Fires: The Chinese treated all POWs the same regardless of rank. This resulted in the degradation of discipline among POWs. Do you think this was the intended outcome or just 2nd and 3rd order effects? In addition what would you do to combat the loss of morale among POWs?

I believe the practice of treating all POW’s the same was less of a calculated form of degradation of discipline and more of a practice in line with communist ideology. Finding a purpose would have to be the greatest tool in combating loss of morale. Religion and faith in a higher being are great ways to motivate those who have lost hope, so I would try to identify or “designate” a Chaplain as quickly as possible in order to provide some direction for the group. Also, continual re-iteration that the men are still U.S. soldiers with discipline and dignity would also go a long way. The higher ranking leaders in the group would need to take charge and attempt to either speak with Chinese officials to improve standard of living or think of ways to escape. The soldiers need to see that their is always a plan.