POW
This mans duty to his country was served. He did everything he possibly could to stop the Americans and southern vietnamese until captured by the soliders of the 1st Infantry Division. He is a Prisoner of War caught during the operation El Paso. This man is supposed to be the enemy. Since his name is not given, he will be called Quan. He was captured near Quan Loi on July 10,1966. Quan has a family. A loving wife waiting for his letters back home with their two young children, one boy one girl. Their names are Kon and Lau. Quan was not choosen to go fight he wanted to. He wanted to protect his beliefs and country from Veit Minh. They were the enemy along with America and the Viet Minh supporters. The only thing he was thinking in this photo was focus.
Life during the Vietnam war was chotic. You couldn't trust anyone, even your wife. Not sure of what to believe or where to step, trying to remain living through the war for as long as possible. There was no real safety or protection. Every man for himself. No one knew when it would be over, or if it would be over but hope remained. Hope that someday they could live like they used to. Quan's children running up to him climbing all over him when he got home, that was the only image of happiness he fell back on.
His journey into the war began with his father. A proud fighter and believer for his country. He had always told Quan that when your country needs you, you must respond and give it what it needs. Fight till you can not fight any longer. Crawl till you find the next camp to bomb. "Whatever you do Quan, never give up. Even when you are captured, remain focused and never give up."
So that is exactly what Quan did. Through the torture and agonizing pain he went through he never gave up. The only thing on his mind at all times was to get back home and protect his country. He was a born fighter, nothing distracted his focus. Although he did not make it, he died proud. He stayed true to the country he lived in his entire life and followed his fathers commands. He died young but not worthless. He tried and that was what counted.
What will stick with me about this photo is the look in Quan's eyes. His eyes show determination, strength, pain, and focus. He seems as though you can do anything to him and nothing will break him. Stay loyal to whatever you believe in, whether that is being a communist or fighting against it. Stay loyal to your thoughts and beliefs, that is what will stick with me.
