Synopsis
Code of Conduct by Everett Alvarez Jr., co-authored with Samuel A. Schreiner Jr., is a poignant and introspective memoir that chronicles Alvarez’s journey of reintegration into civilian life after enduring eight and a half years as a prisoner of war (POW) in North Vietnam. As the first U.S. pilot shot down during the Vietnam War, Alvarez faced brutal captivity, including torture and isolation, primarily at the infamous Hỏa Lò Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton." This book serves as a companion to his earlier work, Chained Eagle, which detailed his POW experiences, while Code of Conduct shifts focus to his struggles and triumphs upon returning to a fractured America in 1973. Written with a reflective and optimistic tone, the memoir explores themes of resilience, personal transformation, and the enduring power of values in navigating life’s challenges.
The narrative begins with Alvarez’s repatriation under Operation Homecoming, a moment of relief tempered by the disorienting reality of a changed homeland. He returns to a nation deeply divided over the Vietnam War, where veterans often faced indifference or hostility. On a personal level, Alvarez grapples with profound losses: his wife divorced him during his captivity, his sister embraced the anti-war movement, and his staunchly Democratic family struggled to reconcile with his evolving conservative worldview, shaped by his military service and ordeal. These familial and societal rifts force Alvarez to confront emotional isolation, living behind what he describes as a "plexiglass emotional shield." Yet, his story is not one of despair but of reconstruction. Drawing on the same discipline and sense of duty that sustained him in prison, Alvarez embarks on a journey of self-healing, determined to rebuild his life with purpose and integrity.
Alvarez’s professional journey forms a significant part of the memoir, illustrating his adaptability and commitment to service. After retiring from the Navy in 1980, he leverages his education—an engineering degree from Santa Clara University and a master’s in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School—to pursue diverse roles. He serves as an administrator in the Peace Corps, Deputy Director of the Veterans Administration under President Reagan, and later as a business consultant, founding Alvarez LLC. These accomplishments reflect his ability to translate the leadership and resilience honed in captivity into civilian success. The memoir also delves into his personal growth, including his second marriage, which brings stability and joy, marking a significant step in his healing process. Alvarez’s refusal to be defined by his trauma, coupled with his optimism, makes his story uplifting, though he acknowledges that his healing remains incomplete.
A central theme of Code of Conduct is the importance of adhering to a personal set of values, a principle Alvarez credits for his survival and subsequent achievements. He argues that the "code of conduct" that guided him as a POW—rooted in honor, courage, and commitment—provided a framework for navigating the stresses of reintegration. This philosophy, reinforced by his interactions with fellow POWs, emerges as the book’s thesis: steadfast values can transform adversity into manageable challenges. The memoir also touches on Alvarez’s Mexican-American heritage and the rejection he faced from some in that community for not aligning with their political views, adding a layer of cultural complexity to his story. His candid reflections on these tensions, combined with his encounters with notable figures like John McCain and his involvement in public service, enrich the narrative.
Ultimately, Code of Conduct is an inspirational tale of perseverance and self-reliance. Alvarez’s measured, sometimes understated prose, as noted by reviewers, lacks the visceral intensity of other veterans’ memoirs but resonates through its sincerity and focus on universal human experiences. The book entertains as a memoir while offering a refreshingly non-doctrinal message about the power of resilience. Alvarez’s journey—from a young pilot shot down in 1964 to a decorated veteran, public servant, and entrepreneur—underscores his belief that while the scars of war may linger, the human spirit, guided by principle, can prevail. The memoir stands as a testament to his legacy, recognized by honors like the Congressional Gold Medal and the naming of Everett Alvarez High School in his hometown of Salinas, California.