In response to RTR’s Humble Host post on 8 August 1967 that expressed admiration for Colonel HIV HIVNER, who passed away “to that unknown and silent shore” on 19 July 2017. The following comments have been received, and are passed on, from fellow North Vietnam prisoner of war ORSON SWINDLE. Thanks, Orson, for sharing… oohrah…

MIGHTY THUNDER is extremely grateful for the opportunity to play middle woman in this post from and about two of our national heroes from the Vietnam war, HIV HIVNER and ORSON SWINDLE.

Admiral Taylor, Brown Bear (Schaffert) and Joey (Crecca):

First, thanks to BB for passing this along. Hiv’s passing was not known by most of us, I think, until this past week. He was such a good guy. I knew him only by name at Son Tay and earlier locations, then got to know him at the next camp (Faith) where we were allowed outside in small groups and talking was permitted. After the Son Tay Raid (a brilliantly planned and executed operation — unfortunately, we were moved several weeks earlier.) The NVN moved us all into Hoa Lo Prison into the large courtyard area surrounded by 6 or 7 large cells. This location came to be known as Camp Hope. The Son Tay/Faith group moved into Room 3 at Hope — about 55 of us in one big room sleeping on a concrete platform. We estimated we had about an average shoulder span of around 17-20 inches, and had a sleeping space of about 13-14 inches each — real close quarters, but we were happy — we got to meet face to face many with whom we knew only by name or by tapping through walls to them for years. The talking seldom subsided, and Christmas was just around the corner.

Yes, we did do the first ever Hanoi Players production of “A Christmas Carol” with apologies (galore) to Mr. Dickens. I am trying to recall the actors and roles played. Hiv, as I recall was Tiny Tim, John Fer was a perfect gloomy Bob Cratchet and I think I played one of the Ghosts. Memory fades.

Jim was such a good guy, a pleasant cell mate, great sense of humor and, although forceful with his opinions, he was emotionally very stable. He had a way of making us laugh. Later, in Cell Two with Bud Day and his group of outcasts with “bad attitudes”, Hiv, Fer, I, McCain, Ned Shuman, Jack Fellowes and others recreated A Christmas Carol 2. Again, many apologies to Dickens as the dialogue had little that could be repeated, certainly not in mixed company — but very funny.

Jim, mentally created his business of the future once we were free — DS Industries. And, he and our group envisioned many products. Unfortunately, the label DS was consider a little offensive to dogs, and the glorious mark never really took off.

It was an honor to call him a friend. He was a gentleman, a warrior, a partriot and a friend. GB Jim Hivner.

Brown Bear, it was in Hanoi that I decided not to pursue and acting career, but those two performances by our “players” were hilarious and brought some long time absent big laughs. The NVN got bent out of shape but we calmed thme down.

Weather here this summer has been quite hot, so the daily rain showers are great for the grass and the temperature. Nights are actually pretty cool. Still loving Colorado.

Joey, I am doing your gig of last year on 15 Sep for Dixie in Walla Walla. Staying overnight on 14-15 Sep then flight home on Saturday.

GB You All — my admiration for your service and performances is boundless.

Semper Fi,

Orson