Captured: A Prisoner Of War In Vietnam

Major Stanley A. Newell

• Editorial: Normanby Press
• Año: 2015
• ISBN:
  9781786250155
• Categoría: History
• Categoría: Vietnam War

This monograph is a personal account of the author's experiences as a prisoner of war. Major Newell was a 19-year old Army Enlisted Infantry man when captured in South Vietnam in 1967. His purpose is to provide his first impressions upon capture, relate his experiences, and provide lessons learned. His conclusion: long-term captivity is survivable.This monograph is based on personal experiences and memory of events.

Chapter 1 — First Impression

At the time of my capture I could not, would not believe it. I kept telling myself, over and over, this is not real. This is not happening to me. It will be over soon. I'm going to be rescued, help is on the way. It's just a matter of time. I know now or at least I believe I understand that this feeling was my way of reacting to a situation that was beyond my comprehension. A situation I was not prepared for or mentally capable of facing. Mentally denying the reality of my situation was my defensive mechanism. My way of allowing me time to adjust and make some sense out of my predicament.

Immediately following the battle I can remember lying on the ground, face down listening to the North Vietnamese talking and moving among the dead and wounded American soldiers. Several times I heard isolated shouts and single gun shots. They were shooting everyone and I'm next. Jesus doesn’t let me cry. I don't want it to hurt. God I hope it's quick. Don't let me cry or beg —let me be brave.

Every story I could remember about the enemy reinforced my fear. The Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese didn't take prisoners. They torture and kill Americans. It was just a matter of time before they found me. God, let me be brave. This isn't real. This is not happening.

They are standing right over me. It's my turn. I'm rolled over and stripped of my belt, boots, personal belongings and dog tags. I don't open my eyes. I guess I'm playing dead, trying to make them go away or just too afraid to look. Next they pull up my fatigue shirt, listen to my heart beat and check my wounds. As soon as they are finished I'm rolled over and with US Army commo wire my arms are tied, above the elbow, behind my back. I don't understand this. I thought I would be shot. If they are going to shoot me why tie me up? Why don't they just do it? Maybe they aren't going to. If they don't, what should I do? I know I'm supposed to escape but I don't think I can. What is going on?

They are pulling me to my feet and shouting at me. I don't understand a word. I know I've got to walk to stay alive. My arms feel strange. In fact I really can't feel them at all. I don't feel like walking. It's hard to move. If I don't try I'll die. I'm going to walk no matter what. I'm not going to do anything to cause them to shoot me. Maybe I'll be rescued. This isn't real anyway.

I don't know how long or how far we walked. Every time we came to a built-up area or a hole in the ground I knew this was where they were going to kill me. That did not make any sense though. If they were going to kill me they would have shot me a long time ago. They must want something, but what? What are they going to do? Where are we going? I wonder if I'm the only American captured? If there are more where are they?

We finally stop. We are on a hillside in a makeshift camp of some sort. I'll become very familiar with these camps soon. There are bunkers all around and hundreds of North Vietnamese Regulars moving through carrying weapons and gear. A stocky Vietnamese walks up to me, stares into my eyes, says something and pats his holstered pistol. One of my guards quickly moves to his side. I'm thinking this is it. They brought me here to kill me so everyone can see. He is still talking to me but I'm not going to say or do anything. I don't think I can say anything and I'm also afraid of what might come out if I did try and speak.

Two guards come over to me and tied my ankles together. I'm then put into a covered foxhole about one...