Chained Eagle: The Heroic Story of the First American Shot Down over North Vietnam Paperback – Illustrated, May 1, 2005

On August 5th, 1964, Lieutenant j.g. Everett Alvarez Jr. was shot down over North Vietnam and became the first U.S. aviator to be taken captive in the Vietnam conflict. Held in confinement for eight and a half years, he would be recorded as the longest held POW second only to Army Captain Jim Thompson.Spending the entire Vietnam war as a POW, Alvarez was held at different times in the Hanoi Hilton, Briarpatch, and Zoo prison compounds. It would be a year until he finally had contact with other American POW's and much of that first year was in solitary confinement.Approaching 2 years of captivity, Alvarez and his fellow servicemen were subjected to brutal and sadistic tortures amidst inhumane living conditions for the duration of their stay. Forced to eat vermin infested food and given negligible medical care, he suffered frequently from Dysentery, Beri-Beri, Hepatitis, and other afflictions.Far along into captivity, Alvarez finally received mail from his family concerning events at home. Sadly, he was to learn that one of his sisters had become an anti-war activist and in what must have seemed like one of the worst examples of betrayal and cruelty, his wife divorced him and then remarried.During the worst of times, Alvarez never wavered in his beliefs of pride, patriotism, and self-determination to survive and continually assisted his fellow POW's as they assisted him. Upon a joyous and welcome return home, he diligently and proudly re-entered society with his honor and integrity intact culminating with his second marriage to a wonderful woman that made his life complete.Chained Eagle is an exceptionally good book of one man's heroic struggle and endurance in the face of complete despair and hopelessness. Vividly poignant, inspirational, and heartfelt, this book is deserving of much more than five stars and is very highly recommended to everyone.

Everett Alvarez Jr. has given us his inspirational experience as America's first military Vietnam POW. He details his early life, then gets right to his mission over North Vietnam, his plane being downed, his subsequent capture and captivity and, finally, his release and "Return With Honor". There are a number of books written by Vietnam POWs, but this one is noteworthy because he was the first (1964) and the longest held. He speaks hauntingly of his depravation and torture, but he doesn't dwell on it. This is a positive book where Alvarez shows us how he endured for so long. Of interest is his faith; how it helped him cope. Meanwhile the book often shifts back to his family here, first awaiting news of his fate and then later, when they find he is alive, his release. Well-written and inspiring... a great take.

I could not put it down. Such bravery and such endurance. I recommend this book to people who would like to know more of the era that I grew up in...I remember so well the day the POW's came off that plane; I can place myself in the tiny kitchen looking at these hero;s as they ran into the arms of their loved ones. Great story.

A terrific, moving account of being held POW by the brutal Vietnamese communists starting in 1964.

This book flowed through the author's years in captivity. I am grateful to learn of his experiences. Thank you for your service!

This book should be required reading by every high school senior in America, as a requirement for graduation from high school. How Mr Alvarez did not go insane as a result of brutal beatings at the hands of the North Vietnamese is a story in and of itself. The feeling of loss based on his wife's disloyalty, while he was still imprisoned. The obvious disloyalty of several fellow officers added to the pain and consternation suffered by Alvarez and his fellow pilots, who chose to resist their captors. The events detailed in the book occurred about fifty years ago, but, we cannot nor should we cheapen the sacrifices made by Alvarez and his fellow pilots by forgetting what they experienced. I highly recommend this book.

This is a little known story and very well written. It is so important to know what these soldiers went through. In this case, an airman. It is simply an amazing story of survival and so inspiring to know this man has gone on to great things.

This was a great read and captured the essence of Everett’s 8.5 year struggle with torture and starvation. He is a wonderful guy who survived based on his faith in God and his country.

Superb read. Harrowing at times, but enjoyable at the same time.All the emotions come out in this book, and nobody was the winner.A great book about what must have been a very disturbing time in this pilot's life.Fully Recommended.