Performance of American POWs in the Vietnam War: Adequate Training or Creative Leadership

When looking at the extraordinary circumstances our American prisoners of war faced in North Vietnam, were these men trained in such a way that they knew exactly what to do? Can a training environment adequately duplicate the horrendous conditions these men faced? This research project intends to show that no amount of training could have fully prepared these airmen for the grueling captivity they faced as POWs in North Vietnam, but rather it was their heroism, innovation, imagination, and professional character that cause us to hold them in such high esteem. First, the research focuses on the protections afforded POWs by the Geneva Convention of 1949 and the training servicemen received immediately prior to and during the Vietnam War regarding the Fighting Man’s Code of Conduct and other vital areas of POW camp survival. The research focuses on the roles of religion; communication; ingenuity and imagination; and organization and leadership in understanding exactly what the POWs experienced and if their training prepared them in these areas. Lastly, the research looks at the immediate aftermath of the Vietnam War and what recommendations were made at the time to increase the effectiveness of service preparation.

Other Books You Might Be Interested In

Engage with Honor: Building A Culture of Courageous Accountability

Honor and accountability are linked together as a formula for great leadership, and a healthy mindset of accountability can inspire every team and organization to achieve a higher level of performance. The key is engaging with courage, commitment, and caring concern as opposed to motivation by fear, intimidation, and self-preservation.

Read More »

Captured: An American Prisoner of War in North Vietnam

Alvin Townley, a critically acclaimed author of adult nonfiction, delivers a searing YA debut about American POWs during the Vietnam War.Naval aviator Jeremiah Denton was shot down and captured in North Vietnam in 1965. As a POW, Jerry Denton led a group of fellow American prisoners in withstanding gruesome conditions

Read More »

Return With Honor

The story of George “Bud” Day who flew F-100s on perilous MISTY FAC missions and then as a POW in North Vietnam became one of America’s greatest heroes and earned the Congressional Medal of Honor. Post Views: 440

Read More »

Contact Us