Patriot, Prisoner, Survivor: An American Family at War

Patriot, Prisoner, Survivor: An American Family at War is CDR James Bedinger's first-hand account of his life, and in particular, his service and imprisonment in Laos during the Vietnam War. CDR Bedinger recounts a tale of heroism, endurance, and the shared struggle in the fight for freedom, paralleled with the Bedinger family's decorated history of service to the United States. From a fresh-faced recruit to a decorated veteran, CDR Bedinger's story ties living history to the greater narrative of American history. Patriot, Prisoner, Survivor serves as a reminder of the impact an individual can have on the very course of history.

About the Author
Bedinger, Henry James: - CDR Henry James Bedinger is a Vietnam War Navy air force veteran from the world famous Puking Dogs of VF-143. He went down over Laos and was captured on November 22, 1969 by North Vietnamese Regular Army forces and was taken to the main prison of Hoa Lo. Jim was released in March of 1973 as part of Operation Homecoming. He was the only Naval Aviator captured in Laos and released as part of Operation Homecoming in 1973. CDR Bedinger retired from the Navy in 1989 with more than 24 years of active duty service. His personal military awards include the Legion of Merit with the Combat V, the Bronze Start with Combat V, Defense Meritorious Service medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Purple Hearts, the Air Combat Medal, the Prisoner of War Medal, and numerous unit and campaign commendation medals. He and his wife Laura live in San Diego and have two sons, Daniel and William.