Upon learning that two of his men were wounded and unable to make it back to the perimeter, 1st Lt. Sisler braved intense enemy fire to reach them.
Stockdale was held as a prisoner of war at Hỏa Lò Prison, the notorious "Hanoi Hilton," for over 7½ years.
As they advanced, the patrol came under enemy machinegun fire. Captain Sprayberry quickly directed his men to cover, then crawled forward alone, disregarding his own safety to get within range of the machinegun position.
Ignoring his injuries, he pulled himself to his feet and rallied his men with words of encouragement.
Seeing the dire situation of his platoon, he made a courageous decision to take direct action, grabbing a machine gun and launching a solo assault on the enemy’s fortified position.
With no food, little water, and no survival kit, he evaded capture for 46 days, moving only by dragging himself over the limestone ridge and later along the jungle floor.
