By Leah Davis Witherow, Curator of History A chandelier made of 14 lbs. of metal bracelets is one of the most compelling objects in CSPM’s newest exhibit, The League of Wives: Vietnam’s POW/MIA Allies & Advocates. After flying 75 combat missions, U.S. Navy pilot LT j.g. Porter Halyburton was shot down over North Vietnam on October 17, 1965. With no parachute sighted and no radio contact, he was declared Killed in Action. His family held a memorial service and placed a tombstone over an empty grave. Unbelievably, eighteen months later they were notified that Porter was alive, and a POW in the infamous Hanoi Hilton. After 7½ years of captivity, Porter Halyburton returned home in the spring of 1973. Following his homecoming, supporters from across the country returned hundreds of bracelets bearing his name. Porter and his wife Marty assembled them informally into a cascading chandelier that hung over their breakfast table. As Marty Halyburton stated, “We were surprised and overwhelmed with the incredible outpouring of hundreds, if not thousands, of people we did not even know. It was inspiring and touching beyond description for the men and their families.” Marty went on to describe, “Ordinary American citizens rallied around the plight of American prisoners of war, those missing in action and their families at home, regardless of their views on the Vietnam War. Once the Peace Treaty was signed, returning POWs were met at airports by thousands of well-wishers and flooded with phone calls, letters and the return of POW bracelets bearing their name. All of this came as a huge surprise to the POWs who were not sure how they would be received at home.” Halyburton POW bracelet chandelier, on display in The League of Wives: Vietnam’s POW/MIA Allies & Advocates exhibit Porter Halyburton personally answered more than 1200 letters he received from well-wishers who had worn his bracelet and kept him in their hearts and minds during his 7 1/2 years of captivity. Reflecting on his homecoming, he stated, “I returned with joy and gratitude in my heart for all the wonderful people who had prayed for us, worn the bracelets and had worked for our release and better treatment.” The League of Wives: Vietnam’s POW/MIA Allies & Advocates will be on exhibit at CSPM through Saturday, December 29, 2018. MUSELETTER APRIL 2018| PG 8
9 Publizr Home