Author: Ernest C Brace
Here's a summary:
* Genre: Non-fiction, War History, Military Mystery
* Publication Date: 2022
_They Never Came Home_ dives into the perplexing cases of American servicemen missing in action (MIA) during the Vietnam War and subsequent operations in Laos. Author Ernest C Brace, an Air Force veteran and former POW, draws upon his personal experiences and thorough research to shed light on these unresolved wartime tragedies.
The book opens by highlighting the plight of American servicemen who disappeared during combat or were held captive in North Vietnam and Laos. Brace narrates their stories, including the harrowing experiences of torture and solitary confinement endured by some prisoners of war.
Brace details the efforts undertaken by various agencies, including the U.S. military and specialized task forces, to investigate the fates of the missing. He explores the complexities of conducting investigations in hostile territory and the challenges in uncovering concrete information amidst conflicting accounts.
The book delves into specific, unsolved cases that have long haunted families and investigators. Brace presents evidence, interviews with witnesses, and previously unreleased documents, shedding new light on these perplexing mysteries.
Brace examines the politics surrounding the release of American POWs and the often-delicate negotiations with North Vietnam and its allies. He discusses the difficulties faced in reaching agreements for prisoner exchanges and the impact on the lives of those who remained captive.
_They Never Came Home_ also humanizes the stories by exploring the emotional impact on the families of the missing. Brace shares the struggles, hopes, and heartaches of loved ones left in limbo, waiting for news or closure about their missing relatives.
Brace concludes by assessing the progress made in accounting for the missing, while acknowledging the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth about those who never came home.
_They Never Came Home_ offers a meticulously researched and thought-provoking examination of a haunting aspect of the Vietnam War. Combining historical accounts, personal anecdotes, and investigative insights, Brace brings a fresh perspective to this enduring mystery from a period that shaped American history.