April 30 marks the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The conflict dominated 30 years of Vietnam's history during the last century and left the country in ruins.

Folsom resident Ken Crouse was a young Marine stationed at the American embassy during final days of the war when Americans and South Vietnamese allies were airlifted as the North Vietnamese Army closed in on the city. He retells the harrowing airlift operation during those final hours.

PBS is airing a documentary called "The Last Days of Vietnam" Tuesday night that looks at the chaotic final days of America's involvement in Vietnam, when U.S. diplomats and military operatives worked to evacuate as many South Vietnamese allies and friends as possible.