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Two Souls Indivisible: The Friendship That Saved Two POWs in Vietnam
How two Vietnam POWs, one white and one black, formed an unexpected friendship that saved them “A moving story.” —John McCain Fred Cherry was one of the few black pilots taken prisoner by the Vietnamese, tortured and intimidated by captors who tried and failed to get him to sign antiwar statements. Porter Halyburton was a white southern navy flier who the Vietnamese threw into a cell with Cherry at the famous Hanoi Hilton, hoping that close quarters would inspire racial tensions to boil over. Instead, they fostered an intense connection that would help both men survive the war—and continue for the rest of their lives. An unforgettable story of courage and friendship, Two Souls Indivisible is a compelling reminder of what can be achieved, in the face of incredible odds, when we put our differences aside. “A riveting tale . . . Two Souls Indivisible joins the small list of essential tomes on the war, race, and to an even larger degree, books that describe the true meaning of heroism.” —The Seattle Times “A moving story of two men whose courage, sense of duty, and love proved greater than the depravity of their captors.” —Sen. John McCain
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2004
92 people are currently reading
472 people want to read
About the author
James S. Hirsch
18 books23 followersJames S. Hirsch is an American journalist and author who has written about sports, race, and American culture. He was a reporter for The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and his first book was the best-selling Hurricane: The Miraculous Journey of Rubin Carter.
Hirsch has also written Riot and Remembrance: The Tulsa Race War and Its Legacy, Two Souls Indivisible: The Friendship That Saved Two POWs in Vietnam, and Cheating Destiny: Living with Diabetes. His biography of Willie Mays, released in February 2010, describes how the Negro leagues phenom became an instant sensation with the New York Giants in the 1950s, was the headliner in Major League Baseball's expansion to California, and played an important but underappreciated role in the civil rights movement.[1]
Hirsch, a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism and the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, lives in the Boston area.
Bibliography
Hirsch has also written Riot and Remembrance: The Tulsa Race War and Its Legacy, Two Souls Indivisible: The Friendship That Saved Two POWs in Vietnam, and Cheating Destiny: Living with Diabetes. His biography of Willie Mays, released in February 2010, describes how the Negro leagues phenom became an instant sensation with the New York Giants in the 1950s, was the headliner in Major League Baseball's expansion to California, and played an important but underappreciated role in the civil rights movement.[1]
Hirsch, a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism and the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, lives in the Boston area.
Bibliography
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 17, 2011
a VERY biased 5 star rating - one of the two souls is my dad!
June 24, 2015
A fantastic story. Air Force Major Cherry was shot down and imprisoned in Vietnam. He suffered a broken wrist, separated shoulder, and an injured leg during ejection but refused to cooperate with the Vietnamese. Laying in a bed barely able to move out of it Cherry was in terrible physical condition, unable to even move his left arm at all as his shoulder deteriorated and withered away.
Ensign Porter Halyburton was a young Navy back seat rec guy shot down. The pilot if his aircraft was hit and failed to eject. Halyburton was battered and isolated to an effort to make him give information to the Vietnamese. Each time they escalated the violence they threatened that they would continue to make things worse for him if he did not cooperate. He did not cooperate and they continued to torture him and move him to smaller and smaller cells. Finally, the Vietnamese thinking that they were really going to make Halyburton, a southerner, suffer, they put him in the same cell as Major Cherry, a black man.
What happened next? Halyburton and Cherry were initially suspicious the other was not who they represented themselves to be. But, once they were able to confirm they were fellow Americans Halyburton began to care for Cherry. He bathed him, he screamed at the guards for medical help for Cherry, he yelled at them until they finally let Cherry bathe after months of solitary confinement. Halyburton had to help Cherry wash himself and help him walk to the shower area. He even had to wash Cherry's hair repeatedly to finally wash the grease build up of months that was attracting bugs. Instead of being a source of suffering for a racist southerner, the story of Halyburton's concern and care for his fellow American became a source of strength and honor to the rest of the POWs. And a source of puzzlement to the Vietnamese who, based on American news stories, expected black and white Americans to hate each other. Love and honor won.
There is a lot more to the story and this book is worth reading. It's sad to think that this story was almost lost and forgotten until the author heard about it and tracked down the participants and witnesses to write this book. The author also follows each of these two men's wives and how they handled their capture and years of silence.
The writing could have been a bit better which is really the reason I didn't give this book a rare (from me) five star rating. This, this book, this story, ought to be a movie. Fred Cherry and Porter Halyburton returned with honor. One of the great stories to come out of Vietnam and it should not be forgotten.
Ensign Porter Halyburton was a young Navy back seat rec guy shot down. The pilot if his aircraft was hit and failed to eject. Halyburton was battered and isolated to an effort to make him give information to the Vietnamese. Each time they escalated the violence they threatened that they would continue to make things worse for him if he did not cooperate. He did not cooperate and they continued to torture him and move him to smaller and smaller cells. Finally, the Vietnamese thinking that they were really going to make Halyburton, a southerner, suffer, they put him in the same cell as Major Cherry, a black man.
What happened next? Halyburton and Cherry were initially suspicious the other was not who they represented themselves to be. But, once they were able to confirm they were fellow Americans Halyburton began to care for Cherry. He bathed him, he screamed at the guards for medical help for Cherry, he yelled at them until they finally let Cherry bathe after months of solitary confinement. Halyburton had to help Cherry wash himself and help him walk to the shower area. He even had to wash Cherry's hair repeatedly to finally wash the grease build up of months that was attracting bugs. Instead of being a source of suffering for a racist southerner, the story of Halyburton's concern and care for his fellow American became a source of strength and honor to the rest of the POWs. And a source of puzzlement to the Vietnamese who, based on American news stories, expected black and white Americans to hate each other. Love and honor won.
There is a lot more to the story and this book is worth reading. It's sad to think that this story was almost lost and forgotten until the author heard about it and tracked down the participants and witnesses to write this book. The author also follows each of these two men's wives and how they handled their capture and years of silence.
The writing could have been a bit better which is really the reason I didn't give this book a rare (from me) five star rating. This, this book, this story, ought to be a movie. Fred Cherry and Porter Halyburton returned with honor. One of the great stories to come out of Vietnam and it should not be forgotten.
April 9, 2014
This is the true story of a friendship that became legendary between two fighter pilots in a Northern Vietnamese POW camp which the inmates called the Zoo. One prisoner, Fred Cherry, is one of the first black air force fighter pilot officers and the first black officer captured by the Vietnamese. The other, Porter Halyburton, is a Navy pilot from the south, who at first couldn't believe that the black man could be a fighter pilot. The Vietnamese put them in the same cell, believing that the racial barrier would torture the two.
When Halyburton first saw Cherry, he was badly injured. One arm, which was damaged in the plane crash, hung limp from his shoulder socket, he needed badly to bathe, and he could hardly walk. Cherry was sure he would soon die. Halyburton was also in bad emotional shape due to the daily interrogations and torture sessions, as well as being isolated from anyone for months. He was taken to Cherry's cell, and told to "take care of him". Both men had their doubts about each other. One believing that other was a typical southern racist and the other not believing that his cell mate could possibly be a superior officer. Halyburton began taking care of Cherry and helped him to bath, walked him around the cell to try and bring him "back to life", demanded that the guards give him medical attention, and often sacrificed his own meek rations so Cherry might gain weight.
Meanwhile, on the home front, Cherry's wife had moved on with another man, had a new baby, and told Cherry's children that he was dead even though she knew he was alive. Also, she squandered away almost all of his pay from the air force. $122,098.13 of the $147,184.00 that he had earned.
Halyburton's wife and child remained faithful although he was thought dead and even had a memorial service in his absence. After six years, she found out that he was alive and we share her mixed emotions, happiness and fear for husband. She also plays a huge role in the American battle to bring the POWs home.
In the end the two men tearfully admit that they had saved each other's lives.
I believe this is a really awesome, well researched book. Hats off to James S. Hirsch for this story. He has shown us how racial diversity can be overcome by sheer human kindness. The book was published in 2004 by the Houghton Mifflin Company.
When Halyburton first saw Cherry, he was badly injured. One arm, which was damaged in the plane crash, hung limp from his shoulder socket, he needed badly to bathe, and he could hardly walk. Cherry was sure he would soon die. Halyburton was also in bad emotional shape due to the daily interrogations and torture sessions, as well as being isolated from anyone for months. He was taken to Cherry's cell, and told to "take care of him". Both men had their doubts about each other. One believing that other was a typical southern racist and the other not believing that his cell mate could possibly be a superior officer. Halyburton began taking care of Cherry and helped him to bath, walked him around the cell to try and bring him "back to life", demanded that the guards give him medical attention, and often sacrificed his own meek rations so Cherry might gain weight.
Meanwhile, on the home front, Cherry's wife had moved on with another man, had a new baby, and told Cherry's children that he was dead even though she knew he was alive. Also, she squandered away almost all of his pay from the air force. $122,098.13 of the $147,184.00 that he had earned.
Halyburton's wife and child remained faithful although he was thought dead and even had a memorial service in his absence. After six years, she found out that he was alive and we share her mixed emotions, happiness and fear for husband. She also plays a huge role in the American battle to bring the POWs home.
In the end the two men tearfully admit that they had saved each other's lives.
I believe this is a really awesome, well researched book. Hats off to James S. Hirsch for this story. He has shown us how racial diversity can be overcome by sheer human kindness. The book was published in 2004 by the Houghton Mifflin Company.
July 17, 2021
Interesting book about POW’s in the Vietnam war, about racial conditions in the military and in our country at that time (to a lesser extent), and about the war and the patriotism of military men.
In my opinion, it was a very well-written book about the men who were flying in the Vietnam war, what motivated them to fly and what motivated them (most of them) to endure their extraordinarily difficult imprisonment and torture with honor and bravery. The author chose two men Fred Cherry (black), and Porter Halyburton (southern white) to write about primarily, their lives before the war, while in captivity (where the VC put them together, believing it was punishment), and after their return. While they were “roommates” for only 7-8 months of the 7+ years in captivity, they formed an extremely close friendship that endured.
I did find it interesting that both the author and Halyburton, while perhaps not openly critical of the politics and failings of the military and the war, certainly did have questions about the “why” in certain respects.
In my opinion, it was a very well-written book about the men who were flying in the Vietnam war, what motivated them to fly and what motivated them (most of them) to endure their extraordinarily difficult imprisonment and torture with honor and bravery. The author chose two men Fred Cherry (black), and Porter Halyburton (southern white) to write about primarily, their lives before the war, while in captivity (where the VC put them together, believing it was punishment), and after their return. While they were “roommates” for only 7-8 months of the 7+ years in captivity, they formed an extremely close friendship that endured.
I did find it interesting that both the author and Halyburton, while perhaps not openly critical of the politics and failings of the military and the war, certainly did have questions about the “why” in certain respects.
May 1, 2012
Well done military human interest story.
I just missed out going to Viet Nam, but I was pretty current on many of the details about our POWs there and their gross maltreatment. But I learned a whole lot reading this book.
I strongly recommend this book to those of you who have interest in military history, the Viet Nam war, POW issues - BUT PARTICULARLY IF YOU WERE BORN AFTER ABOUT 1955. If you are younger than this then you most likely have no idea or concept about what these poor souls went through. The North Vietnamese treated them worse than animals and denied them virtually all of the rights and human decency of POWs as recognized by most of the rest of the world.
You read this book and you will find out realy quickly what a joke it is when current do-gooders whine about Al Quaeda prisoners undergoing sleep deprivation and noise saturation. What a walk on the beach.
I just missed out going to Viet Nam, but I was pretty current on many of the details about our POWs there and their gross maltreatment. But I learned a whole lot reading this book.
I strongly recommend this book to those of you who have interest in military history, the Viet Nam war, POW issues - BUT PARTICULARLY IF YOU WERE BORN AFTER ABOUT 1955. If you are younger than this then you most likely have no idea or concept about what these poor souls went through. The North Vietnamese treated them worse than animals and denied them virtually all of the rights and human decency of POWs as recognized by most of the rest of the world.
You read this book and you will find out realy quickly what a joke it is when current do-gooders whine about Al Quaeda prisoners undergoing sleep deprivation and noise saturation. What a walk on the beach.
March 7, 2023
I saw this book featured on CBS Sunday Morning (I think) a while back and am so glad I read it as it not only illuminated facts about the Vietnam war but offered behind the scenes accounts of prison camps as noted by the bond between two men. Halyburton was assigned to care for Cherry as a means of punishment: the Vietnamese believing it cruel for a white man to care for a Black man. The power of friendship, determination to survive and the value of caring for another tops all. Riveting and at some points very tough to read but worth the read.
January 28, 2018
I grew up in an Air Force community, and I knew some POW's, so I knew in general terms what they went through. This book was somewhat interesting in detailing the POW experience in Vietnam, but the writing is just ordinary; that said, it is an easy read. The book had additional interest for me because my family has a connection to Davidson College, and Porter Halyburton is a Davidson grad. I think Fred Cherry's story is inspiring, and should be better known.
November 27, 2017
A wonderful read; a timely read. A story about the struggles of two cell mate, American POWs, who against all odds struggled to save each other, nurture each other, and protect one another from the harsh realities of life at the Hanoi Hilton. An unlikely duo bound together by love of country and shared experiences of suffering. A reminder that during the darkest days of war, political, social, and racial strife, the human spirit endures in the most unlikely places.
February 26, 2019
Vietnam War Story
This is an unusual book which centers on the relationship between two POWs. One was white and one black. They were cellmates for several months when they were in the hands of the North Viietnamese. It is an uplifting story and it was interesting to learn how the prisoners spent their time.
This is an unusual book which centers on the relationship between two POWs. One was white and one black. They were cellmates for several months when they were in the hands of the North Viietnamese. It is an uplifting story and it was interesting to learn how the prisoners spent their time.
May 31, 2019
Amazing true story that features family friend Porter Halyburton and his ordeal as POW in Vietnam. Feel so privileged to know Porter and have heard more about his experience and most importantly, what he learned from it. His conviction to forgive and move forward with his life after this dark chapter is truly amazing.
January 12, 2019
Harrowing account of an unlikely bond created while surviving the horrific conditions of POW life in Vietnam. Gripping and even emotional at times. The book itself can be repetitive and teadious at times. Otherwise its good.
June 29, 2021
Well and clearly written, though I prefer a straight chronology and this one went forward and backward during the VietNam years which got confusing. Merely adding the year might have helped.
Hirsch had good insight into details I'd not read before and I appreciated it.
Hirsch had good insight into details I'd not read before and I appreciated it.
February 16, 2023
Great book!
Thought provoking writing that gives you hope with a view of the end while giving you through the incredible journey of these two men and the other prisoners around them.
Thought provoking writing that gives you hope with a view of the end while giving you through the incredible journey of these two men and the other prisoners around them.
April 12, 2023
Great read, should be read by all interested in how our POWs were treated and how they survived. There men displayed courage above and beyond what was required of them. As an American and as a U.S. service man I am proud of them and I salute them
July 12, 2017
Such a powerful story, and an eye-opening account of POW life during Vietnam.
February 3, 2018
Its a bit fractured but overall very good. The ending is quite moving and I learned a lot. You can't ask for more from a non-fiction book.
February 19, 2019
Amazing story, would never have read on my own and am thankful for my Book club for choosing it!!
June 26, 2020
This was a good book about two people from different ethnic groups surviving as POW in Vietnam. I would recommend this book.
August 28, 2020
An eye opener.
February 6, 2023
I can't even begin to imagine what they went through....
February 9, 2023
Very inspirational
Well written. Factual Nothing but respect and admiration for all of those brave men who experience the worst of other men
Well written. Factual Nothing but respect and admiration for all of those brave men who experience the worst of other men
April 23, 2025
Wow. An inspiring and very affecting book.
October 20, 2017
This was a very exiting book with a very in depth and a very touching storyline. It was inspiring to know that even racism could not divide people during a war, and how much POWs (prisoners of war) suffered for this country. Also it showed that resistance could be achieved under any circumstances. It was very interesting all the way thought the book. Some of the book is not kid friendly, and would recommend it for people ages 13 and over.
April 5, 2010
I read Two Souls Indivisible by James Hirsch for a book club meeting at my local library. When I was reading the book, I thought the discussion would be interesting since many of the members lived through the Vietnam war. I thought the book was an interesting story of friendship and connection between two men. It reminded me that something wonderful can bloom in the worst circumstances.
In anticipation of our discussion, I was curious if comparisons would be made between the Vietnam war and the current wars. I also wanted to talk about the struggle to integrate the military as compared with the current demographics. After a few minutes of discussion, I was horrified and frustrated with the ignorant, racist comments people made to the point where I am not sure if I want to return! The meeting was good practice for me to speak up when I find comments objectionable. I feel thankful that I had the chance to be courageous, but I do not know if I want to get so upset when I go to a book club meeting.
Instead of a vigorous discussion of the book which brings up many interesting points and topics, I listened to a lot of ignorant bullshit. The quote which has stuck with me and continues to make my blood boil is: "Well not all Muslims are terrorists, but all the terrorist we have found are Muslims." I was also surprised that there was so much debate about whether or not you could be against the war and still support troops. My response to that is EMPHATICALLY yes! While I expect and appreciate that there was going to be a range of viewpoints on the war, I did not expect the classification to be as follows: You are a patriot if you believe in the war and a stupid hippie if you do not.
It is hard for me to write an objective review of the book because I keep thinking about the meeting and all the strong reactions I have to people's comments. I did speak up, but I wish that I had said more. I also have unresolved frustration with the meeting. What do you do if I you have a crappy experience at a book club meeting?
In anticipation of our discussion, I was curious if comparisons would be made between the Vietnam war and the current wars. I also wanted to talk about the struggle to integrate the military as compared with the current demographics. After a few minutes of discussion, I was horrified and frustrated with the ignorant, racist comments people made to the point where I am not sure if I want to return! The meeting was good practice for me to speak up when I find comments objectionable. I feel thankful that I had the chance to be courageous, but I do not know if I want to get so upset when I go to a book club meeting.
Instead of a vigorous discussion of the book which brings up many interesting points and topics, I listened to a lot of ignorant bullshit. The quote which has stuck with me and continues to make my blood boil is: "Well not all Muslims are terrorists, but all the terrorist we have found are Muslims." I was also surprised that there was so much debate about whether or not you could be against the war and still support troops. My response to that is EMPHATICALLY yes! While I expect and appreciate that there was going to be a range of viewpoints on the war, I did not expect the classification to be as follows: You are a patriot if you believe in the war and a stupid hippie if you do not.
It is hard for me to write an objective review of the book because I keep thinking about the meeting and all the strong reactions I have to people's comments. I did speak up, but I wish that I had said more. I also have unresolved frustration with the meeting. What do you do if I you have a crappy experience at a book club meeting?
Read
May 22, 2012How do two completely opposite people survive in a small cell in a POW camp in Vietnam? In the book Two Souls Indivisible James S. Hirsch tells the amazing story about two POWs in a camp called the Zoo. The two main characters are Fred Cherry, an African American Air Force pilot who was physically damaged in his plane crash, and Porter Halyburton, a young navy flier who is a racist Southerner. The two men are put together in the cell because the North Vietnamese thought the two men would break each other’s spirits. Instead, Cherry and Halyburton overcome their differences and helped each other survive.
The fact that Two Souls Indivisible is a story about survival would make it a good book by itself, but in this book Hirsch gives readers a different perspective on the Vietnam War. He describes for the reader what went on in the small villages where the prisoner camps were located. Hirsch talks about the “heinous” North Vietnamese people who interrogated the prisoners. He says that when the prisoners were interrogated, the interrogator would say “better place, worse place.” If the prisoner cooperated, they went to a better place; if they didn’t cooperate, they went to a worse place. None of the Americans would answer the questions they were asked, so they would always end up going to the “worse place.” Whenever they were asked a question all the Americans would say was their name, rank serial number.
In conclusion, Two Souls Indivisible is going to appeal to anyone who likes war stories. However, Hirsch expands his potential audience to include those readers who are looking for an intense psychological journey and how human beings can help people each other triumph over adversity.
The fact that Two Souls Indivisible is a story about survival would make it a good book by itself, but in this book Hirsch gives readers a different perspective on the Vietnam War. He describes for the reader what went on in the small villages where the prisoner camps were located. Hirsch talks about the “heinous” North Vietnamese people who interrogated the prisoners. He says that when the prisoners were interrogated, the interrogator would say “better place, worse place.” If the prisoner cooperated, they went to a better place; if they didn’t cooperate, they went to a worse place. None of the Americans would answer the questions they were asked, so they would always end up going to the “worse place.” Whenever they were asked a question all the Americans would say was their name, rank serial number.
In conclusion, Two Souls Indivisible is going to appeal to anyone who likes war stories. However, Hirsch expands his potential audience to include those readers who are looking for an intense psychological journey and how human beings can help people each other triumph over adversity.
February 29, 2016
A pretty good account of POW captivity in North Vietnam, focusing primarily on the period when the injured African American Air Force pilot Fred Cherry and white southern Navy airman Porter Halyburton shared a cell. It is really a story about perseverance; courage; solidarity; resistance; standing by your code, training, and beliefs; flexibility; ability to adapt and grow; and to help your fellow under difficult conditions, as well as the development of a friendship few at that period in our experience would have expected. I perhaps would have liked more on their post-war friendship, and maybe commentary on the changes they witnessed, but that is ok. Seemed rushed at the end. Readers interested in the military and the Vietnam War will find good material here.
June 19, 2015
The story of Fred Cherry and Porter Halyburton who met in a Vietnamese POW cell and became friends. The Vietnamese guards knew that America was in the middle of a race crisis, and that, as a southerner, Halyburton was more than likely racist. Cherry was in horrible shape. Injured when his plane crashed, he had been tortured, starved and was physically near death when he met Halyburton. Halyburton was in better shape physically but was "close to breaking" after being almost completely isolated since his capture. Parts of this story are tough to read, but the human spirit of these two men will inspire you as it did their fellow prisoners.
April 17, 2015
the values of a generation
Are reflected in the conduct of the men in this book, not just the two main characters but all those who resisted and survived and whose honor was of the highest value to them. Perhaps the first cracks in the moral fiber of our country came from the people who did not understand their sacrifice and were blind to the concepts of freedom that gave them the right to criticize. Today this degree of patriotism seems to have all but disappeared except among older citizens and there will be a price paid in the future.
Are reflected in the conduct of the men in this book, not just the two main characters but all those who resisted and survived and whose honor was of the highest value to them. Perhaps the first cracks in the moral fiber of our country came from the people who did not understand their sacrifice and were blind to the concepts of freedom that gave them the right to criticize. Today this degree of patriotism seems to have all but disappeared except among older citizens and there will be a price paid in the future.
June 17, 2008
I originally bought this book for a friend while he was on a six month deployment. After talking with him about the book I bought a copy as well.
It is a true story of two entirely different people from totally separate worlds.
I really enjoyed the fact that this wasn't just another book about black and white. It was told from both sides by two people who are truly color blind after meetin one another. A must read for anyone.
It is a true story of two entirely different people from totally separate worlds.
I really enjoyed the fact that this wasn't just another book about black and white. It was told from both sides by two people who are truly color blind after meetin one another. A must read for anyone.
December 9, 2008
This is such a good true story of two POWs during the Vietnam War - both Americans, but one black, one white, and from very different backrounds. It tells of their friendship that developed in a prison cell in Vietnam, their treatment by the Vietnamese, their lives, and finally their release and their new lives afterwards. Some inapropiate(mostly sexual) references - I would recommend age 17-18+ Also bad language! :(
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews