US Ambassador to Thailand Glyn T Davies yesterday expressed his condolences over the passing of Col Chaicharn Harnavee, a Thai army special forces officer who died on Sunday in Lop Buri at the age of 87.
On behalf of the United States of America, Mr Davies said he extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and former comrades of Col Chaicharn.
Col "Chip" Chaicharn was the longest-held POW at Hanoi's Hòa Lò Prison (also known as the "Hanoi Hilton") during the Vietnam War.
A fellow prisoner of US Senator John McCain, US Navy Admiral James Stockdale and many others, Col Chaicharn was held at Hòa Lò for nearly 10 years.
He was honoured with the US Silver Star and Legion of Merit for demonstrating tremendous bravery in helping American POWs.
"I and many other Americans who have served in Thailand were honoured to have known him. He was brave, humble and wise," Mr Davies said.
The words of an unknown author seem to aptly describe the life of this great man, "The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all."
Col Chaicharn was an NCO (sergeant) and officer who was detained by the Vietnamese communists after American POWs were released in 1973.
He was noted for his courage and loyalty by his American fellow prisoners and many demanded the US government intervene to assist Thailand to gain his release.
This was done and in September 1974 he finally returned home.