Donald Richard Peppard was part of the USS Pueblo during the Vietnam War. He stated "We could hear the screams from down the passageway where they had taken the people out. We knew people were getting beat real bad." (Audio tape, 28:02) He was captured for eleven months and during that time he and fellow soldiers endured horrible conditions. Including several beatings, hunger, fear, threats, censored mail, boredom that could make a person go absolutely crazy, all while trying to appear emotionless to his captures knowing any sign of weakness would only make it worse for him. To civilians this seems like a movie, not a normal part of life, but it is a sad reality that stretches back into history all the way to modern day war.
I think that it is hard for most Americans to truly understand what it is like being captured and having to live in such conditions. Conditions where you never quite know from day to day whether or not you will make it to the next day and not knowing if you will ever see your friends, family and loved one’s again. With reading this post it somewhat slapped me in the face with the realities of war and what our men and woman have to face on a daily basis. The fear that must live in these people lives everyday knowing that they could be captured and not have any clue what is in store for them. Donald I must say is probably one of the lucky ones and I am sure that he is grateful for that. Do you know what it took from the United States to get him set free and to bring him home?
ReplyDeleteI agree it is crazy to think of an everyday life of not knowing what is in store, life...death...beatings etc. Donald did seem so grateful, I would imagine it puts everything in life into perspective. The article actually didn't list what specifically sent him home, but now I am curious as well, I will look into this and let you know! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThat would be awesome I would like to know as well. Yeah I bet it puts life in to perspective to where you wouldn't take it for granted that's for sure. I would imagine that you would come home and live every day to the fullest as if it could be your last.
ReplyDeleteSo I did some more research and found that he was released because the President wrote a letter admitting to spying in North Korea, they were released and then the U.S. denied any activity in spying. I suppose they just had no need for them anymore. Kind of a scare tactic to keep the U.S. out of their area....so crazy.
ReplyDeleteYeah that definitely is crazy and it is amazing what lengths people will go to to get what they want especially in time of war. Thank you for looking in to that it is awesome to know.
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