Past history; the story of Korea and the crises which faced our prisoners of war in that conflict from capture through Operation Big Switch and after; were all carefully considered and are presented in our report. The prisoner of war situation resulting from the Korean War has received a great deal of adverse publicity. As is stated in our account; much of that adverse publicity was due to lack of information and consequent misconceptions in regard to the problem. A few statistics may prove reassuring to anyone who thinks the Armed Forces were undermined by Communist propaganda in Korea. A total of about 1;600;000 Americans served in the Korean War. Of the 4;428 Americans who survived Communist imprisonment; only a maximum of 192 were found chargeable with serious offenses against comrades or the United States. Or put it another way. Only 1 out of 23 American POWs was suspected of serious misconduct. The contrast with civilian figures tells an interesting story. According to the latest FBI statistics; 1 in 15 persons in the United States has been arrested and fingerprinted for the commission; or the alleged commission; of criminal acts. When one realizes that the Armed Forces come from a cross-section of the national population; the record seems fine indeed. It seems better than that when one weighs in the balance the tremendous pressures the American POW's were under. Weighed in that balance; they cannot be found wanting. We examined the publicly alleged divergent action taken by the Services toward prisoners repatriated from Korea. The disposition of all cases was governed by the facts and circumstances surrounding each case; and was as consistent; equitable and uniform as could be achieved by any two boards or courts. As legal steps; including appeals; are completed and in light of the uniqueness of the Korean War and the particular conditions surrounding American prisoners of war; the appropriate Service Secretaries should make thorough reviews of all punishments awarded. This continuing review should make certain that any excessive sentences; if found to exist; are carefully considered and mitigated. This review should also take into account a comparison with sentences meted out to other prisoners for similar offenses. In concluding; the Committee unanimously agreed that Americans require a unified and purposeful standard of conduct for our prisoners of war backed up by a first class training program. This position is also wholeheartedly supported by the consensus of opinion of all those who consulted with the Committee. From no one did we receive stronger recommendations on this point than from the former American prisoners of war in Korea-officers and enlisted men.
#1045890 in Books 2001-06-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.60 x 6.31 x 9.22l; #File Name: 0151005648512 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A thorough examination of the fall of the Confederate GovernmentBy Hal SmithWilliam C. Davis is much admired for his previous writing about the War Between The States; and the military and political leaders who were involved. In particular; his biography of President Jefferson Davis is exceptionally well-written and interesting.This account of the fall of the Confederate Government reveals much information that was new to me; particularly the fact that John Breckenridge worked "behind the scenes" to bring the War to an much earlier conclusion ("An Honorable Defeat").Davis' narrative will keep the reader involved until the end; and his presentation is fairly balanced between the Southern and Northern points of view.He is also to be commended for presenting the true story of President Davis' capture by Northern troops and dispelling the myth that Jefferson Davis attempted to escape by wearing women's clothes.This is a fascinating book; one I look forward to re-reading.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Well written and informative of the last few months of the war at the Cabinet level.By Glenn D. RobinsonThe last remaining months of the Confederacy is a fascinating time. This is a wonderful book that brings to life the turmoil; the politics; the larger than life characters and the complete average people that dealt with the last few months of Richmond and then the months on the run. I learned a great deal about the the Cabinet members. After the fall of Richmond; Davis kept the Cabinet in place and held meetings in each city as they stopped to try to regroup. Imagine being on the run and following a president that had the illusion that he could regroup? Thankfully; General Lee and General Johnston did the right thing by surrendering and did not go the guerrilla warfare route that Davis advocated.Well written with the aftermath of the lives led after the war; I found this to be a very good book on the subject.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A great book on leadershipBy Howard TurnerI really enjoyed this book - an interesting part of the war and superbly written. Mr. Davis has written several other good books; but this one is my favorite. I was particularly pleased to learn more about John C. Breckenridge - I found it interesting that so much leadership was coming from Breckenridge; despite his disagreements with Jefferson Davis and other factors (you'll have to read it!).I give this book to new leaders and managers in my organization because it tells a good story of doing the right thing; leading under hard circumstances; and leading when you're not the top guy.One wonders what reconciliation might have been like w/out Breckenridge.
