In the Presence of Mine Enemies, 1965-1973: A Prisoner of War

This is an amazing and very moving story as well as sobering, humbling and thought provoking told in a simple but interesting style. It is an excellent account of an American pilot's POW experience in Vietnam and in an interesting part 2 of the book his wife discusses the experience from her perspective. He describes the conditions and torture he and other prisoners endured. How they communicated and helped each other. A very important theme in the book is Rutledge's renewed faith in God. When I was a kid, I had this story as a comic book and it played a major role in my becoming a Christian and in shaping my respect for those who serve in the military. I wanted to read this in novel form after finishing John McCain's Faith of My Fathers. The setting of both stories is the same, Hanoi Hilton, and of course there are many similarities in the 2 stories, but each has a unique feel and perspective. Both are excellent and highly recommended.

We all have problems from time to time and get down. I read this book when I was faced with a great tragedy. After reading this man's account of his captivity as an American POW in Vietnam, and the misery, cruelty, and torture that he had the courage to suffer through, I knew that I would be able to survive and get through the problem and the tragedy I was facing. My problems though daunting, were nothing comparted to his. He was a real inspiration and a very brave and heroic man.

When I was only 11, I had the pleasure of meeting Captain Rutledge in August of 1976. He was my Dad's Commanding Officer in the Philippines. We all read his book and sat amazed at the God-granted ability to survive. I borrowed the book from my Dad (25 years later) and just finished reading it again. The faith that he and his wife were able to muster is incredible. Makes the rest of us foolish to take our God, our faith, our families, and our freedoms all for granted.Captain Rutledge went to his greater reward on June 11, 1984. I will never forget that man. He will always be an example for me.Read it!

While watching the History Channel on the topic of prisons, Hanoi Hilton came up. A few of the former "guests" were interviewed such as Sen McCain. I had a immediate flashback of Rutledge's book which I read back in the mid-70's. It was one of a few books that was hard to put down.

Captain Rutledge gives us his recollection of his experiences as a POW so powerfully you will feel you were there with him and the other men. These men endured and survived and came home with their honor intact and their heads held high. As a nation we should be grateful for men like Captain Rutledge and his fellow prisoners. Sir, thank you for writing this book!