Story by Bryan Araujo | U.S. Army Garrison Poland | 04.02.2025
U.S. Army Garrison Poland joined Polish officials, American veterans, and local communities in commemorating two powerful moments of World War II history: the 81st anniversary of the Great Escape in Żagań and the return of a former prisoner of war to Stalag Luft 4 in Tychowo....
Story by Sharon Holland | Uniformed Services University | 12.19.2024
Alvarez is one of only 184 individuals in history to receive this honor, highlighting his remarkable sacrifice, leadership, and long-lasting impact....
Story by Senior Airman Brieana Bolfing | 35th Fighter Wing | 11.15.2024
U.S. Air Force retired Col. Leon "Lee" Ellis recently visited Misawa Air Base, Japan, to share his remarkable story of resilience, leadership, and service. A former Vietnam War fighter pilot and prisoner of war (POW), Ellis captivated audiences with stories of survival and the leadership lessons he gleaned during one of history’s harshest crucibles....
Story by Darryl Orrell | Center for Security Forces | 09.20.2024
In 1979, former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, established the National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Since its inception, the third Friday in September has served as a day to honor our nation’s military veterans who were once held as prisoners of war and those who remain listed as missing in action....
Story by Staff Sgt. Bethany Rizor | 110th Wing | 09.15.2023
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – To honor National Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Recognition Day, the 110th Wing hosted an inaugural ceremony on Sept. 15, 2023, at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan. The purpose of this day is to honor those who were held captive and returned, as well as those who remain missing....
Story by Senior Airman Rebeckah Valladares | 23rd Wing | 04.21.2023
In honor of the Bataan Death March prisoners of war, service members from Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, partnered with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office for the third annual memorial Bataan Death March, April 8, 2023, to march 66 miles with various obstacle courses, representing the miles that American and Filipino POWs had to endure....
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Russell Lindsey | Navy Medicine Operational Training Command | 03.01.2023
Between February 12, 1973, and April 4, 1973, Operation Homecoming saw the successful return of nearly 600 American service members captured and held as prisoners of war (POW) in Vietnam with some POWs held in captivity for the better part of a decade. On Mar. 1, 2023 the Robert E. Mitchell Center for Prisoner of War (REMC) studies commemorated the 50th Anniversary of Operation Homecoming with......
Courtesy Story | Air Force Medical Service | 09.16.2022
The year 1973 saw the end of the Vietnam conflict. Securing the safe release of American Prisoners of War was a vital concern for U.S. leadership, as was the physical and mental well-being of those returning. In late 1972, the Air Force Medical Service began planning for the return of 591 Americans held by the North Vietnamese....
