Hear from, and about the exciting life of, Lt. Col (Ret.) Barry B. Bridger, a six year survivor of Hoa Loa Prison, who was shot down by a surface-to-air missile over a North Vietnamese city in January of 1967. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions and propaganda materials. Barry Bridger resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on January 28, 1967, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam.
The Vietnam War at 50: The POW Experience with Dr. Hal Kushner
Captured and held in a prisoner of war camp for five years, Dr. Kushner’s tale of torture, abuse, survival, humanity, and perseverance was both sobering and moving. As our closing keynote speaker for VMI’s Vietnam symposium ‘The Vietnam War at 50,’ our audience leaves on a powerful note among the several personal stories they heard today.
