A Code to Keep: The True Story of America's Longest-Held Civilian POW in Vietnam SYNOPSIS
This is the true story of a man's lonely triumph over adversity. Ernest C.
Brace was a decorated Marine pilot, the first to fly one hundred missions in the
Korean War. A little more than five years later, however, a fateful accident and
a hastily made decision stripped him of his rank, and he was dishonorably
discharged from the Marines.
Vowing to regain his lost honor, he flew secret supply missions to Laos as part of a C.I.A. operation during the Vietnam War. Captured in a surprise attack by the Pathet Lao, Brace was imprisoned and brought to an isolated outpost in North Vietnam, where he was confined in a bamboo cage, his head, hands, and feet bound. Though a civilian, he made it a point to live by the Military Code of Conduct: he resisted the enemy whenever he could, and attempted escape three times. But each run for freedom only led to crueler
torments upon capture.
In this extraordinary memoir of courage, sacrifice, and
the will to survive, Ernie Brace recounts his experiences in a way that is
stirring, inspiring, and memorable. A CODE TO KEEP is destined to stand
out as one of the key documents of America's involvement in Vietnam.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
Heroic ﾽ highly recommended.
Washington Times
An important book for reasons that go well beyond what happened to Mr. Brace in
Vietnam.
Army Magazine
As much a story of regained self respect as it is a stirring tale of survival.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
The account of courage contained in this book is timeless. I am proud to
call Ernie Brace a friend. — Senator John McCain
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