Comments on: Wendell “Ray” Alcorn: Seven Years a Prisoner of War

By: CWO4 Greg Van Hof, USN (Ret)

CWO4 Greg Van Hof, USN (Ret) — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:20:57 +0000

I recall serving with Capt Alcorn at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM, in the early ‘80s. One day we were all mustered in the station theater and the Capt shared his experiences as a POW: he said it was part of his recovery program.

That was a long time ago, but it was an experience I have never forgotten. It was cathartic for him and made a deep impression on the rest of us.

Capt Alcorn was a proud patriot and it showed in all his actions…

By: Denise Kramer

Denise Kramer — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 17:20:59 +0000

In reply to Roger Alcorn. Hopefully someone gets this. My mom, Shirley was his cousin. I found the newspaper clippings of his release. My Grandmother was Elsie. Please respond.

By: Jules

Jules — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 14:14:36 +0000

In reply to Roger Alcorn. Ray was a friend of my father, LTcommander John D Blankenship. My family had a deep respect for him and what he endured.

By: Amy Young

Amy Young — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 17:16:02 +0000

I also wore a POW bracelet as a child in the 60’s with Lt. Com Wendell Alcorn’s name on it! 12-22-65 was the date engraved on it. . I am now 64 and decluttering my home to prepare to retire, and found the POW bracelet with my old pictures. I am so happy that I looked him up and found that he returned home and contined to live 47 years with his family! God bless him, his family, and our courageoous troops. I have two Army sons and treasure their safety.

By: Dana Lamar

Dana Lamar — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 01:21:17 +0000

I was one of many children who wore POW bracelets during the war. I wore Lt. Com. (or Col.) Wendell Alcorn’s bracelet and prayed for his safety and return for years! I remember checking for his name and watching for his release. Thanks to this article, I now know, and can appreciate, what he endured and that he survived!!

By: C. Hazlegrove

C. Hazlegrove — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 05:06:52 +0000

I was really moved by Mr. Alcorn’s story. Thank you for sharing it. It must have been an honor to have known him.

By: AO2 John Williams

AO2 John Williams — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 04:04:23 +0000

Commander Ray Alcorn was my Commanding Officer at VT-25 in Beeville, TX. (1979); my first duty station after A School. It was an honor to serve under his command.

By: Rachel Mireles

Rachel Mireles — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 16:45:17 +0000

I was given the privilege of interviewing Mr. Ray Alcorn at the VA hospital when I was in school. His story has always inspired me and he has been to this day one of the kindest souls I have ever met.

By: Bob Hayes

Bob Hayes — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 23:22:33 +0000

Ray Alcorn was my primary flight instructor at VT-25, NAS Beeville, TX. What a wonderful man and was instrumental in my successful 30 year Navy career. God Bless you Ray.

By: Commander

Commander — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 12:53:05 +0000

In reply to Roger Alcorn. Roger, we are sorry to hear of Ray's passing and offer our deepest Condolences.