Humbert Roque Versace: A Legacy of Courage and Defiance

Captain Humbert Roque Versace, serving as an advisor to a Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) in Vietnam, was captured during an ambush on October 29, 1963, in Thoi Binh District, An Xuyen Province. Despite severe wounds to his knee and back, he fought valiantly, providing covering fire to aid his unit's withdrawal before exhausting his strength and ammunition.

As a prisoner of war, Captain Versace upheld the highest standards of leadership and the Code of Conduct. Assuming command among his fellow prisoners, he boosted morale by singing messages and leaving encouraging notes. Despite being held in an isolation box and shackled, he made four escape attempts, including one where he dragged himself through dense swamps despite his weakened condition.

Captain Versace used his fluency in Vietnamese to protest the mistreatment of prisoners, defying his captors’ indoctrination efforts. For his resistance, he endured harsher punishments, including gagging and prolonged isolation. Even in his final days, his unbreakable spirit shone as he was last heard singing God Bless America from his isolation box.

Unable to break his will or faith, the Viet Cong executed Captain Versace on September 26, 1965. For his extraordinary heroism, leadership, and steadfastness, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.