Tap Code

The Epic Survival Tale of a Vietnam POW and the Secret Code That Changed Everything

De: Carlyle S. Harris, Sara W. Berry, Col. Lee Ellis - Ret. - foreword

Narrado por: Henry O. Arnold, Ginny Welsch

Discover never-before-told details of POW underground operations during the Vietnam War told through one airman's inspiring story of true love, honor, and courage.

Air Force pilot Captain Carlyle "Smitty" Harris was shot down over Vietnam on April 4, 1965 and taken to the infamous Hoa Lo prison—nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton." For the next eight years, Smitty and hundreds of other American POWs—including John McCain and George "Bud" Day—suffered torture, solitary confinement, and unimaginable abuse.

It was there that Smitty covertly taught many other POWs the Tap Code—an old, long-unused method of communication from World War II. Using the code, they could softly tap messages of encouragement to lonely neighbors and pass along resistance policies from their leaders. The code quickly became a lifeline during their internment. It helped the prisoners boost morale, stay unified, communicate the chain of command, and prevail over a brutal enemy.

Meanwhile, back home in the United States, Harris's wife, Louise, raised their three children alone, unsure of her husband's fate for seven long years. One of the first POW wives of the Vietnam War, she became a role model for other military wives by advocating for herself and her children in her husband's absence.

Told through both Smitty's and Louise's voices, Tap Code shares the riveting true story of:

• Ingenuity under pressure
• Strength and dignity in the face of a frightening enemy
• The hope, faith, and resolve necessary to endure even the darkest circumstances

Praise for Tap Code:

"Tap Code is an incredible story about two American heroes. Col. "Smitty" Harris and his wife, Louise, epitomize the definition of commitment—to God, to country, and to family. This tale of extreme perseverance will restore your faith in the human spirit."

—Brigadier General John Nichols, USAF

"The incomprehensibly long ordeal of the Harris family is agonizing. Their love, faith, loyalty, and courage epitomize all that is good about America."

—Lt. Col. Orson Swindle, USMC (ret.), POW, Hanoi, 11/11/1966 to 3/4/1973

©2020 Carlyle S. Harris and Sara W. Berry (P)2020 Zondervan

Reseñas de la Crítica

'Crediting his knowledge of the [tap] code and his ability to endure torture and inhumane living conditions to an unshakable belief in 'God and country,' Harris delivers an accessible, faith-infused memoir of survival that will appeal to Christian readers and military history buffs.' (Publishers Weekly)

Beautiful

This book is heartbreakingly beautiful. To hear about such courage in such horrible circumstances, it’s amazing.
I highly recommend this book.

Story vs style

The courage and patriotism of the main characters is abundantly evident in this story of a Vietnam War POW and his wife. The writing is average at best so read for the story not the style.

Leaning on Faith

A good clean read. I felt the beginning was a bit slow; I'm glad I stuck with it. By the end of the story, I was uncontrollably sobbing--I wasn't sad, I just felt a connection. While deployed to Afghanistan, I often leaned on prayer and FAITH from one day to the next.
I would recommend the book to Veterans and non Veterans; I feel the story is about your faith being strong enough to deliver you through obstacles you face in life. "GBU"!

amazing story

what a great story of resolve and dedication. the story of love for this country is beautiful..

An truly excellent historical read!

A genuine must read. I will admit I was not aware of the Christian centric aspects of this book. If I had been I might not have purchased it and that would have been a shame. This book is educational and inspirational. I am awed and humbled by all that these men went through and how they persevered.

What a story!

This is a wonderful story of love, courage, sacrifice and endurance but so much more. GBU Sir and your family.

Eight Years As A POW

After having been shot down in April of 1965 Col Harris spent the next eight years as a POW. The POW were not free to talk to each other but they could tap. The Tap code was how they talked and in doing so stayed alive to see their families and country on their return. I highly recommend this book.

Story of triumph in the face of adversity

It's amazing what a common purpose and unity can do in the face of horrendous circumstances. I didn't know much about the details of this history. And I had always wondered how John McCain(the most well known of the POW's) could have had this traumatic experience and still have gone on to lead such an accomplished life. But this account made me understand how that was possible, and how it was possible for Smitty and his brothers in arms to also go on to lead rich and happy lives. Banding together was what saved them. Holding on to their faith and their love of country seemed to allow them to hold on to their humanity and not completely break them from trauma permanently.
I took this as a story of triumph and of brotherhood.
I did think the narrator reading Louise's part was off. She read much too quickly in places, making it come out stunted and rushed. Not a huge deal, but I'm not sure how she got the job.
And while I personally have a very different world view from the author, and feeling like it got a bit trite in spots, the underlying message was what I could relate to - that through faith and through fellowship of many kinds, we can not only withstand adversity, but come out better for it if we take the lessons. It was a story of hope and a story of faith.

Faith, Prayer & two warriors

Smitty Harris was shot down over North Vietnam in April 1965. He wasn't released until 1973. Eight years he was a POW and a resident of the Hanoi Hilton among other prison camps.

I am also impressed at their faith during . trial. God became a constant companion to them both. Smitty and his buddies would share Bible verses; Louise found solace in prayer.

He and his fellow prisoners were held in solitary confinement. They communicated by calling out to each other or by whispering. Both ways garnered punishment, but it was worth it.

While he was in training, his instructor taught him the Tap Code. He, in turn, taught other prisoners. They were finally able to communicate with impunity.

Louise Harris told her story, too. She was living in Okinawa with their girls, Carolyn and Robin. She was 8 months pregnant when Smitty was captured. She had to fight with the Air Force to get his full pay, when to sell their home and when to move to the US She is one strong woman!

Highly recommend this read.

This book takes the reader through the darkest times of survival of the human spirit.