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Six Years in the Hanoi Hilton: An Extraordinary Story of Courage and Survival in Vietnam
With a foreword by Senator John McCain.
In 1967, U.S. Air Force fighter pilot James Shively was shot down over North Vietnam. After ejecting from his F-105 Thunderchief aircraft, he landed in a rice paddy and was captured by the North Vietnamese Army. For the next six years, Shively endured brutal treatment at the hands of the enemy in Hanoi prison camps. Back home his girlfriend moved on and married another man. Bound in iron stocks at the Hanoi Hilton, unable to get home to his loved ones, Shively contemplated suicide. Yet somehow he found hope and the will to survive--and he became determined to help his fellow POWs.
In a newspaper interview several years after his release, Shively said, "I had the opportunity to be captured, the opportunity to be interrogated, the opportunity to be tortured and the experience of answering questions under torture. It was an extremely humiliating experience. I felt sorry for myself. But I learned the hard way life isn't fair. Life is only what you make of it."
Written by Shively's stepdaughter Amy Hawk--whose mother Nancy ultimately reunited with and married Shively in a triumphant love story--and based on extensive audio recordings and Shively's own journals, Six Years in the Hanoi Hilton is a haunting, riveting portrayal of life as an American prisoner of war trapped on the other side of the world.
In 1967, U.S. Air Force fighter pilot James Shively was shot down over North Vietnam. After ejecting from his F-105 Thunderchief aircraft, he landed in a rice paddy and was captured by the North Vietnamese Army. For the next six years, Shively endured brutal treatment at the hands of the enemy in Hanoi prison camps. Back home his girlfriend moved on and married another man. Bound in iron stocks at the Hanoi Hilton, unable to get home to his loved ones, Shively contemplated suicide. Yet somehow he found hope and the will to survive--and he became determined to help his fellow POWs.
In a newspaper interview several years after his release, Shively said, "I had the opportunity to be captured, the opportunity to be interrogated, the opportunity to be tortured and the experience of answering questions under torture. It was an extremely humiliating experience. I felt sorry for myself. But I learned the hard way life isn't fair. Life is only what you make of it."
Written by Shively's stepdaughter Amy Hawk--whose mother Nancy ultimately reunited with and married Shively in a triumphant love story--and based on extensive audio recordings and Shively's own journals, Six Years in the Hanoi Hilton is a haunting, riveting portrayal of life as an American prisoner of war trapped on the other side of the world.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 13, 2018
Parts of the prison still stand in the heart of Hanoi. The French first constructed it to hold Vietnamese dissidents. Then the North Vietnamese used it to hold American POWs like John McCain from '67-'73. I sat in one cell a week ago and imagined hearing the faint tapping. If I knew the code, it would translate to: "GN GBU ST DLTBBB." Even during a time of war and all the horror associated with it, POWs still managed to find hope (and, in this case, even humor): "Good night. God bless you. Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite."
April 17, 2025
Wow. What an extraordinary man who was refined rather than crushed by adversity. I’ve been wanting to learn about Vietnam POW experiences, and this has only sparked my interest more. It was an incredible story of James Shively’s survival, and I’m even more intrigued by the social forces that made this a unique crucible for so many men (compared to other Vietnam war experiences, POW experiences, prison camp experiences, possibly also torture-related trauma, though I don’t know enough about that to say). The writing wasn’t my favorite (it was written by his daughter after he died based on an oral history he documented with someone else), which is the only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars.
July 23, 2024
This book is very good and an easy read. But since I’ve read so many war memoirs and history books, there isn’t much new here. Now if you have not read many other POW memoirs, this might be the perfect first book for that genre.
September 15, 2021
As a fighter pilot I can appreciate the book and story of everything it takes to become a pilot and all the training we receive to keep us alive even…. Well you can read about it in other books.
No where did he say his escape and evasion, downed aviator training helped him but only belief in his GOD and in the country to bring them home.
Pilots are not given medicine to store in their flight vests to treat themselves or fellow pilots in the event of …mishaps… well I have a long list of things that could make for better training and other topics supporting various topics of this book but as you read things only changed when the citizens of the country started to scream louder and louder. A very important point what the declaration of war and how people can be treated, the specific wording of the UN POW treatment.
Did you know Hitler put the Jews in Prisoners camps, with other criminals such as thief’s, murders etc, they were official POWs and the Red Cross did inspections of the prisons.
Many pilots are type A high IQ and high achievers with very high ratings for attention to detail and are personality tested to fit their aircraft then based on rankings in school get the aircraft they are suited too.
Many people do not discuss how ALL military’s have raped and murdered. I have a lot to say about the behavior of the POWs and could be life treatment after they survive the ordeal but again for a long review. Be prepared to be angered and then cry and ask yourself why is your patriotism so high, is that nationalism and does that mean you support Trump and doesn’t each man feel that way for their country of birth.
So why not as Trump said- PEACE
No where did he say his escape and evasion, downed aviator training helped him but only belief in his GOD and in the country to bring them home.
Pilots are not given medicine to store in their flight vests to treat themselves or fellow pilots in the event of …mishaps… well I have a long list of things that could make for better training and other topics supporting various topics of this book but as you read things only changed when the citizens of the country started to scream louder and louder. A very important point what the declaration of war and how people can be treated, the specific wording of the UN POW treatment.
Did you know Hitler put the Jews in Prisoners camps, with other criminals such as thief’s, murders etc, they were official POWs and the Red Cross did inspections of the prisons.
Many pilots are type A high IQ and high achievers with very high ratings for attention to detail and are personality tested to fit their aircraft then based on rankings in school get the aircraft they are suited too.
Many people do not discuss how ALL military’s have raped and murdered. I have a lot to say about the behavior of the POWs and could be life treatment after they survive the ordeal but again for a long review. Be prepared to be angered and then cry and ask yourself why is your patriotism so high, is that nationalism and does that mean you support Trump and doesn’t each man feel that way for their country of birth.
So why not as Trump said- PEACE
March 21, 2021
This is a very difficult book to read, though for some good reasons. The core of the story is Shively's time as a POW in Vietnam. It's an absolutely heartbreaking story - years of cruel torture from the Vietcong that would break even the stoutest spirit. So many moments stand out. But the one that is the most amazing to me was that as the prisoner exchange was being negotiated, Shively was one of a small group chosen to be released ahead of the others. They unanimously refused to go as it violated the rule that they be released in order of capture. That was a truly honorable decision - to have your release at hand, knowing that negotiations could break down at any moment and you could be tortured for years more, your body racked with pain, and yet to refuse to go. Incredible bravery. I can't say I would do the same.
The book is written by his step daughter, so that gives it a very personal touch. It ends with a series of anecdotes by his friends and family. One thing I really appreciated is that the author, right at the beginning said that even though her father wouldn't necessarily have seen it that way, she thought that the hand of a providential God was evident in his life story.
I can't understand how he made it through such a terrible situation with his mind intact without faith in a higher power and a life to come after death. In fact he was improved by it, leaving with the recognition that after that suffering every day that he was free was a good day.
One small anecdote that stood out to me is that when Shively was growing up, he and his friends would always be playing pick-up baseball - multiple times a day. Always, that is, until the TV began to arrive. Then the baseball gains ended. That's a striking story, and it's hard to see that as a change for the better.
The book is written by his step daughter, so that gives it a very personal touch. It ends with a series of anecdotes by his friends and family. One thing I really appreciated is that the author, right at the beginning said that even though her father wouldn't necessarily have seen it that way, she thought that the hand of a providential God was evident in his life story.
I can't understand how he made it through such a terrible situation with his mind intact without faith in a higher power and a life to come after death. In fact he was improved by it, leaving with the recognition that after that suffering every day that he was free was a good day.
One small anecdote that stood out to me is that when Shively was growing up, he and his friends would always be playing pick-up baseball - multiple times a day. Always, that is, until the TV began to arrive. Then the baseball gains ended. That's a striking story, and it's hard to see that as a change for the better.
June 2, 2018
Jim Shively was one of few survived americans return from the Vietnam war. He was known among his people for his calm manner and loving family. His survival is a positive story of faith and American patriotism.
Those were my perceptions after finishing the captioned book. Besides that, the book is nothing but an eulogy for the remarkable life of war hero Jim Shively. Its depiction of the inhumane treatment by the "V" appeared to be rather common in any war prisons. The fact that the book were written by Jim's step daughter based on his interview tapes made the memoir lacks the depth of the life behind the bars. Descriptions of event therefore were one-sided, sporadic and incohenrent. Given Jim's background in political science and his practice in U.S. attorney office, the story could have recounted more insights and relevant anecdotes during those turbulent years.
Those were my perceptions after finishing the captioned book. Besides that, the book is nothing but an eulogy for the remarkable life of war hero Jim Shively. Its depiction of the inhumane treatment by the "V" appeared to be rather common in any war prisons. The fact that the book were written by Jim's step daughter based on his interview tapes made the memoir lacks the depth of the life behind the bars. Descriptions of event therefore were one-sided, sporadic and incohenrent. Given Jim's background in political science and his practice in U.S. attorney office, the story could have recounted more insights and relevant anecdotes during those turbulent years.
October 30, 2019
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a great job. I felt almost like he was Jim telling the story himself. The torture and the humiliation these men went through yet kept their fighting spirit was nothing short of amazing. This was hard to listen to but I needed to hear it. I was coming of age during this time period and even though I knew some of the situations, this is the first POW book I've read that went into such depth. It showed the resourcefulness of the men in creating their codes, creating an American flag for them to hang onto, communicating in other ways, managing extra rations, etc. It is a wonder that men such as Jim Shively, his cell mates, John McCain, and others were able to come home and manage to have fulfilling lives afterwards. It is a testament as to what the human spirit can endure and continue to thrive afterwards.
September 5, 2018
“The prisoners found their greatest since of strength in their faith; faith in their country and faith in their god. ... In strict violation of the rules Brigadier General Risner set up a church service. The men who wanted to participate wrote out hymns on toilet paper and joined together in songs of praise. As they were singing the guards burst in and grabbed Risner to take him back to solitary confinement. But the presence of God filled the room emboldening the prisoners and instead of sitting down and shutting up they sang louder. As Risner was led away for punishment he heard a familiar refrain resounding through the camp:
“Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?” ~ Amy Shively Hawk, Six Years in the Hanoi Hilton
An Extraordinary Story of Courage and Survival in Vietnam
“Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?” ~ Amy Shively Hawk, Six Years in the Hanoi Hilton
An Extraordinary Story of Courage and Survival in Vietnam
June 12, 2025
When I visited the Hanoi Hilton in 2024, I was astonished by the pictures I was presented there of American soldiers, marines and airmen leading comfortable lives during their captivity. According to the museum there, the Americans were properly cared for and they were even allowed to go to christmas services in the churches of Hanoi! Of course this is all propaganda and we all know better.
The stories I know relate to torture, inhumane living conditions and the brutality of the North Vietnamese captors. I decided to read the book about Shively, who is depicted at a pool-table in one of the photographs at the Hanoi Hilton museum. Or rather listen to it, as I listened to the audio-book. There I learned more about the infamous reputation of the Hanoi Hilton and the extreme hardships the prisoners had to endure. Torture, intimidation, starvation, isolation. But the captives kept their spirits up and communicated by tapping the walls. They went through living hell to make it back home.
Everyone who is going to visit the Hanoi Hilton should read this book in advance.
The stories I know relate to torture, inhumane living conditions and the brutality of the North Vietnamese captors. I decided to read the book about Shively, who is depicted at a pool-table in one of the photographs at the Hanoi Hilton museum. Or rather listen to it, as I listened to the audio-book. There I learned more about the infamous reputation of the Hanoi Hilton and the extreme hardships the prisoners had to endure. Torture, intimidation, starvation, isolation. But the captives kept their spirits up and communicated by tapping the walls. They went through living hell to make it back home.
Everyone who is going to visit the Hanoi Hilton should read this book in advance.
September 3, 2021
The forgotten war
Twenty years ago while a patient in a VA hospital, I met a man that was a pow in Vietnam. He was a mess. The diagnosis of PTSD was just getting attention. In this book Jim was able to live through Hell and still function. Many pow's never could make the transition from pow to not living in their nightmare. My father fought in
WW 2 and Korea. I remember hearing him screaming at night from the nightmare he was having. PTSD did not exist in his day. Vietnam is the war no one talks about. Maybe the pow's and the mental casualties of Vietnam will help in future wars. The US just days ago left a country after a 20 year war. Young men and women went to war after 911. Now we are trying to pick up the pieces and put the bodies and nightmares in their place. I can only hope they do a better job than they have done with the Jim's of Vietnam.
Twenty years ago while a patient in a VA hospital, I met a man that was a pow in Vietnam. He was a mess. The diagnosis of PTSD was just getting attention. In this book Jim was able to live through Hell and still function. Many pow's never could make the transition from pow to not living in their nightmare. My father fought in
WW 2 and Korea. I remember hearing him screaming at night from the nightmare he was having. PTSD did not exist in his day. Vietnam is the war no one talks about. Maybe the pow's and the mental casualties of Vietnam will help in future wars. The US just days ago left a country after a 20 year war. Young men and women went to war after 911. Now we are trying to pick up the pieces and put the bodies and nightmares in their place. I can only hope they do a better job than they have done with the Jim's of Vietnam.
December 12, 2023
Es una biografía escrita por Amy Shively acerca de su padre James Shively, piloto de la Fuerza Aérea estadounidense. Se centra en su tiempo como prisionero de guerra en Vietnam del Norte después de ser derribado en 1967.
Me pareció un libro entretenido que busca inspirar con la extraordinaria vida de James Shively. Destaca en que, a pesar de las duras condiciones en las que estuvo recluido, se tomaba todo con mucha filosofía. Después de ser liberado, decía "Cualquier día en el que puedas girar la manija de la puerta y salir de una habitación... es un buen día".
Me gusto que parece ser una representación muy honesta de los eventos y la autora hace un gran trabajo con la narración. Como es de imaginarse en este genero de libros, hay un componente patriótico, que personalmente no disfruto.
Me pareció un libro entretenido que busca inspirar con la extraordinaria vida de James Shively. Destaca en que, a pesar de las duras condiciones en las que estuvo recluido, se tomaba todo con mucha filosofía. Después de ser liberado, decía "Cualquier día en el que puedas girar la manija de la puerta y salir de una habitación... es un buen día".
Me gusto que parece ser una representación muy honesta de los eventos y la autora hace un gran trabajo con la narración. Como es de imaginarse en este genero de libros, hay un componente patriótico, que personalmente no disfruto.
May 17, 2017
A must read. For me Jim story was more of my story to Jim and I were born in the same year we both went our separate ways after grad graduating from high school in 1960 I joined
This is a must read book for anyone that's interested in military history interested in me Vietnam War thank you so much for writing this book and sharing with all of us the things that Jim had to put through up with with the Vietnam people I know that there are a lot of good people and even in Vietnam even in the war as that one prisoner I mean one guard through the cross jumpseat he was a good man and he took care of Jim the best you could and I thank him for that and I look forward to seeing Jim because I know that he was saved by the grace of God thank you
This is a must read book for anyone that's interested in military history interested in me Vietnam War thank you so much for writing this book and sharing with all of us the things that Jim had to put through up with with the Vietnam people I know that there are a lot of good people and even in Vietnam even in the war as that one prisoner I mean one guard through the cross jumpseat he was a good man and he took care of Jim the best you could and I thank him for that and I look forward to seeing Jim because I know that he was saved by the grace of God thank you
August 28, 2017
In 1967, U.S. Air Force fighter pilot James Shively was shot down while flying an F-105 Thunderchief aircraft over North Vietnam. He was captured and held prisoner there for the next six years. He returned home in 1973, went to law school and served as an attorney in both private practice and government service. As a prisoner of war, Jim Shively served his country with honor and distinction. He was a man of great character and conviction.
I am blessed to have had the opportunity to read this biography. There is much I can take away from this book and apply to my own life. So many have endured so much for the love of this country. And I am thankful for each and every one who has made the choice to protect our freedom.
I am blessed to have had the opportunity to read this biography. There is much I can take away from this book and apply to my own life. So many have endured so much for the love of this country. And I am thankful for each and every one who has made the choice to protect our freedom.
May 28, 2017
I love it when I meet someone through a book who personifies the kind of character that makes the world a good place, a hopeful place; and in the case of Jim Shively he does so even when experiencing some of the worst mankind has to offer. I almost didn't read the book because I thought I wouldn't be able to tolerate reading about the torture and conditions the POWs experienced, but I'm so glad I chose to read it anyway. Amy Shively Hawks writing was easy to read, and the stories provided by Jim's recordings and by others who knew him are rich and meaningful and will leave you wishing you'd known the man. A book well worth reading.
August 14, 2017
Six Years in the Hanoi Hilton offers a first-hand account of what life was like as a POW in Vietnam. Brutally honest and thought provoking, this is not a book you will forget easily. In the words of Jim, "There are certain times you think about it (Veitnam)...you think about the lessons you learned there, like setting your priorities. What I found out is that you don't need a lot of material things to be happy. I'm thankful for my family, my health, and my ability to come and go as I please. I could have died that day over North Vietnaam, but for some reason I didn't. Any day after that is a good day."
June 7, 2017
It is great to be reminded of what some people have endured that is way beyond my own little struggles. This man was so resilient, strong . It is impressive to survive such conditions for so long and come home to resume life not in a ruined way, but in an even deeper and stronger way. Not everyone was able to handle such conditions as well as James Shively but his extraordinary character illuminates their trials and all of them should be respected. What a great inspiring story that needed to be told.
July 10, 2017
I was so honored to read this book - this family is so awesome, warm and engaging and I was lucky enough to spend a few years as a college roommate with Jim's two younger daughters. I bought this book right away when it was released and am just now reading it. I knew some of Jim's story because of my connection to the family and from a couple short visits to his home where I met him briefly. My heart swelled to read this book, lovingly written by his stepdaughter. Amy, kudos to you on doing such a great job and remembering your Dad with so much honor and integrity. Xoxo.
July 5, 2022
I sat and listened to this book in one sitting. I’ve never gotten so much work done in one sitting! Jim Shively is an American hero who was shot down over North Vietnam during the Vietnam (don’t say war) conflict. He endured unspeakable horrors during his time there. He refused early release unless everyone else got early release as well. John McCain was mentioned; but McCain’s experience as a captive in Vietnam was even worse, despite the mind not accepting the brutality these courageous men endured. Well worth the read (I listened to it on Audible).
April 25, 2023
I read this book immediately after visiting the “Hanoi Hilton”. It is difficult to read about anyone being tortured but having the visual images really magnified it for me. I was affected by this book. Saddened and horrified but also amazed and inspired by the way Jim and others were able to take a positive outlook and move forward! It is shocking to me that after the horrors the soldiers on both sides suffered and the lives lost and still being affected by that war, that war still exists.
March 31, 2021
This was a great audiobook however, I would have liked to have heard the original tapes Jim recorded instead of this. The beginning of the book seems to gloss over his early life and the last third of this book seems to gloss over his ending with cancer and people's testimonies of his character. The middle part of this was dark and incredibly well written. I just wish the rest of this book was. I would have been happy to read or listen to a much longer version.
January 8, 2024
It was a personal and special read for me.
I obtained a POW bracelet with the name of Jim Shively. I wore it religiously. I did get a newspaper clipping about him arriving home safe and sound. I got to thinking about it 50 years later and did some research. Found this book. Thank you so much for writing this book and making Jim a real person and sharing his life and attitude towards life with me and anyone else who reads this book. A profound thank you!!
I obtained a POW bracelet with the name of Jim Shively. I wore it religiously. I did get a newspaper clipping about him arriving home safe and sound. I got to thinking about it 50 years later and did some research. Found this book. Thank you so much for writing this book and making Jim a real person and sharing his life and attitude towards life with me and anyone else who reads this book. A profound thank you!!
October 15, 2017
I watched a PBS American Experience documentary called Return With Honor about the POWs in Vietnam. It was interesting and, of course, very sad. It made me want to know more so I read this book. I don’t think I learned much more with this book written by the daughter of a POW, but it is an amazing story of survival.
May 5, 2018
A well written tribute to a hero by his noble daughter.
I flew Cobras in the Air Cavalry and was shot down and chased by the NVA. Through God's providence I was found by my Troop within a few hours. I was not the hero Jim was. God doesn't test us beyond our spirit. The spirit of Jim was such that God could use him to inspire us all.
I flew Cobras in the Air Cavalry and was shot down and chased by the NVA. Through God's providence I was found by my Troop within a few hours. I was not the hero Jim was. God doesn't test us beyond our spirit. The spirit of Jim was such that God could use him to inspire us all.
August 30, 2018
An inspiring story of a great American!
I selected this book to get insight into the treatment prisoners received in Hanoi. I selected it mainly to learn more about John McCain's treatment. The book was about Jim Shively, but it wasn't a disappointment. He was a great American in every respect.
I selected this book to get insight into the treatment prisoners received in Hanoi. I selected it mainly to learn more about John McCain's treatment. The book was about Jim Shively, but it wasn't a disappointment. He was a great American in every respect.
October 2, 2020
This was an extremely interesting and moving tribute to a brave POW written by one of his step-daughters. It was hard to hear about what he and other prisoners went through in the infamous Hanoi Hilton for over 6 years, but his experiences seem to have made him stronger. It was well-written and I cried at the end.
June 21, 2017
This is not a book that one will want to pick up over and over, but it shares the experience of one Vietnam POW. The author, daughter of the POW, writes with love, respect and admiration. Her father's experience shaped his life and he touched the lives of many.
December 27, 2017
Wonderful book about Resilience
A must read, a powerful book on how POWs banded together through the most difficult times! Definitely an inspirational book "Don't sweat the small stuff"
A must read, a powerful book on how POWs banded together through the most difficult times! Definitely an inspirational book "Don't sweat the small stuff"
January 10, 2024
*3.5
This book was interesting to read after visiting the hanoi “hilton” and seeing the bizarre current propaganda.
Didnt love the narrative that america was the hero of the vietnam war.
Also a bit preachy for me.
Meh, wish I could’ve heard it from Jims perspective
This book was interesting to read after visiting the hanoi “hilton” and seeing the bizarre current propaganda.
Didnt love the narrative that america was the hero of the vietnam war.
Also a bit preachy for me.
Meh, wish I could’ve heard it from Jims perspective
July 15, 2018
Excellent book.
February 13, 2019
Great story of an inspiring man.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews