My father was stationed at Clark AFB Philippines from 1971-74. As a dependent I was fortunate that I was able to witness the historic return of American POW's from North Vietnam. The pictures on this page are from my family scrap book. News articles were from the Stars & Stripes.

Senator John McCain, then a POW, is in an article below. 

There are two photo's below of my sister hugging the longest held POW, Army Special Forces Major Thompson.

It seems only like yesterday. Wearing POW wrist bracelets. The anticipation for their first stop from being held captive in North Vietnam to their first taste of freedom arriving at Clark AFB Philippines. Watching them come off the plane, some down the stairs to the awaiting buses and others out the back of the plan to ambulances. Watching many if not all kiss the flag or the ground expressing their joy and taste once again of freedom.

I love history, and being apart of experiences like this one makes being an American important to me.

Below are thumbnails of the POW's arriving at Clark AFB. The third and fourth pictures from left to right are of my sister hugging Major Thompson, the longest held POW.  

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Copyright © 2000 James Hayes 

Last modified: January 15, 2001