Return with Honor: American Prisoners of War in Southeast Asia

DAYTON, Ohio - This stone marked the grave of Col. Norman Schmidt in North Vietnam, and was returned to the U.S. with Schmidt's remains in 1974. Schmidt was shot down and captured in 1966. In 1967, he was taken from his cell, and fellow POWs never saw him again. After the war, the North Vietnamese showed U.S. experts graves of Americans who had died in captivity. One was marked by this stone—the initials "N.S." are for "Norman Schmidt. Also in the display case are bumper stickers, handouts and other items distributed to the public to remind them of those who never came home. POW/MIA advocates sponsored races in cities across the U.S. to remind the nation of unaccounted-for MIAs. Bob Schul, an Olympic distance runner, wore this jersey in the "MIA Run for Freedom" in Dayton, Nov. 17, 1973. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Home at Last: MIAs Since the End of the War

The Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office leads the effort to find, recover and identify remains of Americans missing in action (MIA). Since 1973, remains of more than 700 MIAs in Southeast Asia have been returned to the U.S. and identified. Around 1,800 remain unaccounted for.

Humanitarian Obligation
Though the Paris Peace Accords required North Vietnam to assist in accounting for the missing, the communist government denied access to most of the sites where remains were believed to be. Over the years, Vietnam returned some U.S. remains periodically, withholding others as political leverage to affect U.S. foreign policy. It is unclear whether Vietnam still holds more U.S. remains.

Progress and Commitment
In 1988, relations improved and the U.S. excavated MIA sites throughout Vietnam. In subsequent years American experts worked with local authorities in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia to find missing Americans' remains. The Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office continues to strive for a full accounting of Americans from all wars.
Click here to return to Return with Honor: American Prisoners of War in Southeast Asia.

Find Out More

Lectures

Adrian Cronauer: "Accounting for America's Missing Heroes" (00:53:33)

Other Resources

Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office

Screening at Entrance
All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. Weapons are not permitted including pocket knives and firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons.
Prohibited Items
Prohibited Items:
- Firearms*
- Knives
- Box cutters
- Food and Soda Drinks
- Alcohol
- Coolers

* Firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons, are specifically prohibited in Federal facilities in accordance with 18 USC §930 (c)

Permitted Items:
- Water bottles (clear, sealed bottle, up to 20 oz.)
- Purses
- Camera bags
- Diaper bags
- Strollers
- Service animals

Please note the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is not responsible for items left in vehicles.
Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum.
Visitor Photography Notice
Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed or recorded by the U.S. Air Force for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on public websites and social media.
Individuals are permitted to take their own photographs or videos while touring the museum.