re: POW’s/Vietnam

I joined the AF in 86. Several of the SNCOs were Vietnam Vets (mostly Army and Marines), they were not the kind that didn't like to talk about it. Being in an engineering unit, we'd do quarterly bivouac and they'd tell stories all night. I wish I had enjoyed that time more.

So what I’m reading here is the Asian countries treat POW’s like shite. Japan, Korea, Vietnam.

We just had one his name was Britney Griner what an American hero....Biggest trade in history in women's sports period.

Wife's grandfather was a Bataan death march survivor. Received a silver star for his actions on the retreat. Was blind due to malnutrition when released, but regained his sight.

Holy shite!!! I read a book about this guy - a long time ago - but this 1:17 really brought it to life. Amazing story and life!

I like people who weren’t captured. DJT

Cousin in law was shot down over North Vietnam and spent 7 years as a POW.

Not funny, punch yourself in the balls

Not POW related. But I worked with a WW2 vet around 15 years ago, elderly gentleman with super great memory. He told me some stories:

1. He was 1 of 5 brothers in the war, all made it out alive. After the war he hitch hiked from Cali to NY. He was Italian.

2. He was in Pattons Army. Talking to his brothers post war found out another brother was in same town in France as him, a block away but they never knew at the time.

3. He ran a Sherman tank. Told me about a relief soldier and they always told newbies to never stick your head out of hatch while moving due to snipers. And as calm as day said the newbie dud just that and got his head shot off dead. I was amazed how he could compartmentalize these things and asked him about that. Said it was easier to talk to a non family member about war and other than brothers they didn’t talk around family.

4. Talked about Bastogne and that campaign and how tired they were. Yet said everyone loved Patton because they felt safer with a hardass in charge.

5. Talked about when they got to Berlin amd Russians were there (he hated that our Admin made us wait to allow Russians to get in first). Said everyone hated the Ruskies. Also said you had to watch everything and guard it - Russians were so poor they would steal anything they could.

He passed away about 10 years ago but was a great veteran. He loved to play music and even wrote some. Played the violin and other instruments. Ironically his house was taken out in I think 2001 by one of our tornadoes. He had one sturdy spot under the stairs and it was only section not blown away.

He would bring in picture books of his time in war, just awesome stuff to see. I always took him to a nice lunch on Veterans Day. Always told how glad I was he served and allowed me to have my freedom. They don’t make em like that any more.