Joseph M. Corrigan

The Patriot's Way Joseph M. Corrigan

He was warned by his own government not to go to Hanoi, Vietnam. It was he was told still considered "enemy territory". There would be no seventh fleet off shore to help him. He would have no radio, no weapon and no friendly contacts in country to come to his aid should he be detained on trumped up charges. Others he was told had been held incommunicado for arbitrary periods of time. "You're not a movie star, family member of the missing, a millionaire or an official member of the U. S. Government," the State Department said. Just leave it alone"don't forget the Logan Act- citizens are not authorized to negotiate with foreign powers!"

It wasn't even possible to buy a plan ticket to Hanoi, Vietnam, from anywhere in the United States. It would cost money. The U. S. government would not help. Neither would a single U. S. corporation sponsor the effort for fear that they would loose out on profits if the lifting of the Trade Embargo were delayed for any reason. The POW/MIA issue was a thorn in the side of to many lobbyists who were trying to conduct business with Vietnam. Members of Congress also had to watch their actions before veterans and companies seeking to make inroads on their respective causes.

Still, Joseph M. Corrigan found the courage of conviction to go to Hanoi, Vietnam alone. He sold his pension fund to finance his work. He flew into the mouth of the tiger. Where others had failed he succeeded! The Patriot's Way is his story.