The U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum (ASOM) is honored to announce a special event on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at 6 p.m., in observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day. This event will feature a discussion by Master Sergeant (MSGT) Lawrence “Bud” Wilson, a distinguished veteran and former prisoner of war who endured two years of captivity during the Korean War.
A Hero's Story: MSGT Lawrence “Bud” Wilson
MSGT Wilson served as an Army medic during the Korean War, where his courage and resilience were put to the ultimate test. On May 18, 1951, his team was encircled by enemy forces, leading to a day that forever changed his life.
“There was nowhere to run. I thought that was the end of me,” Wilson recalls.
Captured by Chinese forces, MSGT Wilson spent two years, four months, and 18 days as a prisoner of war. His captivity was marked by severe hardship, including illness and malnutrition. He and his fellow POWs faced relentless adversity, losing nearly a third of their body weight while enduring relentless physical and mental challenges.
“The first thing you came down with was diarrhea. The next thing was head lice and body lice,” Wilson described, highlighting the brutal conditions of his confinement.
Despite the harrowing circumstances, MSGT Wilson's unwavering spirit and determination saw him through to survival. His incredible story of resilience will be shared in detail during this poignant event, offering a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from a veteran who lived through one of the most challenging experiences of war.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed annually on the third Friday in September across the United States. It is a day dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of those who were prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action, ensuring they are never forgotten.
The event is open to the public, and all active-duty service members will receive complimentary admission upon registration.
For more information and to register, please visit: https://bit.ly/powmiaevent
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