Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane held a ceremony Thursday to honor prisoners of war and soldiers who were missing in action.
The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps honored prisoners of war today at the Crane naval base.
World War II and Vietnam War veterans gathered in the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Club Lakeview training center with friends and family to honor fellow former prisoners of war and those missing in action.
Several veterans shared their personal POW stories during the ceremony, and naval base commanders touched on the history of American prisoners of war and their experiences.
World War II veteran Frank Trautman attended the ceremony and recalled how surrendered to Japaneses forces after he and his colleagues were caught over enemy lines.
Despite the harsh memories, he says he enjoys the annual ceremony.
“I’m always impressed by it. Everyone’s so genuine,” Trautman says. “What they have to say makes you feel good.”
The Defense Prisoner of War and Missing Personnel Office indicates more than 80,000 military personnel from the last century remain missing in action.
