Vietnam...2239 day in a Vietnam prison

An American POW...2239 days

Just under 10 years after the end of the Vietnam war, I met my wife to be. Her father had been United States Air Force pilot. He never served in Vietnam, however, over the years,  many times I heard him speak about a particular American POW; his name was Ron Mastin.

RONALD LAMBERT MASTIN Captain - United States Air Force


Shot Down: January 16, 1967
Released: March 4, 1973

Held in captivity for 2239 days

My father-in-law died in 2010. However, stories about Mastin's heroic 2239 days in prison continued via my mother-in-law over the years. This Christmas, she shared with me a Christmas Card from Ron & his wife. I have never met Mr. Mastin, but after hearing his history from my in-laws and researching him on the net, it makes me proud to know that Milton Sharp, my father-in-law flew in the same cockpit with a great American hero....a hero who suffered like very few American service men ever had to.

Below, I have shared 6 parts of an interview with now, Lt Col. Mastin and three other Vietnam era POW s. I hope you will appreciate their stories, as I have.

And by the way, when you run into veterans of Vietnam (and of course all other conflicts), thank them. Look them in the eye and say thank you!

See Mastin's Veteran Tribute. 

Part 1

 Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6