Love and Duty: The Remarkable Story of a Courageous MIA Family and the Victory They Won with ...

Ben Purcell, a colonel shot down in a helicopter in 1968, was imprisoned in various camps in North Vietnam until 1973, much of the time in solitary confinement. His wife Anne raised their five children, who ranged in age from 212 to 15 during their father's capture, and played an active role in national, state and local Georgia MIA/POW organizations. In this memoir, the Purcells recreate the years of separation, stressing the importance of religion in helping them to survive and to achieve the state of ``relinquishment.'' Purcell, who escaped twice and was recaptured, notes that he has not changed his attitude about the Vietnam War. He recalls with feeling his statement to his captors that he was in Southeast Asia to help the Vietnamese people ``determine their own destiny'' and expresses puzzlement that the interrogator found his comments funny. In all, an inspiring book, especially for those who are deeply religious. Photos. (Feb.)