The Rest of the Story

(page 5 of 5)

Captain C.E. (Ev) Southwick,
USN (retired)
POW 1967-1973

Ev Southwick’s years at the Hanoi Hilton included what amounted to a lounge act. The singing aviator became part of a quartet of prisoners who entertained their fellow POWs. His life since has had a lot of notes—some high, some low (including three divorces)—but his spirit and humor have never wavered.

The Rancho Peñasquitos resident and former aide to ex–San Diego Mayor Susan Golding says people who say they couldn’t survive what he did are wrong. “The human spirit has amazing fortitude,” he says.

Vice Admiral
James B. Stockdale,
USN (retired)
POW 1965-1973

James Stockdale’s 1976 receipt of the Congressional Medal of Honor was the ultimate validation that his leadership as the highest-ranking U.S. prisoner of war meant something not only to the other POWs but to the country he was serving. Coronado’s well-known retired vice admiral says an acting ability that unnerved his captors, and his belief in stoicism, got him through the tough years. Stockdale credits his inner power and strength first to his mother, and, for the past 55 years, to his wife, Sybil. His Navy career ended in 1979 as commander of the Naval War College. But his interest in military strategy and politics (he was Ross Perot’s running mate in 1992) have kept his name in the headlines more than any other POW except Senator John McCain (R-Arizona), also profiled in the “Open Doors” exhibit.

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