Congress Advances Medal of Honor for Vietnam POW Cmdr. Everett Alvarez Jr.

Efforts to honor retired Cmdr. Everett Alvarez Jr., who endured eight and a half years as a prisoner of war (POW) during the Vietnam War, is advancing in Congress. The Congressional Gold Medal, Congress’s highest civilian honor, may soon be awarded to Alvarez for his remarkable resilience and patriotism during one of the longest POW imprisonments in U.S. history. 

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The House passed a bill authorizing the award in May, and the proposal now awaits a Senate vote. Lawmakers, led by Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Pat Fallon (R-Texas) in the House, and Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) in the Senate, are working to secure final approval before the year’s end.

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As the first U.S. pilot shot down over North Vietnam, Alvarez was captured in August 1964 while flying an A-4 Skyhawk in Operation Pierce Arrow. After ejecting from his plane, he was captured and soon taken to the infamous Hanoi Hilton prison. Alvarez endured isolation, torture, and starvation and faced public abuse as part of the “Hanoi Parade” in 1966 when he and other POWs were marched through Hanoi's streets.

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Throughout his 3,113 days in captivity, Alvarez inspired fellow prisoners to remain loyal, organizing communication methods to boost morale. His release in February 1973 marked the end of a harrowing ordeal.

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Alvarez, who later held civilian roles, including deputy director of the Peace Corps, is celebrated for his military and civilian contributions. His awards include the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and the Prisoner of War Medal.

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The Congressional Gold Medal, dating back to the American Revolution, honors figures significantly shaping U.S. history. If approved, Cmdr. Alvarez will join a distinguished list of recipients, reflecting the nation’s gratitude for his sacrifice and strength.

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