William A. Robinson: Longest serving POW at 6 ½ years

The high cost of freedom

In 1965, when Robinson and his HH-43 helo crew were attempting to rescue an f-105 pilot who was shot down, their own helo was shot down as well. The crew and Robinson were captured and taken prisoner. Some of the crew were transferred to other places and released: Robinson was not. He resisted interrogations and was beaten and tortured severely for it. His imprisonment seemed never ending but in 1973 he was released after spending six and half years being tortured by his captors in the Hanoi Hilton. He continued his career in the U.S. Air Force and eventually retired at Eglin AFB in 1984. Robinson was awarded the Air Force Cross along with a host of other medals for his heroism. As we celebrate Christmas this year, I can’t help but think of the 6 Christmas’ Robinson spent away from his family in terrible conditions for the love of country.

We not only celebrate God’s gift to the world at Christmas, but we are grateful for the valor of those who paid for the freedom we enjoy. Valor is in you. Set it free.