopters?" • followHIM Favorites • February 24 - March 2 • Come Follow Me

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the followHIM podcast titled "Humans or Helicopters?", hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway delve into the profound message of Doctrine and Covenants Section 18, specifically focusing on verse 10: “The worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” Through a riveting real-life story, the hosts illustrate the immense value placed on human lives, even amidst chaos and danger.

Main Story: The Rescue Amidst Saigon's Fall

Hank Smith opens the conversation by recounting a dramatic event from April 1975, during the fall of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War. As communist forces advanced, the South Vietnamese desperately attempted to evacuate the city. The USS Midway, an aircraft carrier, became a lifeline for countless individuals seeking refuge.

At [00:18], Hank introduces a pivotal moment involving a South Vietnamese major determined to save his family. With his wife and five children aboard a small Cessna O-1 Bird Dog, Major Buang faces the perilous task of reaching the USS Midway for evacuation. The situation is dire: communication lines are down, and helicopters are already flooding the deck to rescue others.

Despite the chaos, Major Buang crafts a plan to save his loved ones. [02:33] Hank describes how the pilot drops three paper notes from the plane, all of which are lost to the waves before the Midway's crew can retrieve them. On a subsequent pass, he ingeniously attaches a fourth message to his pistol's holster as a makeshift weight, ensuring it reaches the carrier. The USS Midway's sailors rush to collect the message, which, despite its misspellings, conveys a desperate plea:

“Can you move the helicopter to the other side? I can land on your runway. I can fly for one hour more. We have enough time to move. Please rescue me. Major Buang. Wife and five children.” [03:40]

Captain Larry Chambers, who had only been the ship's skipper for a few weeks, faces a heart-wrenching decision. To accommodate the major’s desperate plea, he orders several helicopters to be pushed over the side to make space. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Hank shares:

“And Larry Chambers said, talking to me, my conscience talking to me, saying, you're going to have to live with this decision for years. What are you going to do?” [03:25]

Despite the potential repercussions, including the fear of a court-martial, Captain Chambers prioritizes the lives of Major Buang's family over the logistical challenges of helicopter management. The successful rescue becomes a testament to the belief that every soul holds immense value.

Discussion: The Worth of Souls Over Material Assets

The hosts pivot to discussing the deeper implications of this story. John Bytheway underscores the central theme by posing a poignant question:

“What's more important, humans or helicopters?” [02:34]

This rhetorical question encapsulates the episode's essence—highlighting the eternal truth that human lives are paramount. Hank echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that Captain Chambers' decision was driven by a profound recognition of the worth of souls in God's eyes. The narrative serves as a powerful illustration of putting spiritual and moral values above material concerns, even in life-and-death situations.

Notable Quotes and Insights

• Hank Smith on the Worth of Souls:

  “The worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” [00:18]

• John Bytheway Reflecting on Sacrifice:

  “We’ve gotta rescue this. He’s never landed on a carrier. We’ve got five kids in there and a wife.” [03:10]

• Hank Smith on Leadership and Conscience:

  “Larry Chambers said, talking to me, my conscience talking to me, saying, you're going to have to live with this decision for years.” [03:25]

Conclusion

As the episode draws to a close, Hank and John reiterate the profound lesson learned from Major Buang’s harrowing ordeal: the unparalleled value of each soul. They invite listeners to reflect on the importance of prioritizing human lives and spiritual commitments over worldly possessions and conveniences.

John Bytheway teases future content by mentioning an upcoming guest, Dr. Steve Harper, who will further explore the depths of Doctrine and Covenants Section 18, promising to provide insights that will "blow your mind."

“Our guest, Dr. Steve Harper is going to do something with that verse 10 that is really going to blow your mind. It’s special.” [04:07]

Listeners are encouraged to explore the full podcast for more enriching discussions and to stay tuned for subsequent episodes that continue to make followHIM a vital resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of LDS teachings.

Additional Resources

For more details and supplementary materials discussed in this episode, visit the show notes at followhim.co. Visual enthusiasts can also check out the episode on YouTube at FollowHimOfficialChannel or engage with the community on Instagram and Facebook at instagram.com/followhimpodcast and facebook.com/followhimpodcast, respectively.

The followHIM Podcast is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The opinions expressed on episodes represent the views of the guests and podcasters alone.