Pictures from Vietnam (and China). Some very humbling pictures of POW items.

[feddoc]

I got this from a friend of mine. He is in the Far East on vacation.

http://danbrew.smugmug.com/gallery/3028366/1/164625080

The Vietnam stuff starts on page 20 or so. There are several ID cards taken from Servicemen, along with flight suits and associated gear. Many of the ID cards are USN. Note the expiration date; us old timers will remember that portion of the card.

 

[MasterBates]

That was a sobering thing.. That F-4 must have been brought in under control. It looks all shot to hell, but remarkably "straight".

 

[cisforsmasher]

thanks for sharing those pics, feddoc. Some really great shots from your friend. I thought there would be more air pirate propaganda thrown in there.


note to self: go to halong bay

 

[FastMover]

That's some really interesting stuff there.

The Hoa Lo prison looks like it must be pretty close to Hell on Earth. It's hard to believe that anyone could have been subjected to those conditions for that long and not go completely insane. Those guys must have been made of iron...

 

[Recidivist]

Wow, quite humbling.
Seeing the ID cards and personal effects of some of the servicemen puts a little bit of a different light on the terms "service" and "sacrifice."

I've never been to the memorial wall, but I need to go.

 

[Catmando]

Very interesting pictures.

I have a friend and neighbor who spent some time in the Hanoi Hilton, along with his former RIO whom I also know. They remain friends and in contact to this day.

But my neighbor recently told me this: His old RIO has visited Vietnam a number of times since, and has led a tour(s?) there. But he told me for him, he wouldn't ever return to Hanoi for all the money in the world.

I found that a little interesting - Both great guys, both involved in the same exact POW experience together, yet their different reactions so many years later. It made me wonder if I had their experience, would I ever want to go back and visit, or just never return there ever again. ........... I'm glad I don't have to know the answer.

 

[feddoc]

I wondered if you would recognize the name on one of the Phantoms.

Got lucky and was able to contact the wingman of one of the guys. He is a retired Captain living in Hanford, CA. Talked with the son of one of the guys; he is a film producer in LA.

I agree; I am glad that I do not have to wonder how I would react.

 

[Rg9]

I recognize a lot of the pictures. I've been over there a couple times, and seeing the museums they have is quite amazing! Lots of old US and Russian stuff (US stuff mostly shot up). The Hanoi Hilton is quite a unique experience, although the propoganda there (and in the military museums) makes one who knows history a little angry.

For what it's worth, Vietnam is very easy (and cheap) to visit today. Although somewhat strange at first, they love American culture and people. There seemed to be more public representation of the American flag there than in many places in the US...