The Untold Story of An American POW Held Captive in North Korea

Imagine being a prisoner of war, trapped in a foreign land, isolated from your loved ones, and enduring unimaginable hardships. This is the story of Joseph Thompson, an American soldier who found himself in the grip of North Korean captors during the Korean War. Thompson's harrowing tale sheds light on the ordeal faced by countless POWs during this dark chapter of history.

The Call to Serve

Joseph Thompson, born and raised in a small town in Kansas, grew up with a strong sense of patriotism and a desire to serve his country. In 1950, with tensions escalating in Korea, Thompson made the decision to enlist in the United States Army, eager to stand up for the democratic values he held dear.

Little did Thompson know that his decision to serve would soon land him in the midst of one of the most brutal conflicts in modern history.

And the Wind Blew Cold: The Story of an American POW in North Korea

by Richard M. Bassett(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2226 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	136 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Behind Enemy Lines

As Thompson and his fellow soldiers were deployed to the Korean Peninsula, they found themselves facing a formidable enemy in the form of the North Korean Army. In the chaos of battle, Thompson's unit was overwhelmed and he was captured by North Korean forces.

Stripped of his freedom and forced into captivity, Thompson's life took a dramatic turn as he became a prisoner of war. Alongside countless others, he was subjected to physical and psychological torture, his captors attempting to break his spirit and extract valuable information.

The Will to Survive

Despite the constant hardships, Thompson refused to succumb to despair. Bravery and resilience became his pillars of strength. He formed bonds with fellow POWs, offering support and solace in the face of unimaginable circumstances.

During his years in captivity, Thompson witnessed the horrors of war firsthand. He saw the toll it took on his comrades, as many succumbed to malnutrition, disease, and the brutal treatment inflicted upon them. Yet, he held onto hope, knowing that he had a duty to return home to his family and his country.

A Glimpse of Freedom

In 1953, after three long years in captivity, Thompson's prayers were finally answered. The Korean War came to an end, and he was released along with other POWs. Emaciated and scarred both physically and mentally, he returned to the United States, a survivor with a story to tell.

An Unforgettable Legacy

The story of Joseph Thompson serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by countless men and women in the pursuit of freedom. It sheds light on the experiences of POWs during the Korean War and honors their resilience and courage in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Thompson's journey did not end upon his release. He dedicated the remainder of his life to advocating for the rights of POWs and ensuring that their stories were never forgotten. His determination to raise awareness about the realities of war and the importance of supporting veterans echoed through the halls of Congress and resonated within communities across the nation.

The tale of Joseph Thompson, an American POW held captive in North Korea, is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. His story serves as a harrowing reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans and the need to honor their service. Let us remember and respect those who have endured the unimaginable, for their unwavering courage and dedication deserve our utmost admiration.

And the Wind Blew Cold: The Story of an American POW in North Korea

by Richard M. Bassett(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2226 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	136 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

When Richard Bassett returned from Korea on convalescent leave in 1953, he set down his experiences in training, combat, and captivity. Then he put the memoir away and tried to forget. More than twenty years later, hospitalized for acute Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, he once again faced his personal demons. Expanding the memoir to include his postwar struggles with the U.S. government and his own wounded psyche, the resulting comprehensive account is published here for the first time. Bassett captures in plain language and vivid detail those days of his captivity. He describes the shock of capture and ensuing long march to Pyokdong, North Korea, Camp 5 on the Yellow River, where many prisoners died of untreated wounds, disease, hunger, paralyzing cold, and brutal mistreatment in the bitter winter of 1950-51. He recounts Chinese attempts to mentally break down prisoners in order to exploit them for propaganda. Bassett takes the reader through typical days in a prisoner’s life, discussing food, clothing, shelter, and work; the struggle against unremitting boredom; religious, social, and recreational diversions; and even those moments of terror when all seemed lost. Bassett’s story is important to general audiences and scholars alike because it has no counterpart in the literature of the Korean War. And the Wind Blew Cold refutes Cold War-era propaganda that often unfairly characterizes POWs as brainwashed victims or even traitors who lost the grit that Americans expected of their brave sons. Bassett concludes his memoir with a candid discussion of the war’s aftermath, his battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, harassment by a government eager to impugn the loyalty of repatriated POWs, and his long struggle with the Veterans Administration to receive compensation for enduring physical and mental scars. This book will fascinate anyone interested in the Korean War era, in captivity tales, and in the resilience of the human spirit.