The true story of the fierce band of women who battled Washington - and Hanoi - to bring their husbands home from the jungles of Vietnam.
Heath Hardage Lee Books
Drawing from a background in museum education and curation, Heath Hardage Lee excels at unearthing compelling narratives from American history. Her work is characterized by meticulous research and insightful analysis, often spotlighting overlooked individuals and pivotal moments. Lee explores the social and political ramifications of historical events through the lens of personal experience and advocacy. Her prose is both factually rich and accessible, offering readers fresh perspectives on the past.
On February 12, 1973, more than one hundred recently released American prisoners of war arrived in the Philippines. These former Navy and Air Force pilots had endured years of brutal torture, deprivation, and solitary confinement in Vietnamese prisons, the worst of which was The Hanoi Hilton. Months later, they learned that their rescuers were their wives, who had formed The National League of Families and been the POW and MIAs most fervent advocates. These women lobbied government leaders, conducted a savvy media campaign, conducted covert meetings with antiwar activists, and helped code secret letters to the prisoners -- all to facilitate their husbands' freedom.