Provided by The Freedom Museum
The Freedom Museum, as part of POW/MIA Month, will host a group of former U.S. Air Force (USAF) Vietnamese linguists who will present Rear Admiral (RAdm) Robert H. Shumaker, USN (Ret) a construction brick from the infamous Hoa Lo (Hanoi Hilton) prison. The brick is a symbol of the service and sacrifice of millions of American veterans who answered their country’s call during the Vietnam War.
Shot down in February 1965, RAdm Schumaker was selected for this award based on his service and activities showing extraordinary leadership, perseverance, and fidelity under extremely difficult conditions as a POW. He was the second American aviator to become a POW in North Vietnam. He was a POW for eight years and one day, and is credited with coining the term “Hanoi Hilton” while attempting, from isolation, to contact another prisoner.
The brick is one of dozens that were recovered in 1993 when an American official, driving to work in Hanoi, discovered the prison was being torn down. These bricks were entrusted to a group of USAF linguists called the “Doggers.” The group has awarded them to their members, as well as the Medal of Honor Society, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the National Park Service that maintains the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C.
Before the presentation, five members of the “Doggers” will recount episodes that reflect the hardships, harsh treatment, perseverance, and ingenuity exhibited by the POWs while incarcerated in North Vietnam.
This presentation will take place on Sept. 25 at the Freedom Museum in the Terminal Building at the Manassas Regional Airport, 10600 Harry Parrish Blvd., Manassas. The event is from 7:30 to 8:45 p. m. Admission is free and light refreshments will be available. For directions and further information, visit freedommuseum.org.
