After the Americans withdrew from the Vietnam War, their Indochinese allies faced imprisonment, torture, and death under communist regimes. The Tai Dam, an ethnic group from northern Vietnam, campaigned for sanctuary, writing letters to 30 U.S. governors in 1975. Only Robert D. Ray of Iowa agreed to help. Ray wielded more influence over Indochinese refugee resettlement and relief than any other governor. He created his own agency to relocate the Tai Dam, advocated for the greater admission of "boat people" fleeing Vietnam, launched a Cambodian relief program that generated $540,000, and lobbied for the Refugee Act of 1980. Interviews with more than 30 refugees and public officials inform this comprehensive study of Iowa's resettlement program. The author chronicles how the Tai Dam adapted to life in the Midwest, and the Iowans' divided response. As we have witnessed over the generations, our rich national fabric is strengthened and enriched by the frequent incorporation of those fleeing oppression and hate and those looking for better opportunities for their families. Now, nearly 50 years later, the Tai Dam of Iowa are no different thanks to a caring army of volunteers aided by government and non-governmental agencies moved to action by Robert D. Ray, a United States Army veteran who served as Iowa's Governor from 1969-83. That is the uplifting story told in his worthy book. --Jim Doyle, Vietnam Veterans of America A lot of cultural misunderstandings accompanied the resettlement, which Walsh explains in detail through the eyes of everyday Iowans and the actual refugees. Ray took a lot of heat for accepting the Tai Dam and later the "boat people" who fled Vietnam in 1979. But in the end the effort became a tremendous legacy for Ray and all of Iowa. --Dave Elbert, The Business Record The tale of Ray, his staff and supporters in Iowa provided by Walsh stands as a testament to what enlightened leadership can do by meeting dire human need with a compassionate heart. Every Iowan can be proud of this tale, one that other politicians in our current age could well learn from. --Jerry Harrington, Iowa History Journal Winner, Benjamin F. Shambaugh Award---The State Historical Society of Iowa Matthew R. Walsh is a professor of history at Des Moines Area Community College. For his previous works, Walsh has received awards from Penn State, University of Nebraska-Omaha, and the State Historical Society of Iowa.