RAID REACTION

Despite the successful execution of the raid, public response was varied. World opinion seemed to focus on a heroic effort for a noble cause, yet questioned the true motivation of the operation. War escalation seemed to be the hot topic of conversation in most international media circles. However, the American public appeared to react with indifference to news of the raid. Apparently, the news of the raid was just another day in a war which seemed to have no end. No new or significant public demonstrations were reported as news about the raid began to surface. Most of the country's media praised the attempt but questioned the results. Perhaps this cool response was due to several years of efforts by a host of groups which worked publicly to bring the suffering of POWs to the forefront of a war weary population. Most families of POWs approved of the raid despite the risks of reprisals against remaining POWs. During a debate on the Senate floor concerning the raid, Senator Bob Dole (R-Kansas) related a story from three wives of current POWs. When he asked their opinion about the raid and its possible

implications, their response was, 'It is better to have our husbands die in a rescue attempt than rot to death in a prison camp.' Furthermore, thousands of telegrams praising the attempt were sent to the White House. Many were from the families of POWs and MIAs and contained responses such as, 'Thanks for trying to get our daddy out of that camp. Please keep trying.' Still others stated, 'This type of action should have been tried before and should still be attempted in future actions. Keep trying Mr. President.' Additionally, Opinion Research Corporation, a nationally recognized and respected group, sampled 208 next-of-kin of personnel listed as either missing in action or prisoner of war. Eighty one percent approved of the rescue attempt and 84 percent would approve of another attempt. Also, 60 percent indicated that future raids would be successful and were an effective means of gaining information and release of POWs and MIAs. These opinions quickly overshadowed others who believed that the raid and any future attempts would only endanger POW lives and make information on MIAs more difficult to obtain. Perhaps the mother of a POW best summed up the American public reaction to the raid, 'Finally something had been done to relieve their suffering and focus attention to their situation.'

The reaction by the U.S. military establishment was perhaps best summed up by Admiral McCain as he received a debriefing from Manor and Simons shortly after the raid. 'Don't let

anyone tell you that this mission was a failure. We will learn, as the results develop, that many benefits will accrue as a result of having done this.' A true statement, but the results of the raid would not be fully known for several years to come. Pride in execution was obvious for military members who knew about the raid. This was especially true at the highest levels of command as senior members took note of the Communist military reaction to the raid and actions immediately implemented by those countries. Their reaction gave American military leaders a much needed 'shot in the arm.' By flexing its muscles, the U.S. demonstrated its ability and will to strike unhindered any target in North Vietnam at the time and place of its choosing. Undoubtedly, the raid contributed to a new found respect for American military skill and resolve.