Chapters 25-28 Summary and Analysis

In Chapter 25, in February of 1971, the prisoners began a dispute regarding their right to conduct religious services. On Sunday, February 7, they decided to hold a church service. This became known as the Church Riot. In an attempt to improve their public image, the Vietnamese encouraged the prisoners of war to write home frequently. On John's suggestion, the prisoners boycotted by refusing to write. On March 17, John and 24 other prisoners were taken to a different camp that they called "Skid Row." This group was singled out because they were the ones who caused the most trouble for the Vietnamese. Each prisoner was held in solitary confinement in a 6 x 4' cell with no ventilation, lights, or bathing facilities. When the August monsoons threatened to flood Skid Row, they were transferred back to Hoa Lo. Unfortunately, they were not taken back...