And the Wind Blew Cold: The Story of an American Pow in North Korea
Department
History
Document Type
Book
Files
Description
When Richard Bassett returned from Korea on convalescent leave in 1953, he set down his experiences in training, combat, and captivity. More than 20 years later, hospitalized for acute Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, he once again faced his personal demons. This work expands the memoir to include his post-war struggles with the US government and his own wounded psyche. He describes the shock of capture and ensuing long march to Pyokdong, North Korea, Camp 5 on the Yellow River, where many prisoners died of untreated wounds, disease, hunger, paralyzing cold, and brutal mistreatment in the bitter winter of 1950-51. He recounts Chinese attempts to mentally break down prisoners in order to exploit them for propaganda. He then takes the reader through typical days in a prisoner's life, discussing food, clothing, shelter, and work; the struggle against unremitting boredom; religious, social, and recreational diversions; and even those moments of terror when all seemed lost. It refutes Cold War-era propaganda that often unfairly characterized POWs as brainwashed victims or even traitors who lacked the grit that Americans expected of their brave sons.
Call number in WMU's library
DS921 .B27 2002
ISBN
978-0873387507
Publication Date
12-12-2002
Publisher
Kent State University Press
City
Kent
Disciplines
History
Citation for published book
Bassett, Richard M., and Lewis H. Carlson. And the Wind Blew Cold : The Story of an American POW in North Korea / by Richard M. Bassett, with Lewis H. Carlson. 2002. Print.
Recommended Citation
Bassett, Richard M. and Carlson, Lewis H., "And the Wind Blew Cold: The Story of an American Pow in North Korea" (2002). All Books and Monographs by WMU Authors. 448.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/books/448