CIA: The Search for an American Prisoner of War

Tom Briggs is a retired career Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) employee with twenty-three years of honorable CIA service as well as three years as a commissioned military police officer in the U.S. Army, and three years as a Special Agent in the Drug Enforcement Administration.
While serving as a CIA operations officer in Laos in the early 1970s during the Vietnam War, Tom was running indigenous Lao teams to gather intelligence and conduct kinetic actions against North Vietnamese invaders and Pathet Lao communist enemies. Information on American Prisoners of War was a high-priority intelligence requirement for the CIA in Laos and by coincidence, Tom became friends - and worked with - Continental Air Services (CASI) pilot Lee Gossett [see Paul Carter video Lee Gossett: Laos Secret War Pilot • Laos Secret War Pilot:... ].
Lee was friends with Eugene DeBruin who became a prisoner of war in 1963 when his Air America plane was shot down over Laos. Tom became dedicated to finding Eugene DeBruin and began running operations to that end. This video concerns Tom’s efforts and the CIA’s stonewalling of the DeBruin family’s effort to learn Eugene’s fate. Since retirement, Tom has worked tirelessly with Eugene Debruin’s brother Jerry DeBruin in pursuing answers to what happened to Eugene.
These days Tom steadfastly tries to assist former indigenous U.S. allies, such as Lao, Lao Theung, Hmong, Montgnard, Khmer, and Afghans via his efforts as the President of the Coalition of Allied Afghan & Vietnam ​War Veterans (CAVWV) www.cavwv.org/
Tom has also applied his knowledge of the Secret War in Laos to provide significant support to an effort to have the recommendation for a Congressional Medal of Honor for retired USAF officer Phil Conran upgraded from an Air Force Cross. The Medal of Honor had been reduced to the Air Force Cross because the actions to be honored had occurred as part of a clandestine CIA Special Guerrilla Unit operation in Laos. [See pages 15-19 here - tinyurl.com/2j5m9wxc]
A correction - "T.C." the Chinese radio man was from Hong Kong, not Taiwan.
Tom Briggs' Book is available at www.amazon.com/Cash-Delivery-...
Lee Gossett's book is available at: www.amazon.com/Smokejumper-Gl...
Contact Chris Corbett for a Laos tour at: www.laoadvtours.com/
The villagers running to gather the dropped rice at 05:10 minutes are not villagers from PS-7 but Hmong villagers at another site.
‪@CarterOnConflict‬

[@TADAMS-zt4zz]

Excellent video Dr. Carter, thank you kindly! Having long been keenly interested in the POW's held in Laos, this video documents a lot of material unknown to myself, as well as others I am sure. What a privilege to hear Tom Briggs tell his story in his own words. You are doing some important work, unearthing these little known and important facets of military conflict and documenting them for posterity. I am looking forward to your next video, thanks again.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Capn. Thank you sir - I appreciate your support so much.

[@longshotny]

Well stated!... & Thx Doc.

[@leegossett7272]

Lee Gossett here, Thank you Tom, I really appreciate you doing this video and bring to light my friend, Gene DeBruin's case. It's long over due and it was my pleasure to have flown for you. The DeBruin family and myself are very appreciative of your effort to find information on Gene.

[@stevenwalsh3795]

Hope you are doing well Lee! Steven in Fairbanks

[@JoseSerrano-ct2rf]

Lee, always great to hear from you. Joe in Anchorage.

[@JoseSerrano-ct2rf]

Great video. Glad to see some of this material finally being released and discussed.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Jose, thank you sir. I hope you watch other of my videos, and appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@winaiwongsurawat7080]

Well done, Dr. Carter. An important reminder of the casualties and immense sufferings from war.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you Dr. Winai. I always appreciate your observations.

[@falcon5215]

Always excited to see your presentations...always informative and thought provoking.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Andrew, thank you so much. I appreciate your comment, and following me. And watching of course. I have some really good ones coming up, so thanks again. And please...as you can...forward to others.

[@falcon5215]

@@CarterOnConflict I certainly will. I've long been fascinated with that part of the world. I hope to visit Thailand someday.

[@CarterOnConflict]

@@falcon5215 if you do decide to visit - and I am serious about this - feel free to contact me for any info, recommendation, or advice. [e-mail]

[@falcon5215]

@@CarterOnConflict thank you so much

[@gilmueller4803]

Again, deft touch on topics otherwise untouchablle. Paul, you keep history living for those who were part of it. Much appreciation.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Gil, I always appreciate your support - and excellent witticisms :-) thank you as always.

[@user-xp3fu3pe7u]

Another incredibly informative video, thank you Dr. Carter. As one person noted, this is important work. Thanks to Mr. Briggs too for placing increased focus on DeBruin's case. Heartfelt commiserations to a family that must have lived in considerable anguish for nearly forty years. I hope with Mr. Briggs' efforts, remaining family members will receive the long-overdue acknowledgment of Eugene DeBruin's contributions.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Well thank you so much for watching. I really appreciate you taking the time to write such a thoughtful post, and appreciate you watching my videos.

[@dimitri7730]

Interesting video, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of history. Thanks for the dedication to bringing these stories to the forefront. Looking forward to more!

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you so much sir for watching and commenting - I truly appreciate your support.

[@joepvanderijt3725]

In the movies America never leaves anyone behind! If only in real life 😢 Great Video Paul ❤

[@CarterOnConflict]

So true sir. Thank you neighbor

[@raymondmillaway998]

Thank you Dr. Carter. Excellent history and video!

[@CarterOnConflict]

Raymond, thank you for watching and commenting, I appreciate it greatly. Y you oh might enjoy this one as well Raymond, about the same length, Laos Secret War Pilot: Lee Gossett kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJzPg4ljn7WJo5I

[@simonfrancisluttrell5818]

As a British teacher living in north Laos for many years, I found your video very interesting!

[@CarterOnConflict]

Well thank you so much for watching and commenting Simon, I appreciate that. I have several on Laos, if I may, I will provide two videos about Laos you may enjoy:Two Deadliest Places - Laos Secret War (Trailer) kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6rNapp6bch6fas

[@CarterOnConflict]

And another Simon: Laos Secret War Pilot: Lee Gossett kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJzPg4ljn7WJo5I

[@laoadvtours3479]

Very interesting, thanks Paul...

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you Chris for helping to keep the dream alive.

[@tommcclelland119]

Another great video Paul. Thank you Brother.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Tom, I always appreciate your support - and hearing from you.

[@tommcclelland119]

@@CarterOnConflict my older brother Paul was a Marine pathfinder in 68-69. He lost a friend that was got separated from their squad…heck of a story. Unfortunately, Paul passed away a few years ago, so the complete story passed with him.

[@CarterOnConflict]

@@tommcclelland119 I know now Tom you have so many good stories - and some not so good. When we meet…I’m all ears.

[@tommcclelland119]

@@CarterOnConflict unfortunately I was never really able to express myself to provide others my experience….until you.

[@CarterOnConflict]

@@tommcclelland119 I’m humbled Tom. And honored.

[@chip9649]

Love your videos from the uk! Will you do videos on US ground operations in Laos?

[@CarterOnConflict]

Chip, thank you so much - well, speak of the devil, yes! I have an upcoming one. Thank you so much for watching and posting.

[@chip9649]

@@CarterOnConflict excellent! I cant wait!

[@CarterOnConflict]

@@chip9649 chip, I’m headed to Laos again in a few short weeks to put the finishing touches on the video. Standby sir!

[@chip9649]

@@CarterOnConflict hope you enjoy your visit. Sounds better than rainy uk!

[@markpaul-ym5wg]

Leave no one behind? Right.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Right :-(

[@GeorgeMcMillanIII]

I will definitely contract Chris Corbett on my next ride through, switching the street bike for a dirt bike is essential to check out the Xe Bangfai River valley part of the trail.

[@CarterOnConflict]

George, I replied to you, I don’t know what happened to it. Anyway, sounds like a good excursion! Thanks for your note.

[@GeorgeMcMillanIII]

@@CarterOnConflict I was binge watching from different PCs trying to catch up. I was really interested to know more about US interventions in Laos after WWII to the French Indochina and Vietnam War periods. Your videos on the Ravens, Air America and the CATs are right on point.

[@CarterOnConflict]

@@GeorgeMcMillanIII you are the man George - you live a life of adventure, lots of travel, always good to hear from you!

[@chip9649]

Will you also cover US involvement in Cambodia? All everyone talks about is the bombing campaign and the 1970 incursion

[@CarterOnConflict]

Chip, yes. I have a video on the fall of Phnom Penh and the last flight out, conducted by air America pilot Neil Hansen, I video interviewed Neil recently. So, I will start to do more videos on Cambodia. It is really uncanny you asked me these two questions, as they are my next two videos! You are on it, thanks for staying tuned Chip.

[@chip9649]

@@CarterOnConflict I stumbled onto your channel at the right time! I remember reading a military report dated in 1975 and it stated there was about 100 advisors sent to cambodia but no real video on this topic. Thank you for making these videos.

[@CarterOnConflict]

@@chip9649 thank you for finding my channel, I have about 35 videos now, many on Laos as you know, and you are right, Cambodia is underrated reported.

[@andersfant4997]

Pathet Lao forces were cruel. You know the story about Ernest Brace, who became friend with John McCain. MACV-SOG had a casualty rate of 100%, dead or wounded, but no one ended up as POW. And Laos was of course the main target area. There are rumours that B52 strikes were ordered in if US suspected that guys were prisoners, to much sensitive information?

[@CarterOnConflict]

Yes sir. You are correct. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@andersfant4997]

@@CarterOnConflict Regarding B52. I am European but as a kid I lived in Cal for a while, next to an US Airforce Base. The B 52 came in for landing right over our roof, I love the sound.. 🇸🇪 is now a member of Nato and sometimes US Air force show strentgh flying from south to north over the country. A guarantee for a rule based world order. Cheers

[@CarterOnConflict]

@@andersfant4997 great use of the Swedish Flag there - great ally of the U.S.! Wow, I’ve seen a B-52 I can imagine that is quite impressive, especially as a kid hearing and seeing that. Thank you again for watching and commenting.

[@Jewclaw]

Sounds like a very interesting story. Unfortunately I wasnt able to follow and was lost half the time :(

[@CarterOnConflict]

Well, sorry about that - I went too fast in this video

[@Jewclaw]

@@CarterOnConflict no don’t be. I’ve watched many more of your other videos you have some the most interesting, riveting stories. Keep em coming

[@CarterOnConflict]

@@Jewclaw thank you sir! I appreciate it Cody

[@supasannok8024]

ฉันติดตามชมทุกวีดีโอของคุณและเห็นได้ว่าคุณทำออกมาได้ดีมีความรู้และเป็นประโยชน์เสมอ🙏🏻👍🏻

[@CarterOnConflict]

You have excellent Thai!!!!

[@markpaul-ym5wg]

Where did air america gets its rice from to give to the villagers of Laos?

[@CarterOnConflict]

USAID provided it. I suspect it was purchased in Thailand.

[@ScumfuckMcDoucheface]

That was a great video, thank you so much. =) Might I suggest slowing down the visual cards somewhat, I'm sure it's just my lack of intellect but i found myself continually pausing and rewinding to absorb more info from each card. Absolutely fantastic video and subject and channel. Thanks again for putting your effort into a channel like this.

[@CarterOnConflict]

I appreciate that suggestion - it’s actually quite helpful that you have suggested this. As I was reviewing the video often, I kept questioning myself that perhaps the cards were coming too frequently. I wish I would have heeded my instinct to do so, and will next video. Thank you so much for commenting on my videos and for the feedback.