A Code To Keep: The True Story of America's Longest-Held Civilian POW in the Vietnam War

by Ernest C. Brace

Ernest C. Brace was a former Marine hero, banished in disgrace from the Corps. In 1965, while working as a civilian pilot in Laos, he was captured and spent the next two years in a bamboo cage with his legs in stocks. His bravery did not diminish when transferred to Hanoi where he maintained the military code of conduct, refusing early release so that others might go free. This is the true, firsthand account of America's longest-held civilian POW in Vietnam, his eight years in captivity, and eventual return to honor.

Genres: Biography

230 pages, Paperback

First published November 25, 2001

Reviews

[Relstuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the memoir of a Marine aviator. A vet of the Korean war with significant combat experience (shot down once but rescued by the Navy). He was court-martialed and given a dishonorable discharge after he left the scene of an aircraft accident during peacetime as a captain. He began flying contract jobs for several corporations and ended up flying for one sending aid and supplies into Laos as the Vietnam war was heating up. He was captured by the Vietnamese after they captured an airfield he landed at. This book centers on his experience as a prisoner and how he eventually was sent to the Hanoi Hilton with military POWs. He was faithful to the military code of conduct he learned as a Marine. He refused to cooperate with the enemy and helped facilitate communications between POWs. Initially when the POW transfer was set up to send military members home to the US prisoners from Laos were not going to be included in the deal as Vietnam did not want to admit they operated in Laos at all. Nixon threatened to call off the whole treaty and prisoner exchange if they were not all going to come home, the Vietnamese gave in.

On their way home as the POWs were being checked out they found out about the status of their families. Mr. Brace found out his father died and his wife had married another man (they had been married 12 years and had three sons. She knew he was alive.). Brace went to the top of the hotel he was at and found one other POW there who had gotten the same news about his wife, they both cried together looking at into the night stars. Brace commented that while they had cried involuntary tears of pain from torture during their years of imprisonment this was the first time either man had broken down and just cried. Some hurts you just can't take on the chin.

President Ford issued a full pardon to Ernie Brace, he redeemed his name and reputation. He'll always be a Marine.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and enlightening revelations of Vietnam POW imprisonment, punishment, torture, and survival. Intriguing and sometimes emotional.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable, brave story of a man who had to endure an incredible hardship during the Vietnam War. Mr. Brace lives in our area, and our book club was very fortunate to have him speak at our meeting. We were all very impressed with Mr. Brace's integrity and amazing storytelling ability. I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A moving account of a man, Ernest Brace, who was captured during the Vietnam War and keep as a prisoner for many years. He was no longer officially in the service when he was captured, so he was treated differently than the other prisoners. Truly an heart wrenching inspiring story.

[G Ream · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

[Karyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book of survival.

[Jonathan Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice first hand account of a POW.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about Vietnam and the torture that soldiers who were captured had to survive through. A great look into the psychology of Prisoners of War.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

In interesting account of one man's struggle to remain true to his nature in the face of so much adversity. Brace take you into his prisoner of war experience.

[Siddharth Bhatnagar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goosebumps: Check.