Tap Code

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

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

Narrated by: Henry O. Arnold, Ginny Welsch

Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Critic reviews

'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)

Heart touching true story!

I don’t remember when I downloaded this book but I am so glad that I listened to it! What an amazing story of survival, patriotism, and faith!

Powerful Story!

What a heartwarming story of triumph and hardship, strength and grace. Highly recommend for anyone who needs something more meaningful.

An American's American

Loved it. Performance was great. I miss the faith of past generations of Americans.

Just WOW.

I had known about the Tap Code, but this story is about so much more. I’m so grateful to finally hear the details of the lives of these brave people. “Inspirational” only begins to describe this book. Don’t miss it!

A must read

I do not consider myself a reader of books about wars, but I do enjoy a good biography. This is both and it is magnificent! A thoughtfully presented book sharing both the POW and his wife's POV for 8 years of the war in Vietnam. The strength, courage, character, and faith that helped the POW's make it through this difficult time and bond them forever makes this a must read for everyone.

Good reality check for current generation

This should be ready by everyone. In a “I want it now” and “me me me” culture this is a perfect reality check and attitude adjuster.

Thank you.

Touching story

Never before have I considered the great importance of communication. Provides an opportunity to pause and consider the important things in life just as Smitty did in his 8 years.

Excellent in so many ways

My dad is a Vietnam veteran in the Marines. He doesn’t talk about it much, but I get bits and pieces. He was lucky to come home with no physical scars, but the mental anguish comes through very often. This book is an incredible story of life in Vietnam as a POW. It brought tears to my eyes so many times, both from Carlyles story and Louises. Such strength, love, and honor. The narrators were too-notch, and made listening very easy. GBY

Oh, such a good, good read.

This book is like a breath of fresh air in a world full of pollution. No BS, no cussing, no political correction. Just a great story about a great man and his family. Very patriotic and unapologetically Christian. God bless you and God bless the USA.

I could not stop listening to this book.

I have to admit, that when I started this book I had a passive interest in it. Kinda like, lets give it a try type of thing.

Fast forward and I could not stop listening to it. I usually listen to audio books when doing chores, washing dishes, laundry, etc... but I did "extra" chores to keep on listening to this. I mowed the lawn, I weed wacked the weeds around the backyard. Almost anything that I keep putting off, I did so I could keep listening to this.

I have to say hats off to everyone in this book. You are better men than I think I could ever be, and this book really puts the reader/listener into their shoes. I wasn't around during the Vietnam war, but I can't believe the stuff that I wasn't taught about it in school, and how some people treated our service men and their families.

I absolutely loved this book. The narration was excellent, along with the writing.