June 28, 1962 - Specialist George F. Fryett Jr., the U.S. soldier who was released four days ago after he had been a prisoner of the Viet Cong guerrillas for six months, said today that his captors had “exhibited” him in numerous villages. The 26-year-old Army code clerk was captured by two guerrillas while cycling on a lonely road near Saigon last Christmas Eve. Until his Communist captors placed him on a bus June 24, he said, he had been kept tightly bound by ropes above the waist and had an automatic weapon pointed at him “24 hours a day.” Specialist Fryett reported that the Viet Cong had given him “basic medical attention” and had supplied him with a razor, toothbrush, and “basic clothing,” but no shoes. He said that in three “extensive” interrogations he had revealed only his name, rank, army serial number, and family details, and that he had not been affected by frequent Communist “indoctrination” sessions. Specialist Fryett said he had lived in continual fear of torture or death. But at the same time, he said, he never doubted that the U.S. Army was continuing efforts to find him. He said his religious faith had helped him survive his ordeal, during which he lost 25 pounds.
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