Captured
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Willbanks, James H. “Shock and Awe of Tet Offensive Shattered U.S. Illusions.” U.S. News and World Report, January 29, 2009.
Wolfe, Tom. The Right Stuff. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1979.
Young, Stephen. “How Hanoi Won the War.” Wall Street Journal, August 3, 1995.
Much of the background information for Captured, as well as some specifics, came from generous first-person interviews granted by former prisoners of war and their family members. Interviews with the following individuals proved of particular value in this writing:
Commander George Coker, Mrs. Pam Coker, Mr. James Denton, Rear Admiral Jeremiah Denton Jr., Mr. Jeremiah Denton III, Mr. Michael Denton, Colonel Sam Johnson, Mrs. Monica Storz Lovell, Captain Eugene “Red” McDaniel, Captain Michael McGrath, Colonel George McKnight, Captain James Mulligan Jr., Mrs. Louise Mulligan, Rear Admiral Robert Shumaker, Mrs. Janie Tschudy, Commander William Tschudy.
Unless otherwise noted, detailed figures and statistics about POWs are taken from data compiled by Captain J. Michael McGrath, NAMPOW historian.
“Invictus.” Henley, William Ernest. The Poetry Foundation, http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems /51642/invictus (accessed May 15, 2018).
CHAPTER 1: CAPTURE
“Many flight instructors … ejection.” Wolfe, The Right Stuff, 22. The dawn of the jet age proved costly for pilots, and deaths rose dramatically during the 1950s and 1960s as aircraft became faster and more dangerous.
“By the end … and South Vietnam.” McNamara, In Retrospect, 196.
“Rainbow flight … rolling in.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 4.
“Nurture your mind … great thoughts.” Ibid., 14.
CHAPTER 2: HỎA LÒ PRISON
“He pointed … hands and knees.” Dalton, Jeremiah A. Denton, Jr., 66.
“The agreement outlined … signed the treaty.” International Committee of the Red Cross, Convention (III).
“Article I … United States of America.” Rochester, The Battle Behind Bars, 22.
“They asked Jerry … were you flying?” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 29. The North Vietnamese had access to American news sources, including armed forces newspapers; they likely learned much of this information on their own but chose, it seems, to continue asking the questions.
“The interrogators grew as weary … Geneva Conventions?” Ibid., 30. Owl and Eagle seemed to have been reassigned after the summer of 1965. However, POWs had difficulty knowing to which guard or officer nicknames applied as POWs could describe their captors only via taps and whispers, without visual confirmation. It is clear Jerry Denton did not see either again.
“Shortly, Jerry heard … hack ’er.” Guarino, A P.O.W.’s Story, 35.
“Soon, Guarino … being rude.” Ibid., 37.
“Go fishing … in the latrine.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 41. Additional confirmation obtained via interviews with RADM Robert H. Shumaker, widely considered the most clever and intelligent communicator in Hanoi.
“From his bunk … laugh from Guarino.” Hubbell, P.O.W., 65.
“Let’s take off … use it!” Dalton, Jeremiah A. Denton, Jr., 31–33.
“Follow the Code … map of the camp.” Hubbell, P.O.W., 63.
“Follow the Code … antagonize the guards.” Guarino, A P.O.W.’s Story, 59.
CHAPTER 3: THE ZOO
“All US aggressors … humane treatment.” Guarino, A P.O.W.’s Story, 63–64.
“A twig splintered … lock his door.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 52–53.
“Before guards … steeled his faith.” Ibid., 192.
“A delegation of … eat shit!” Hubbell, P.O.W., 142.
“The next morning … as well as you have.” Ibid.
“During one exchange … seven children.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 63. Jeremiah, 2016.
“My dearest wife … who have given so much for us.” Denton, Letter to Jane Denton.
“He visualized … return to reality.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 71.
“One day … cell shakedown.” Hirsch, Two Souls Indivisible, 71.
“Mostly, the information … same old stuff.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 75.
“When Jerry arrived … change your attitude.” Ibid., 77–78.
CHAPTER 4: PIGEYE
“But I tell you … months alone?” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 84–85.
“Jerry aimed … remarry.” Hubbell, P.O.W., 172.
CHAPTER 5: THE INTERVIEW
“Desperately he … went black.” Prisoners of Hope, 2001.
“Hey … only human,” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 87–88.
“He described … sickened him.” Time, “The War: Hanoi’s Pavlovicms.” Cuban broadcasters who aired the confession reported the voice as that of Jeremiah Denton, but no definitive confirmation was issued.
“He confessed … what he has done.” Powers and Gentry. Operation Overflight, 155.
“Isn’t it too … say something?” Hubbell, P.O.W., 176. These thoughts must have been in the forefront of Jerry Denton’s mind during his interview, and apparently motivated his responses.
“How are you … as long as I live.” National Archives, Report from Inside a Hanoi Prison, 1966. Reuters, “Pilot Captured by Hanoi Supports U.S. Policy.”
CHAPTER 6: PARADE
“The announcement … will you go?” Hubbell, P.O.W., 201. Mulligan, The Hanoi Commitment, 73.
“The Camp Authority … defeat their aims.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 107.
“Beyond that … harmless and ludicrous.” Kiley and Rochester, Honor Bound, 164.
“When a confession … say what I did.” Hubbell, P.O.W., 207.
“Attention, all criminals … disgrace.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 109.
“Using toothpaste … your leadership.” Ibid.
“The POWs never … shouted for silence.” Hirsch, Two Souls Indivisible, 136. Hubbell, P.O.W., 187. Kiley and Rochester, Honor Bound, 195. Bob Purcell’s sarcastic comment (“I love a parade.”) became one of the most widely remembered moments among POWs of the Hanoi March.
“You must remember … do with you.” Coffee, Beyond Survival, 161. Hubbell, P.O.W., 186.
“As the guards prodded … heads up!” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 111. Hirsch, Two Souls Indivisible, 136–137. Hubbell, P.O.W., 186–187. Numerous POWs recalled Denton’s command (“You are Americans! Keep your heads up!”) ringing out over the din coming from spectators and guards. POWs did their conscious best not to bow as ordered by the North Vietnamese guards.
“Down with … America get out!” Phng Viên, “American Air Power,” 4. The article by an anonymous North Vietnamese journalist (phng viên means “reporter”) provides a uniquely North Vietnamese perspective on the events of July 6, 1966.
“One man mocked … American air power!’” Ibid., 1.
“He’s not going to … kill him.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 112. Hubbel, P.O.W., 189.
“As he continued … Who had she lost?” Coffee, Beyond Survival, 164.
CHAPTER 7: BACK TO THE ZOO
“You fools … the people.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 114. Kiley and Rochester, Honor Bound, 199.
“Jerry recalled … would have won.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 118.
“God, You’ve got … in Your hands.” Jeremiah, 2016.
“Hi, Jerry … God bless you.” Mulligan, The Hanoi Commitment, 143–144.
“The names … collective nickname.” Stockdale, In Love and War, 241.
CHAPTER 8: LITTLE VEGAS
“In order to atone … must be ours.” King, “Beyond Vietnam.”
“Bow … self-interest.” Stockdale, In Love and War, 252.
“A place … war is over.” Ibid., 253–254.
“Jerry bowed … bad arm.” Mulligan, The Hanoi Commitment, 159.
“Happy to … the window.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 143.
“On Augus
t 8 … be that long.” Hubbell, P.O.W., 300. Mulligan, The Hanoi Commitment, 162–163.
“Finally, Jerry said … wet down here.” Mulligan, The Hanoi Commitment, 162–163.
“Jerry arrived … Denton alone.” Denton, interview with Alvin Townley.
“After pumping Jerry … worse was coming.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 147. Hubbell, P.O.W., 360.
CHAPTER 9: ALCATRAZ
“Jerry heard a voice … Jerry said.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 149.
“Occasionally, he’d even relive … life together.” Dalton, Jeremiah A. Denton, Jr., 39–44.
“Dejected, Jerry … with his sanity.” Kiley and Rochester, Honor Bound, 411.
“In Thy gentle … smiling our thanks.” Rutledge, In the Presence of Mine Enemies, 69.
“Sometimes, Jerry’s … very long message.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 160.
CHAPTER 10: 1968
“He poked … like for Christmas?” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 160.
“Howie Rutledge’s … ticket to Saigon.” Ibid.
“Why do you want … from your home.” Johnson and Winebrenner, Captive Warriors, 169.
“Your country has deserted … leave us here.” Ibid., 169–172.
“To say that we … best they could.” Cronkite, “We Are Mired in a Stalemate.”
“Tonight, I renew … your president.” President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Address to the Nation.”
“Jerry realized … will study.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 170–171.
“Mulligan reported … won’t eat.” Mulligan, The Hanoi Commitment, 184–185.
“One morning … Jerry’s body.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 176.
“Knowing the POWs … ordered you to do it.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 176–177. Denton, interview with Alvin Townley. POWs have noted this moment as an example of Denton’s willingness to risk his safety and assume blame to ensure his men’s survival.
“Just as Jerry … meant it.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 177–179.
“The commandant … an order!” Ibid., 180.
CHAPTER 11: CHANGE
“He coached … that guy?” Denton, interview with Alvin Townley.
“You were a fool … camp radio.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 181.
“He elaborated … long as you can.” Johnson and Winebrenner, Captive Warriors, 177–178.
“You tortured … same way.” Mulligan, The Hanoi Commitment, 195.
“Jerry looked … Christmases.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 186.
“He stopped … here forever.” Denton, Johnson, and Mulligan give different dates and accounts of Ron Storz’s collapse; the narrative incorporates the most plausible information from all accounts to portray the most likely time frame and scenario.
“Jerry demanded … Brooklyn Bridge.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 194.
“In September 1969 … panned Shumaker.” Johnson and Winebrenner, Captive Warriors, 189.
“That fall … not be punish.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 195.
“Jerry understood … understand that?” Ibid., 197.
CHAPTER 12: CAMP UNITY
“You bastards … going home!” Mulligan, The Hanoi Commitment, 211.
“He encountered … understand each other.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 202.
“He complained … treated well.” Johnson and Winebrenner, Captive Warriors, 220.
“Eat, Denton … and turkey.” Mulligan, The Hanoi Commitment, 214–215.
“In wrapped … drink mix.” Ibid., 214.
“There stood … each man.” Return with Honor, 2004.
“Talk eventually … Christmas 1970.” Johnson and Winebrenner, Captive Warriors, 245–246.
“Worship began … Americans relent.” Accounts of the Church Riot of 1971 vary in their details. The narrative draws on multiple sources, including writings and interviews from participants Jeremiah Denton, Jim Stockdale, Robbie Risner, Howie Rutledge, George Coker, Sam Johnson, and Bob Shumaker. Secondary sources such as Kiley, Rochester, and Hubbell were also consulted in developing the final narrative.
“Jerry considered … these allies.” Kiley and Rochester, Honor Bound, 535–536.
“Troop levels … late 1972.” Comptroller, Secretary of Defense, “Casualty Statistics.”
CHAPTER 13: HOMECOMING
“On January 27 … dis … missed!” Kiley and Rochester, Honor Bound, 572. Coffee, Beyond Survival, 269–270.
“Then back … cautious optimism.” Coffee, Beyond Survival, 271.
“I haven’t answered … you’re a good man.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 237–238.
“Camp Unity bustled … the POWs.” Kiley and Rochester, Honor Bound, 574. Beech, “POWs’ Welcome.”
“We are honored … God bless America.” Denton, When Hell Was in Session, 240. Return with Honor, 2004. Jeremiah, 2016.
For your reference, the page numbers that appear in the print version of this book are listed below. They do not match the page numbers in your e-book. Please use the “Search” function on your e-reading device to find items of interest.
JACKET
Jacket photos ©: cover: Naval History and Heritage Command; back cover: Courtesy of DPMO.
BOOK
Photos ©: iii: Aomboon/Shutterstock; iii barbed wire and throughout: TroobaDoor/Shutterstock; iii background texture and throughout: Created by kjpargeter/Freepik.com; viii: Olga Kashubin/Shutterstock; ix paper and throughout: Textures.com; x: Historical/Getty Images; 5: Denton Family Collection; 16, 17 rivets: Voyagerix/Shutterstock; 18, 26: Courtesy of DPMO; 28: Erik Charlton/Flickr; 50: Denton Family Collection; 67: Courtesy of DPMO; 77: Thomas Billhardt/Camera Work BG; 82: Courtesy of DPMO; 93 top and bottom: TopFoto/The Image Works; 105: Courtesy of DPMO; 114: Courtesy of Mike McGrath, POW (1967-1973); 128: Courtesy of DPMO; 131: Courtesy of Mike McGrath, POW (1967-1973); 172: National League of POW/MIA Families; 173: Courtesy of George Coker; 185, 201: U.S. Air Force; 206: Denton Family Collection; 208-209: Courtesy of George Coker.
For your reference, the page numbers that appear in the print version of this book are listed below. They do not match the page numbers in your e-book. Please use the “Search” function on your e-reading device to find terms of interest. Page numbers in italics refer to illustrations as they appear in the print version of the book.
Note: Page numbers in italics refer to illustrations.
A-6 Intruders (aircraft), 3–4, 5, 5, 20
Adams, Eddie, 146
Alcatraz (Ph Lý Nam ), 126–43, 128
bathing of prisoners at, 140, 152–53
campaigns for confessions, 164
campaigns for letters of apology, 153–56, 163–64
campaigns for statements on radio, 159–60
Christmas in, 144–45
and civilian physicians, 162–63
commanding officers at, 133, 162
communication between prisoners at, 130–31, 133–35, 136, 138–39, 153–54
conditions at, 129–30, 150–51
and death of Storz, 196
and Denton’s directives, 139
Denton’s relocation to, 126–29
extension of plans for captivity, 165–66
food rations at, 136, 145, 174
Hanoi Hannah broadcast at, 138
hunger strikes at, 162–63
improved treatment, 170–71, 174, 176–77
isolation of prisoners at, 130–31, 132, 140, 174
leg irons used in, 138
map, 131
mental strain of, 140–41, 166–67
prisoners of, 131–32, 133–35, 137
religious observances at, 148–49, 164–65
summertime heat in, 150–51, 152
supplies issued in, 130
vermin at, 143
Alcatraz Gang
about, 137
daily existance of, 138–40
and Denton’s funeral, 210–11
hunger strike of, 162
and order in Hanoi Hilton, 182–83
punishment of members, 190
return to Hanoi Hilton, 178
and Storz, 184, 196
surviving members of, 208–9
Alvarez, Ev, 15, 198
anniversaries of shootdowns, 138–39
antiwar sentiment in US, 110, 116, 146–48, 203–4
BACK US resistance tactics, 111–12, 113–14, 124
bathing of prisoners, 24, 36, 140, 152–53
Big Four, 15, 20
biographical statements, 52–53, 55–56, 61, 100
Bliss, Ron, 101
bowing to captors, 111
bracelets of POW-MIA movement, 172, 173
Butler, Phil, 15, 61
Camp Authority
and antiwar sentiment in US, 147
attempts to isolate Denton, 103, 120, 136, 152
and BACK US guide, 111–12
and Cat’s public self-criticism, 179–80
and Christmas, 144–45, 182, 186–88
control exercised by, xii
cooperation of POWs with, 147, 180–81
and correspondence of POWs, 48–49, 144, 169, 182, 191
on criminal status of POWs, 112–13
and Denton’s televised interview, 79–81, 83
and duration of captivity, 165–66
and early releases of POWs, 113, 147
and end of Vietnam War, 195, 196
expressions of gratitude toward, 112
and H Ch Minh, 169
and hunger strike, 183
and leadership of POWs, 74, 88, 120, 124–25, 147
“Make Your Choice” program, 84–86, 99, 198
and march of POWs through Hanoi, 91–92, 93, 94–96, 97–98
news shared by, xiii
prison rules issued by, 36–37
and resistance of POWs, 38, 120
searches for contraband, 41–42
and sympathetic guards, 115–16
tactics of, 46–47 (see also punishment)
vindictiveness of, 117–19
and work party program, 113–14
See also propaganda
Camp Unity, 178–92
capture, Code of Conduct on, 16–17