Vietnam War: POW/MIA Summary of All Reported Non-Returnees

Description

This extensive digital archive comprises 878 pages of raw data regarding American prisoners of war (POWs) and those missing in action (MIAs) who did not return from the Vietnam War. The information, compiled in May 1978 by the Air Force Data Services Center, originates from firsthand accounts given by returning POWs. Crucially, this data is unverified and should be considered preliminary.

Instead of a single document, the archive is structured as four separate volumes, each dedicated to a specific branch of the military: Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Each volume lists the names of service members who remained unaccounted for, along with details gleaned from the testimonies of those who did return.

The details provided for each individual include their name, rank, branch of service, their last known status and the date of that last contact, the source of the information (the returning POW who provided the account), any known POW camp locations and their nicknames, information about their physical condition at the time of last contact, general comments from the returning POW, and the name of the returning POW who supplied the information. It’s vital to remember that this information is hearsay and lacks official verification.

The digital collection reproduces the original documents, including the text embedded within any images, making the entire archive fully searchable. This allows researchers to easily cross-reference information across all four volumes, facilitating a comprehensive search for specific names or details. The searchable nature of this digital version significantly enhances accessibility and research capabilities compared to the original physical documents.

Key Facts and Ideas:

• Comprehensive Compilation: The collection comprises four volumes totaling 878 pages and is organized by military branch: Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.
• Data Source and Date: The information was compiled by the Air Force Data Services Center in May 1978 and is based entirely on reports from returning POWs.
• Information Provided: Each entry includes the missing service member’s name, rank, service branch, last known status and date, source of information, last known POW camp, camp nicknames, physical condition, general comments, and the name of the returnee providing the information.
• Raw and Unsubstantiated: It is crucial to note that this information is “raw data and unsubstantiated.” The website explicitly states this fact. The information represents the observations and memories of returnees and has not been officially verified.
• Searchable Format: The collection has been digitized, with text transcripts embedded into each page’s image, creating a searchable database.

Significance: This collection provides a potentially valuable, albeit unverified, resource for researchers and families seeking information about American personnel who did not return from the Vietnam War. It offers insights into the conditions within POW camps and the experiences of those held captive.

Quote: “Information supplied for each name was provided by a returnee; this is raw data and unsubstantiated.”

Further Research Recommendations:

• Cross-reference the information provided in these reports with official government records and other sources to corroborate details.
• Investigate the specific experiences and backgrounds of the returning POWs who provided the information to understand potential biases or limitations in their accounts.
• Utilize this collection as a starting point for further research into the experiences of American POWs and MIAs during the Vietnam War.