The following report constitutes a general recital of the experiences and observations of five American medical officers who were prisoners of war of the Communists in Korea. No attempt has been made to present this material as a scientific study. The period of observation started in July, 1950, and continued until September, 1953, when the last group of prisoners of war was repatriated. A large part of the accumulated prisoner of war experience is included. Some of the smaller groups composed largely of men who were captured after Jan. 1, 1952, were not observed directly by any of the captured medical officers.
THREE PHASES OF CAPTIVITY
The entire period of captivity is divided into three general time phases. The first phase started with capture and ended with arrival in the first permanent camp. It was characterized by lack of food and shelter, forced marches, and exposure to the elements. Men