50 Years Later, Vietnam Veteran Meets Daughter He Had Never Met (PART ONE)

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A Vietnam veteran has shared the beautiful moment he was finally able to meet his Amerasian daughter for the first time, more than 50 years after he was forced to leave the country when the war ended and lost all contact with his Vietnamese wife, who was six months pregnant at the time. Bob Andron, 77, was legally married to Linda Throng's mom, Lin, while he lived in Vietnam between January 1970 and January 1971. A sergeant with the United States Air Force, Bob was an English specialist and an English language instructor, improving airmen’s use of the language. But after a year of service, Bob, was forced to leave and had no way of keeping in contact with Lin, given that he didn't have her Vietnamese last name when he left for the United States. For decades, Bob wondered what became of Lin and his child, until one day he received a call out of the blue from genealogist, Kristee Mays, who specializes in reuniting veterans with lost biological family members.

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[tombell]

Although she is 50, you can genuinely see the little girl come out of her when she sees her father for the very first time. That brought tears to my eyes.

[jccc]

My daughter is 55 and I never knew she existed until last September. She tracked me down due to DNA testing and hard work. We'll meet for the 1st time in June.

[cassiem]

I love how Linda turns into a little girl in her father’s arms. 💕

[JL-znme]

When Linda said “Daddy”, the tears wouldn’t stop. Having never known my father, or the feeling of being Daddy’s little girl… that struck hard. Linda is such a beautiful woman and such a loving daughter. The bond was immediate. Such a miraculous story.

[certinho]

My dad was a Vietnam Vet. I wish he was still here.
This really brings tears to my eyes.

[carolinasevillino]

I can perfectly relate meeting my dad the first time at age 52. He didn't know I existed didn't even know my mom was pregnant when he left the Philippines. I was already a widow with 4 grown up children and 9 grandchildren when I found him.

From the very first time I found him in the internet and talked to him on the phone, it took me 8 months calling him every single day checking on him as he was living alone and sickly and already 80 years old.

I did all I can to be able to visit him here in the US in 2016 and took care of him . He never got married and I am his only child.
I took care of him until he drew his last breath.

My dad was poor and a recluse but he had a very beautiful heart. If I have to live my life again, I will never wish for another dad but him. The few years we were together, he left me the most beautiful memories I will cherish the rest of my life. He was my childhood dream come true, and I was a miracle for him. Finding him was one of the very best things that has happened to me.

[isaiaher]

There is nothing more precious than to see the girl come out of a grown woman like this; meeting her dad for the first time in 50 years and saying, "Daddy!" Just beautiful!

[geod]

I had exact same experience. My daughter found me after 47 years and I had no idea she even existed. After meeting her for the first time, she has become a most loved part of our family and I'm happy to say everyone fully accepted her and loves her so much. Like this girl, my daughter calls me often, always wanting to know how I'm feeling, my health, etc. I just wish so much that I had found out about so many years ago.
This experience lead me to become involved with helping other Vietnamese find their American fathers. Sadly, so many either deny they have a child, even when presented overwhelming evidence, or they outright reject them. What POS's those type of men are.

[phillippettes]

Isn't it an utterly awesome experiance. I met my daughter 53 years after her birth and never even knew I had this beautiful young lady until she found me. We are blessed.

[felixmadison]

As a 75 year-old Vietnam veteran, this brought tears to my eyes. Just imagine being 50 years-old and seeing your father, OR mother, for the first time!

[dobermanism]

As a woman Vietnam era Navy WAVE Veteran I am so happy for both of you. While serving at MSC Gulf- New Orleans, Vietnamese boat refugee we brought into our port. We transported them to a local merchant marine hospital. That was 50 years ago. Recently at the VA Hospital I met a young Doctor who is a descendant of Vietnamese boat refugees. This was so exciting for both of us to meet one another as Life came full circle for both of us.

[wendybez]

I was adopted and met my biological mom at 37 yrs old. What a moment and what healing for her!!

[supershane]

I had a similar situation. My daughter came looking for me when she was about 21. Found me through Facebook. Her mother had moved a few times and changed her family name so I had no idea where she was. It was such a joy to finally meet and talk and we arranged to catch up within days of that. She’s since gone on to have 2 daughters of her own and I’m in regular contact with them all to this day.

[vanwrinkle-]

I can't imagine living all those years knowing I had a daughter out there some where and I couldn't find her. This is so heart wrenching.

[robertaworthington]

A tear jerker!!! So glad they found each other. What a story!!! There are some beautiful endings in this wicked world we live in. I'm so happy for you two.

[marih]

That is so sweet! I have a Goddaughter that was adopted from Vietnam in 1975. I hope she's been able to find her Vietnamese family. They put her on an evacuation chopper to save her life. That's what a Mothers love will do...

[downsizingontenacres.]

I'm so happy for you both. My mom passed away when I was four, and I have no memories of her. Except for what I've been told. Even though it's taken fifty years, I'm so glad you get to be together. I'll never have that. You are blessed!

[joshandersons]

50 years is a LONG time, one HAPPY story of the Vietnam war. Thank you for your service to this country and to Vietnam.

[popeyecvn]

She is very beautiful, and looks so youthful. What a great meeting and acceptance from his family now.

[btres]

She’s so beautiful!!! What a happy ending.