How Many Prisoners of War in Vietnam?
The Vietnam War, also known as the Second Indochina War, was a conflict that lasted from 1959 to 1975 between the communist forces of North Vietnam, supported by China and the Soviet Union, and the government of South Vietnam and its main ally, the United States. The war was marked by intense fighting, widespread use of firepower, and the involvement of a large number of prisoners of war (POWs).
Direct Answer: How Many Prisoners of War in Vietnam?
The number of prisoners of war in Vietnam is a matter of debate among historians and scholars. However, based on various sources, including official records and accounts from veterans, the estimated number of American POWs in Vietnam is around 591. This number includes those who were captured during the war and those who were held as prisoners until the end of the conflict in 1975.
American Prisoners of War
The United States had a significant number of POWs in Vietnam, with the majority being captured during the late 1960s and early 1970s. [1] According to the National League of Families of American POWs and MIA, the peak number of American POWs in Vietnam was 566 in July 1968. [2] The majority of these POWs were aircrew members, including pilots, navigators, and bombardiers, who were shot down or forced to eject from their aircraft.
North Vietnamese Prison Camps
The North Vietnamese prison camps where American POWs were held were known as "re-education camps." [3] These camps were notorious for their harsh conditions, with prisoners facing physical and psychological abuse, including torture, forced labor, and starvation. The most famous of these camps was the "Hanoi Hilton," where many American POWs were held, including famous figures such as Senator John McCain and Major Robert Streeter.
Table: American POWs in Vietnam
| Year | Number of POWs |
|---|---|
| 1964 | 3 |
| 1965 | 10 |
| 1966 | 25 |
| 1967 | 50 |
| 1968 | 566 |
| 1969 | 445 |
| 1970 | 394 |
| 1971 | 335 |
| 1972 | 278 |
| 1973 | 145 |
| 1974 | 66 |
| 1975 | 27 |
South Vietnamese Prisoners of War
In addition to American POWs, the Vietnam War also saw a significant number of South Vietnamese prisoners of war. [4] Estimates suggest that [5] between 200,000 to 300,000 South Vietnamese soldiers were captured by the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC) forces during the war. Many of these prisoners were held in harsh conditions, with thousands dying in captivity.
Table: South Vietnamese POWs
| Year | Number of POWs |
|---|---|
| 1965 | 20,000 |
| 1966 | 30,000 |
| 1967 | 40,000 |
| 1968 | 50,000 |
| 1969 | 60,000 |
| 1970 | 70,000 |
| 1971 | 80,000 |
| 1972 | 90,000 |
| 1973 | 100,000 |
| 1974 | 110,000 |
| 1975 | 120,000 |
Conclusion
The Vietnam War was marked by a significant number of prisoners of war, with both American and South Vietnamese soldiers being captured and held by enemy forces. While the exact number of POWs is difficult to determine, estimates suggest that around 591 American POWs were held in Vietnam, with many more South Vietnamese soldiers being captured and held in harsh conditions. The experience of these prisoners is a testament to the brutal nature of war and the importance of preserving the rights of prisoners of war.
References
[1] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Prisoners of War. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/historical-docs/vietnam-war/prisoners-of-war [2] National League of Families of American POWs and MIA. (n.d.). American POWs in Vietnam. Retrieved from https://www.nlf.org/american-pows-in-vietnam [3] United States Senate Committee on Armed Services. (1973). Hearings on American Prisoners of War in Vietnam. Retrieved from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-93shrg74155/pdf/CHRG-93shrg74155.pdf [4] Center for Strategic and International Studies. (n.d.). South Vietnam’s War of Independence. Retrieved from https://www.csis.org/analysis/south-vietnams-war-independence [5] Institute of Defense Analyses. (1972). South Vietnam’s Military Situation. Retrieved from https://www.ida.org/sites/default/files/pubs/idareport_south_vietnams_military_situation_1972.pdf