Veteran William Robinson to speak for Veterans Day

Come to Buchanan for Veterans Day this November and meet a real-life American hero. Vietnam veteran William Robinson, the longest held enlisted American Prisoner of War in history, will be speaking about his experiences in the “Hanoi Hilton” and other North Vietnamese prison camps at Veterans Day events in the city.

This November’s Veterans Day activities are sponsored by Ralph Rumbaugh American Legion Post 51 in Buchanan. Robinson will speak three times to the public from Nov. 9-11.

Thursday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
Buchanan High School
Buchanan, Michigan

Friday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m.
Michigan Lutheran High School
St. Joseph, Michigan

Friday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.
Ralph Rumbaugh American Legion Post 51
Buchanan, Michigan

People will get the chance to meet Robinson and hear his story during the presentations and also buy a book about his experiences. Copies of the book, “The Longest Rescue: The Life and Legacy of Vietnam POW William A. Robinson” by historian Glenn Robins will be available for sale.

Robinson endured nearly eight years in captivity after his rescue helicopter was shot down in North Vietnam on Sept. 20, 1965. Robinson was a helicopter flight mechanic in the Air Force. At the time of his capture, he and three others were attempting the rescue of a downed American pilot.

Robinson’s time in captivity featured numerous beatings, starvation and witnessing the deaths of fellow prisoners. He was held not only at the “Hanoi Hilton” prison but at other prison camps in North Vietnam. He was featured in North Vietnamese propaganda being escorted by a North Vietnamese female soldier. He was released Feb. 12, 1973 during “Operation Homecoming.”

In interviews over the years, Robinson has credited his survival on the example set by World War II and Korean War POWs as well as his ability to tell himself he was only in Vietnam for three days. “I was shot down yesterday; today was today; and I was going to the house tomorrow,” he said.

Robinson was commissioned as a lieutenant after his release from captivity and stayed in the service until he retired as a captain in 1984. During his career, he has received numerous awards including the Air Force Cross, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the POW Medal and two Purple Hearts.