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.) - introduction

Narrated by: Henry O. Arnold, Ginny Welsh

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

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.'

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.