Rating: 
Summary: Triumph of the human spirit
Review: A brilliant, highly accessible account of the history of the POWs in Southeast Asia. The text is very readable and concisely written. The photographs alone speak volumes and the maps provide a nice illustrative point of reference.Before you read any other POW-related book, take the time to read "Honor Bound" cover to cover. Not only will you feel you are getting to know these men - heroes all - personally, you will gain a brutally clear perception of the conditions these men were forced to endure and the way they managed to maintain their honor and dignity in the face of such terrible adversity. The human element is very strong. This is not, mind you, a book for the weak-stomached. The book is unflinching in its cataloging of the various tortures the POWs underwent, the often rancid food they were forced to subsist on, and the day to day challenges their captors and the climate inflicted upon them. Surprisingly, however, while the reader is horrified, he or she will leave the book strangely uplifted. It reaffirms one's faith in the human spirit and humanity in general.
Rating:
Summary: Triumph of the human spirit
Review: A brilliant, highly accessible account of the history of the POWs in Southeast Asia. The text is very readable and concisely written. The photographs alone speak volumes and the maps provide a nice illustrative point of reference. Before you read any other POW-related book, take the time to read "Honor Bound" cover to cover. Not only will you feel you are getting to know these men - heroes all - personally, you will gain a brutally clear perception of the conditions these men were forced to endure and the way they managed to maintain their honor and dignity in the face of such terrible adversity. The human element is very strong. This is not, mind you, a book for the weak-stomached. The book is unflinching in its cataloging of the various tortures the POWs underwent, the often rancid food they were forced to subsist on, and the day to day challenges their captors and the climate inflicted upon them. Surprisingly, however, while the reader is horrified, he or she will leave the book strangely uplifted. It reaffirms one's faith in the human spirit and humanity in general.
Rating:
Summary: The phenomenal history of American POW's in Vietnam.....
Review: After reading many individual POW memoirs and similar material, it was immediately evident to me that Honor Bound is the premier and defining work on American POW's in Vietnam. For its sheer scope and immensity, this is the best reference material ever composed on this subject. Beginning with history of French occupation in Vietnam and the follow on role of United States involvement, an intimate portrayal is drawn of every aspect of captivity faced by U.S. personnel. In minute detail, Northern and Southern Vietnamese POW camps are put under the microscope revealing the harrowing physical and psychological experiences that affected U.S. servicemen in appalling conditions which equated to a daily battle for survival. Also examined is the known information on captivity in Laos which continues to be controversial even today due to the unknown fates of many Americans still missing in that country. Complimenting the brilliant narrative which leaves nothing to the imagination, Honor Bound contains dozens of excellent photographs, prison maps, generous footnotes, and several appendixes containing Vietnam war data and prisoner information. This book is a lasting tribute to patriots, heroes, and even legends who gave and maintained their very best in continual times of the absolute worst. I highly recommend Honor Bound to everyone interested in accounts of POW captivity. A superb, powerful, and very satisfying reading experience.
Rating:
Summary: The phenomenal history of American POW's in Vietnam.....
Review: After reading many individual POW memoirs and similar material, it was immediately evident to me that Honor Bound is the premier and defining work on American POW's in Vietnam. For its sheer scope and immensity, this is the best reference material ever composed on this subject. Beginning with history of French occupation in Vietnam and the follow on role of United States involvement, an intimate portrayal is drawn of every aspect of captivity faced by U.S. personnel. In minute detail, Northern and Southern Vietnamese POW camps are put under the microscope revealing the harrowing physical and psychological experiences that affected U.S. servicemen in appalling conditions which equated to a daily battle for survival. Also examined is the known information on captivity in Laos which continues to be controversial even today due to the unknown fates of many Americans still missing in that country. Complimenting the brilliant narrative which leaves nothing to the imagination, Honor Bound contains dozens of excellent photographs, prison maps, generous footnotes, and several appendixes containing Vietnam war data and prisoner information. This book is a lasting tribute to patriots, heroes, and even legends who gave and maintained their very best in continual times of the absolute worst. I highly recommend Honor Bound to everyone interested in accounts of POW captivity. A superb, powerful, and very satisfying reading experience.
Rating:
Summary: The truth captured on paper
Review: As a Vietnam veteran and friend of several POW's I found that this book told their story better than any I have read to date. It took me back to times when I sat with those friends and they told me of the terrible times they went through. This book will bring you as close to being able to share in their experience and my visits with my friends as you will ever get.
Rating:
Summary: Page-turner; as emotional as fiction
Review: I can remember only a few non-fiction books as enthralling as Honor Bound (The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich and Is Paris Burning? among them). I could not put down Honor Bound once I started it. Unlike other published accounts of some of the PWs, which were generally the experiences of the individual authors, Honor Bound synthesizes the experiences gleaned from all of the de-briefings, as well as reference to previously classified material and interviews with over 100 of the PWs. Dr. Rochester is an historian with the Defense Department. Dr. Kiley is a former USAF Colonel who advised the Vietnamese AF, who teaches at the AF Academy. This is a story of indomitable spirit and will in the face of extreme physical and mental challenges. No reader of this book will be unaffected by its lessons. Like me, every reader will want to tell everyone within earshot of the incredible stories found on each page. Each almost unbelievable episode was topped by subsequent stories as the book progressed. Our military and civilian leaders have learned little as a result of Vietnam; this book, with no moralizing at all, demonstrates this point.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating book, only to become aware of courage
Review: Just read the book. It describes the struggle of those POW's who served in VN. From the heroic actions of Jeremiah Denton to the events of Bobby Garwood. It's all fascinating how people endure during very tragic circumstances. It became one of my favourites !
Rating:
Summary: Honor Bound American Prisoners of War In Southeast Asia
Review: Thank you to Stuart Rochester and Frederick Kiley, for an unbelievable account of the POW's that served in Viet Nam. This is not an easy book to read, but it is a page-turner. As an American, I am overwhelmed by the sacrafice extended for the freedom I enjoy. My praise for the written words and for the service to our country so clearly evident in this riveting book. G.K. Smith Cape Cod USA
Rating:
Summary: Honor Bound American Prisoners of War In Southeast Asia
Review: Thank you to Stuart Rochester and Frederick Kiley, for an unbelievable account of the POW's that served in Viet Nam. This is not an easy book to read, but it is a page-turner. As an American, I am overwhelmed by the sacrafice extended for the freedom I enjoy. My praise for the written words and for the service to our country so clearly evident in this riveting book. G.K. Smith Cape Cod USA
Rating:
Summary: Read this book.
Review: This book is a must for anyone who wants a serious library of works on the Vietnam War. This book is not easy or fun to read -- it is 596 pages long, it is detailed, and it contains graphic descriptions of the torture and deprivations inflicted on US POWs in SEAsia. More than that, though, it is a tribute to the human spirit and to the courage of these men.
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