News-Info-Alerts

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci

(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Re: Commado Claims Denied

Date: April 26, 1999

From the 'With Friends Like This, You Don't Need Enemies' Department:

During the Second Indochina War, the US employed hundreds, if not thousands, of South Vietnamese Commandos for black ops and intel missions. Unfortunately, hundreds of those men were captured, tortured and imprisoned as POWs for decades.

More than 200 of those surviving POWs have had their benfit claims denied by the Pentagon. The reasoning by the Civilian Military Service Review Board was that the duties of the commandos "shall not be considered active duty for purposes of all laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs."

The men who endured decades in prison camps before being released filed claims for Veterans services and benefits. Upon their capture during the war, the US declared them all dead. Now, in frail and failing health due to years of privation and tirture, the men seek access to VA medical care. Upon their original petition, Congress alotted 20 million US$ for the commandos, which amounted to roughly 2,000 US$ a year for every year of captivity. But with the Pentagon ruling, it appears the men may be hung out to dry, along with so many other SEA veterans.

Although the men fought for and many died for the US, parachuting into hostile territory, engaging in battle and ultimately dying or suffering as POWs in excess of 20 years each, the US considers them 'contract agents' of the former South Vietnamese government.

The final clincher in the Pentagon's denial, "Finally, there is no convincing evidence the commandos expected that their service ... would be considered active military service with the US Armed Forces."