Cmdr. Everett Alvarez Jr. Was Held Captive for 3,113 Days in Vietnam War

Legislators are advocating for retired Naval Aviator Cmdr. Everett Alvarez Jr. to be awarded a Congressional Gold Medal. He was taken during a Vietnam bombing mission and imprisoned for nearly nine years, making him the second-longest held Prisoner of War in US history.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award in the US. It honors those with a wide range of accomplishments, including in public service, science and the arts, heroism, and contributions to American history.

In 1964, Alvarez was flying combat missions off the USS Constellation when his A-4 Skyhawk was shot down. He ejected and, after parachuting down off Vietnam’s coast, was immediately surrounded and taken into custody by Vietnamese militiamen.

Alvarez was held captive at Hanoi Hilton, or Hoa Lo Prison, for five years. He was then transported to “Briarpatch” prison, where he spent several years without electricity or running water.

He was released from the prison camp in 1973. In total, Alvarez faced beatings and starvation for 3,113 days, or over eight and a half years.

Even after being freed, Retired Cmdr. Everett Alvarez Jr. remained in the military. He was a service member for 20 years and earned the Silver Star Medal, two Legions of Merit, the Prisoner of War Medal, and other recognitions. Alvarez also got a law degree and worked with the Peace Corps Veterans Administration, and currently the Department of Veterans Affairs.

 “I am humbled beyond belief,” expressed Alvarez. “There is no way I am able to express my profound appreciation for this recognition.”

The Everett Alvarez Jr. Gold Medal Act unanimously passed the House with 301 co-sponsors in May. Now, the bill has gained support from 67 co-sponsors while it waits to be seen in the Senate.

“Cmdr. Alvarez is an American hero and remained a source of hope and encouragement for the other prisoners of war during his time in Vietnam,” stated California Senator Alex Padilla, the bill’s senate sponsor. “Cmdr. Alvarez’s unwavering courage and bravery in the face of torture and isolation deserves the highest recognition in Congress.”

FMI: www.padilla.senate.gov