On the night of October 25, 1967, the eleven most anarchic, fierce, unshakeable, and influential prisoners were transferred to an isolated camp nicknamed "Alcatraz." The NVA wanted to prevent revolution and resistance within the American POWs, but they only made the eleven louder and stronger.

LEAD Classrooms

Alcatraz 11

When John McCain was captured, the NVA realized he was something of a celebrity–his father was the commander of US forces in the Pacific. The NVA recognized an opportunity for propaganda. So, they offered John McCain an early release, expecting heaps of positive media attention. What they didn’t expect was John McCain refusing an early release until his fellow prisoners were freed. Learn more about his heroic stand.

Cemetery

No Early Release: John McCain Story

Between February and March 1973, 660 American military POWs returned to American soil to their families. Thanks to the fortitude and initiative of POWs, their leaders, and their wives and families back home, servicemembers returned home with honor.

Visitor Center

Homecoming

The NVA viewed POW Hegdahl as the “stupid one.” But Doug Hegdahl was pretending all along. Using an unusual mnemonic device, Hegdahl memorized the names, capture dates, method of capture, and additional personal information of 256 prisoners. Upon his early release, Hegdahl provided the list of the captives to the American government and exposed the extreme injustices of the NVA.

Michelson Hall

Doug Hegdahl

The NVA knew that they could not beat America in the Vietnam War. Lacking the resources and manpower of the U.S., the NVA worked tirelessly to produce propaganda for domestic and international audiences. See the common themes incorporated in NVA propaganda and learn how the NVA were successful in turning global opinion against America.

Trident 1845 Coffee

Resistance and Propaganda

An optimistic outlook has long been regarded as the key to overcoming adversity. Just be positive! But that worldview is not necessarily how Vice Admiral Stockdale endured. Rather than absolute or unwavering optimism, “The Stockdale Paradox” encourages individuals to maintain their hope while actively acknowledging the harsh reality of the moment. See how Stockdale’s philosophy has been widely studied and applied to the business world.

Inside Chapel

Stockdale Paradox

Utilizing an old method of communication from World War II, four POWs began to covertly teach and spread a “Tap Code” across camp. These series of taps on the wall became a lifeline for the POWs. Learn what they communicated and try it out yourself!

Preble Hall Museum

Tap Code

Utilizing carbon paper, encrypted code, and more, imprisoned POWs were able to communicate to the U.S. military while imprisoned at Hỏa Lò Prison. See the recently declassified espionage and all that POWs and their wives accomplished through secret letters.

Secret Letters

What began as two college students’ mission to raise awareness about missing and imprisoned Americans in Vietnam, soon became a national movement. How did two reluctant activists change the world? With 5 million copper and nickel bracelets. Learn how this one action contributed to the release of 571 American POWs.

Admissions

POW Bracelets

Mary Helen Hoff wanted to show her support for her missing husband in Vietnam.. But there existed no banner or flag that captured his situation. Mary proposed to the National League of POW/MIA Families that they commission a new logo: a symbol to advocate for improved treatment of POW/MIAs. What started as a simple act of love led to an enduring image of solidarity.

Alumni Hall

POW/MIA Flag

The Vietnam War became the first American war to test the effectiveness of the newly penned Code of Conduct. The Code, in conjunction with Stockdale’s “BACK US”, are credited by scholars with improving morale and uniting American POWs. POWs say the code saved lives.

Memorial Hall

U.S. Code of Conduct

As the senior-most Naval officer held in Hỏa Lò Prison, Stockdale instituted a code of conduct that governed prison behavior, promoted defiance, and gave POWs hope for the future. An inspired leader, Stockdale went to extreme lengths to protect his fellow prisoners, prompting the end of excessive torture within the prisons.

Stockdale Statue

Stockdale the CAG

In six first-hand stories, former POWs recall the most harrowing moment of their lives: being shot down by SAD missiles and captured by enemy forces.

Ellyson Aircraft Park

Shoot Down Stories

Left in the dark without much news about their loved ones, POW wives felt their government had abandoned them. Wanting information, access, and to pressure the NVA to release their husbands, POW wives founded The League of American Vietnam Prisoners of War and changed history.

National League of Families

This prison was known as "hell on earth" for American POWs imprisoned there starting in 1964. Living up to its translation, the "Fiery Furnace" subjected American POWs to inhumane living conditions, prolonged solitary confinement, and extreme torture.

Hoa Lo Prison

The Vietnam War POWs left us a legacy of understanding: what does it take to endure? One day you will be deployed. You may be physically ready, but are you spiritually, emotionally, and mentally prepared? Take this interactive quiz and discover where you need to grow before you leave home.

Stockdale Center

Legacy of POW/MIA

Eight purpose-driven POW survivors continued to serve their nation upon their release from Hanoi. See their stories and the remarkable “way forward” each of them found in public service.

Lawrence Statue

Continued Service

The POW/MIA Table honors the fallen, missing in action, and POW military service members. Learn more about the special symbols that decorate this table and its accompanying ceremony.

Faculty Club

POW/MIA Table

Intrigued to learn more about the POWs of the Vietnam War? Click here to access books, television shows, documentaries, and much more.