Posted on 04/25/2013 7:37:38 AM PDT by mkleesma
Special Forces Green Beret Master Sgt. John Hartley Robertson had forgotten how to speak English over the 44 years since he was left behind in the Vietnam War. But he never forgot that he was a father, husband and an American soldier, born in Alabama, shot down over Laos in a 1968 classified mission.
(Excerpt) Read more at thestar.com ...
There is physical proof of Robertson’s birthplace, collected in dramatic fashion onscreen; a tearful meeting in Vietnam with a soldier who was trained by Robertson in 1960 and said he knew him on sight; and a heart-wrenching reunion with his only surviving sister — 80-year-old Jean Robertson-Holly — in Edmonton in December 2012 that left the audience at the Toronto screening wiping away tears.
She had no idea her brother could still be alive.
“Jean says … ‘There’s no question. I was certain it was him in the video, but when I held his head in my hands and looked in his eyes, there was no question that was my brother,’” says Jorgensen.
Thanks for posting this. This story makes me really sad.
Back in the 80’s I talked to some scraggly-looking vets at a gun show who were passing out literature about American soldiers who were believed to be alive in and around Vietnam. By then our government wanted nothing to do with the POW issue. I have never forgotten how desperate those broken men were to find and bring home their brothers.
a few of you may want to search online re this issue sen mccain vs. pow/mia issue...
Semper semper!
*****
He was beaten senseless a number of times, causing early-onset dementia.
Basically, his compass was badly damaged.
Then he was cast aside by his tormenters.
Along came his angel, the gal who cared for him, and within him, was the light that he was able to see.
I’m sure you are right. There may not have been solid evidence, but they believed they had evidence. They were likely hanging their hopes on suspect anecdotes.
It pains me that being an American I am part of the society that left him behind. He was a prisoner, he had no choice in the matter until after they destroyed his mind with torture. Once your mind is gone you are no longer responsible to do anything a normal person would do.
What a tragic, horrible story.
If his army files are still around, they should contain his fingerprints and/or dental records.
Bump for later
If the story is true, he should still be on active duty and entitled to somewhere around a million dollars back pay. If he doesn’t pursue it, some of his heirs likely will after he dies. DNA evidence should prove conclusively one way or the other.
Wow, this guy is owed a fortune. If he was listed as MIA, he is still in the US Army at MSG rank.
In 1968, MSG pay was $4852.80 a year. Right now, with his time in grade, it is more than ten times that amount *a month*! We’re talking $58,772.52 a year!
And current 100% disability is $33,792.00 a year!
Depending on his home state, all this money may be tax free as well.
Amazing story. Thanks for posting it.
One persons who fought against finding Vietnam POWs is none other than Senator McCain. He treatment of the families of POW is terrible. I saw it on YouTube a few years ago. The link was posted on FR.
An amazing story to say the least... I was involved with a group that pressured Juan McAzzole to continue the search back in the Eighties. I will never forgive his calloused slap to the face of those families that never lost hope...
Juan was and always will be one of the biggest jerks to feed off the taxpayers dime. I dislike Arizona for his presence in congress.
I very much appreciate your understanding.
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