Robinson Risner

Robinson Risner (1925-2013) was an American military officer and author best known for his memoir "The Passing of the Night: My Seven Years as a Prisoner of the North Vietnamese." As a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, he flew combat missions in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, achieving ace status in Korea. During the Vietnam War, Risner was shot down and captured in 1965, spending seven years as a prisoner of war at the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" prison. While imprisoned, he served as the senior-ranking officer among American POWs and endured severe torture while maintaining a code of resistance. His 1973 memoir detailed his experiences as a POW and became a significant historical account of American military personnel's treatment in North Vietnamese prisons. The book's unflinching depiction of captivity and survival has made it a notable work in the genre of military memoirs. Prior to his capture, Risner had already gained recognition for his aerial combat skills, and TIME magazine featured him on its cover in 1965. His military decorations included the Air Force Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, and multiple awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Robinson Risner's autobiography "The Passing of the Night" receives strong reviews from military history readers and Vietnam War veterans. The book holds a 4.34/5 rating on Goodreads and 4.8/5 on Amazon across hundreds of reviews. Readers specifically note his detailed accounts of POW survival tactics and leadership during captivity. Many comment on his straightforward writing style without self-promotion. Several reviews mention the book helped them understand the POW experience. Common critiques include: - Limited coverage of his pre-Vietnam military career - Minimal discussion of his personal/family life - Brief treatment of post-war experiences Review stats: Goodreads: 4.34/5 (427 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (284 ratings) Military History Book Club: 4.5/5 Most reader reviews focus on "The Passing of the Night" as his other works are technical Air Force manuals. The book remains in print since 1973 and continues to be assigned at service academies.

The Passing of the Night: My Seven Years as a Prisoner of the North Vietnamese - A first-person account of Risner's experiences as a POW in North Vietnam from 1965-1973, detailing torture, resistance, and survival strategies employed by American prisoners.