When the flood of refugees from Vietnam began pouring into the United States, the State Department asked Deak-Perera to become the exclusive foreign exchange/precious metals dealer at the various refugee camps. We would eventually purchase literally tons of gold from refugees, many of whom arrived with all their worldly possessions jammed into a suitcase or small bag. Some people presented stacks of piasters, Vietnam’s former currency. We had to tell them that their paper money was absolutely worthless.

Others had been wise enough to put their trust in gold. Many refugees clutched small golden wafers, called taels, which were popular throughout Southeast Asia. When they presented their taels, we were able to exchange their gold for U.S. dollars on the spot. Their foresight gave them the wherewithal to begin a new life in the United States.

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