Prison Camps In Vietnam

There were several prison camps located in North Vietnam, but they all shared the same basic characteristics as the Hanoi Hilton. Prisoners were isolated from each other to the greatest extent possible. The individual cells consisted of small concrete areas with a wooden bunk bed and a bucket to be used as a toilet. There was also typically a window although it was heavily barred with the amount of light protruding inside being minimal. The cell doors were heavy wood and contained a peep hole which the guards could easily access from the outside in order to look in on the prisoners. Prisoners were also given mosquito nets to protect them from the large amount of insects which would feast on the flesh of prisoners and guards alike. The nets would hook on four corners and shield the inmates from the parasites throughout the night. Given that the …show more content…
POW's were made to suffer until they wrote biographies of themselves or signed confessions for the supposed crimes that they had committed against the people of Vietnam. The POW's had been instructed to resist as much as possible, but they needed to protect themselves from sustaining a permanent injury. When they did finally comply with camp authorities, the statements were often written or spoken in a manner which made it obvious that the prisoner was being forced to make the statement. Many POW's simply lied and gave inaccurate information. Some would give information that they knew had already been given to the Vietnamese. This was possible because of the communication system which allowed prisoners to relay messages relatively quickly. After someone had been interrogated and tortured they were returned to their cell. They would then immediately pass the word to everyone else what information they had turned over so the others would be prepared for what might come