Experiences as a POW in Vietnam

Authors

James B. Stockdale

Abstract

Last February, when I first touched foot on American soil, I was asked to make a few remarks on behalf of the ex-POW's who were embarked in the airplane with me. An ancient verse came to mind that best summarized my relief at dropping the mantle of leadership and responsibility I had held during 7½ years of imprisonment, four of them in solitary. These lines are attributed to Homer; I remember them well because of their modern ring: "Nothing is so sweet as to return from sea and listen to the raindrops on the rooftops of home." Well, I was dreaming. I had forgotten that an old sea captain's job does not end when he anchors in homeport.

Recommended Citation

Stockdale, James B. (1974) "Experiences as a POW in Vietnam," Naval War College Review: Vol. 27: No. 1, Article 2.
Available at: https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/nwc-review/vol27/iss1/2