The Vietnam War lasted almost 20 years. It was the first war the U.S. had lost. However, the return home of the Prisoners-of-War was widely celebrated. They were held captive for almost nine years, the longest of any American war. Those pilots who survived shootdown were held in secluded prisons, hidden from the outside world except for occasional propaganda films.In 1992 I received permission from the Vietnam government to return to Hanoi and the prison
Robert Certain took part in the massive aerial battle that effectively ended the Vietnam War. But it left a mark — the death of half his bomber crew, enemy capture, imprisonment and making his way as a Warrior in the peaceful calling of public ministry.
MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: HOA LO PRISON, HANOI, NORTH VIETNAM MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: SEPTEMBER 4, 1969 RANK: REAR ADMIRAL (RANK AT TIME OF ACTION: CAPTAIN) CONFLICT/ERA: VIETNAM WAR – U.S. NAVY UNIT/COMMAND: ATTACK CARRIER AIR WING 16, U.S.S. ORISKANY MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: SEPTEMBER 4, 1969 For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while senior naval officer in the prisoner-of-war
