AnirudhaThe Vietnam War is one of the most disputable wars in the history of the United States. This controversial war took place between the 1960s and 1970s. The tragedies which followed after were uncountable. Though the United States never wanted to get involved as it wasn’t their war to be fought in the first place. But then the soldiers posted in Vietnam had no say in this. This story revolves around one soldier that managed to survive the war. When he was found he had some interesting story to tell to the world. You’ll be surprised to see how he fought against all odds. But how was he found makes this story worth reading. Let’s step back in time and meet the real heroes of the war.
Missing Prisoners Of War
If the soldiers were caught by the Vietcong, then chances are minimal that you’ll survive. The prisoners were treated worse than animals. The captor made sure that the prisoners spill out every information they had about the country. But this one soldier knew a lot and he made sure that he doesn’t get caught. By the end of the war, back in 1975, most of the POWs were given the chance to get back home. But it was too late for this one soldier who never found his way back. Living in the hope in his heart that he will return back to his loving country and family one day, he met his way after 40 years. Did you know where he lived for 40 years? In the jungle for 40 years…
They Thought…
Back then when the war ended, some soldiers went back home and then there were some who never returned. Those who never returned were simply presumed killed in action (KIA) and that was it, nobody even bothered to have a second look. Special Forces Green Beret Master Sgt. John Hartley never got the chance to return back to his land for which he almost sacrificed everything. He stayed in the jungle and it was after 40 years he was found in a most unexplainable way.
A Rumor
In the spring of 2008, Tom Faunce who was now a retired army soldier and was also posted in Vietnam back then. After he retired from the army he went on a humanitarian mission to Cambodia. He wanted to help the locals in Cambodia who were struggling with the scarcity of fresh water. Tom Faunce who served two tours was able to understand the locals and the geography of the area and he tried his best to help the locals. But then who could have thought that his life would change forever. During his time in Cambodia, he heard a rumor of a helicopter crash and one of the soldiers survived. He didn’t believe it first but then something happened…
Was It True?
Faunce didn’t believe the rumor because he thought that there was no way a person can survive the crash and even if he does, to survive the enemy army wasn’t possible. But still, in his heart, he was praying for that soldier who could be someone he knew from the tours. And to be sure he decided to check for himself. He can’t leave his brother like this with no hope of someone coming after him. But then Faunce found out that the rumor was true. There was one soldier the Green Beret named John Hartley Robertson who did survive the crash. He later got sent to the North Vietnamese Army prison. But the only question that was in Faunce’s head was how did he manage to escape the prison when he was injured by the crash? Faunce got all his answers when he met this soldier in person…
What Happened That Day?
Faunce wanted to know everything. One of the local who was now very old even told him that he did see a man surviving the crash and running into the forest with a whole army behind him. Despite the fact he was heavily injured he kept running till his last breath. When there was nothing left inside his body, he collapsed. The army surrounded him with their guns and legs poking him to see if he was alive. The army could see a man crying in pain but his body was so weak that no sound came out from his mouth. After listening to the old man’s story Faunce could feel his legs shaking and goosebumps on his body. What happened to Robertson?
In The Prison
As we told you that if a soldier gets caught there is a very slight chance that he would survive. But Robertson who was already injured from the crash was on the hospital bed and was being taken care because somehow the army found out that he holds some valuable information and they wanted that information. A nurse was assigned to him and was ordered to make his healthy as soon as possible. Robertson was smart and he took his time to get healthy. He was waiting for that one golden opportunity. One day he found that but…