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There was considerable controversy within the country because of the Vietnam War and the handling of the Pueblo Incident by our civilian and military leaders only added to the turmoil. Unfortunately, the lack of forthright, sympathetic communications between the government representatives and the families and friends concerned about the plight of the Pueblo crew made it seem as if our government was uncaring and doing little to obtain the release of the Pueblo crew.
Many family members, friends and those sympathetic to the cause, including naval personnel and congressmen, began various campaigns to keep the Pueblo incident alive, in the news and to apply pressure upon the government to resolve this matter. The San Diego Union published a box with the number of days the Pueblo crew had been in captivity and frequently published related articles.
Some said these efforts only prolonged the crew's detention as it supplied the North Korean's with additional propaganda. This may be true, but to finally secure the crew's release, the U. S. did, as far as the North Korean authorities were concerned and had demanded since the beginning, apologize for the "intrusions" into North Korean territorial waters (which were never committed).
So in retrospect, one could claim the Pueblo crew remained in North Korea 10 more months than it should have and sustained unnecessary psychological distress, beatings, torture and malnutrition because of of what - government obstinacy?
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The Remember the Pueblo Committee was formed to keep the plight of the PUEBLO crew in the public's senses and to apply pressure upon the government to obtain the release of the crew. The committee received over 25,000 letters from citizens around the country, of which a very commanding majority were sympathetic. Committee members did their best to respond to everyone, except the few crackpot letters. Jean Hemphill and Rose Bucher made speaking engagements to help their cause - action by the government to secure the release of the PUEBLO crew.
Bumper Stickers were distributed to help the cause.
Rose Bucher, Allen & Jean Hemphill, and Barbara Norris were the driving forces behind the committee.
Marcee Rethwish , a young, San Diego teenager worked on the Pueblo issue during her spare time.
Memorial Service for Duane Hodges
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Many other people have given their time and/or money in our behalf and we thank them for their kindness. If we know of your support and have your permissioin, you are acknowledged on our Gratitude page in the USS PUEBLO Association Section. If we have overlooked you, or have incorrect facts, please let us know.
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A diary kept by Jean Hemphill was used as the initial guiding resource for researching content for this section. This section was prepared by Harry Iredale.