The entry to the museum's Vietnam Prisoner of War Exhibit recreates the gate of the Hoa Lo Prison, famous for the nickname given it by those held there- the Hanoi Hilton.

When they were repatriated in 1973, American prisoners of war  in Vietnam returned with a host of mementos from their time in captivity, including drinking cups, hand -fashioned clothing and items issued by their captors. The cups were essential to prisoner communication. Put to the ear, they amplified the taps on walls separating cells that formed the code in which prisoners "talked."

This flight jacket belonged to Lieutenant (junior grade) Everett Alvarez at the time he was shot down over North Vietnam in August 1964. Taken into captivity, he was the longest held prisoner of war in North Vietnam, remaining a prisoner of war until repatriated in January 1973.

Amidst an unpopular war, the plight of American prisoners of war and missing in action captured the emotions of the American population. In a campaign initiated by Voices In Vital America, a Los Angeles student group, POW-MIA bracelets like this recognizable one featured the serviceman's name, rank, and date of loss. Thousands were worn during the final years of American involvement in Vietnam.