This Day In 1970's History: Monday February 12, 1973
- So far, 143 American POWs have been freed; 26 in South Vietnam were released by the Viet Cong and 116 were released from Hanoi. They were all flown to Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, except for one who remains in Saigon for personal reasons. The POWs were given a red carpet welcome.
In Hanoi, three POWs boarded the plane on a stretcher, but most appeared to be in good condition. The POWs were very happy with their release, and talked, joked and smoked aboard the plane on the flight to the Philippines. Capt. Jeremiah Denton was first off the plane and said "God bless America." Commander Everett Alvarez, shot down 8½ years ago, was second off the plane after Denton. Navy commander Brian Woods was allowed to be included in the first group of POWs to be released since his mother is critically ill. The group feasted on steak and called home to their families. [CBS]
- The release of American prisoners in South Vietnam by the Viet Cong was delayed because of suspicion regarding Communist POWs to be released at the same time. Communist POWs refused to be released until they were sure they'd be turned over to Communist forces. Finally convinced that their release was not a South Vietnamese trick, they consented to be released. Most Communist POWs are wounded or crippled and in bad health. Because records are sketchy, their families didn't even know the men were alive in most cases.
American POWs were released only after the Communist POWs arrived at their destination. The Americans were greeted by Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker and U.S. General Frederick Weyand. Prisoners who were released by the Viet Cong arrived at Clark Air Force Base 12 hours behind schedule. Most appeared pale in comparison with the ones released by Hanoi. Capt. David Baker was carried off the plane on a stretcher and received immediate medical aid. [CBS]
- It was a time for happiness and tears for the families of prisoners of war. President Nixon talked with ex-POW Col. Robinson Risner, who was captured in 1965. Press secretary Ron Ziegler stated that Risner told Nixon that the POWs thank him for his efforts to get their release and they want to shake his hand. The President said that now we have peace with honor. [CBS]
- The next prisoner exchange is scheduled to come in two weeks; 17,209 U.S. soldiers remain in Vietnam. [CBS]
- Americans who are in North Vietnam to remove mines from North Vietnamese waters were given a tour by the people of Haiphong. [CBS]
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