What Happened on February 12th – POWs are Coming Home

On February 12, 1973, the release of U.S. POWs begins in Hanoi as part of the Paris peace settlement. The return of U.S. POWs began when North Vietnam released 142 of 591 U.S. prisoners at Hanoi’s Gia Lam Airport.

American POWs at Hanoi’s Gia Lam Airport, awaiting flights for home, Feb. 12, 1973.

Part of what was called Operation Homecoming, the first 20 POWs arrived to a hero’s welcome at Travis Air Force Base in California on February 14.

I am sure everyone has seen this famous photograph. Sal Veder | AP file photo This March 17, 1973 photo shows released prisoner of war Lt. Col. Robert L. Stirm being greeted by his family as he returns home from the Vietnam War.

Operation Homecoming was completed on March 29, 1973, when the last of 591 U.S. prisoners were released and returned to the United States.  Of course they all didn’t come home.