Tap Code: The Epic Survival Tale of a Vietnam POW and the Secret Code That Changed Everything

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars | 1,028 ratings

Price: 19.68

Last update: 12-18-2024


About this item

Discover never-before-told details of POW underground operations during the Vietnam War told through one airman's inspiring story of true love, honor, and courage.

Air Force pilot Captain Carlyle "Smitty" Harris was shot down over Vietnam on April 4, 1965 and taken to the infamous Hoa Lo prison—nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton." For the next eight years, Smitty and hundreds of other American POWs—including John McCain and George "Bud" Day—suffered torture, solitary confinement, and unimaginable abuse.

It was there that Smitty covertly taught many other POWs the Tap Code—an old, long-unused method of communication from World War II. Using the code, they could softly tap messages of encouragement to lonely neighbors and pass along resistance policies from their leaders. The code quickly became a lifeline during their internment. It helped the prisoners boost morale, stay unified, communicate the chain of command, and prevail over a brutal enemy.

Meanwhile, back home in the United States, Harris's wife, Louise, raised their three children alone, unsure of her husband's fate for seven long years. One of the first POW wives of the Vietnam War, she became a role model for other military wives by advocating for herself and her children in her husband's absence.

Told through both Smitty's and Louise's voices, Tap Code shares the riveting true story of:

  • Ingenuity under pressure
  • Strength and dignity in the face of a frightening enemy
  • The hope, faith, and resolve necessary to endure even the darkest circumstances

Praise for Tap Code:

"Tap Code is an incredible story about two American heroes. Col. "Smitty" Harris and his wife, Louise, epitomize the definition of commitment—to God, to country, and to family. This tale of extreme perseverance will restore your faith in the human spirit."

—Brigadier General John Nichols, USAF

"The incomprehensibly long ordeal of the Harris family is agonizing. Their love, faith, loyalty, and courage epitomize all that is good about America."

—Lt. Col. Orson Swindle, USMC (ret.), POW, Hanoi, 11/11/1966 to 3/4/1973


Top reviews from the United States

  • Serenity...
    5.0 out of 5 stars ~~'GBU - God Bless You'~~
    Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2019
    Most veterans have heard of the Tap Code that was used by the Vietnam Prisoners of War. I did not realize the extent to which it was used and the messages of hope that it carried.

    On 4 April 1965, Smitty, Captain Carlyle Harris, Air Force pilot, was shot down while on a bridge bombing mission in Thanh Roa, North Vietnam. He survived nearly 8 years of captivity and was transferred from prison to prison. His wife, Louise became a leader of the many wives that also had their husbands listed as POW. She had 3 young children that were entrusted to her care. This is their story told in alternating chapters from the first day until his return home...and later..

    The Tap Code was initially used in WW II and Smitty remembered reading a book about it. It became his mission to teach others how to 'tap' and 'tap' they did. What was amazing for me to read was how many ways it was utilized. I initially thought it was the tapping on walls to convey a message. This went way beyond that sound...as it could be done while sweeping, coughing, wood chopping and even snapping a towel! Amazing when one thinks about that ...and, how it angered the guards when they discovered that communication was being done. The action itself provided a bond between prisoners, was a morale booster and involved the Chain of Command, as well.

    Life inside the various camps is described in detail including the food (?) they were given twice a day. No wonder Smitty got so sick and nearly died. And, the tapping of the code sustained other POW's after their 'interrogations'...GBU~~

    I did laugh when Smitty and Ron Storz were discussing Thanksgiving Dinner (through tapping)...all of their favorites were mentioned and then Smitty asked him to come over...His reply illustrated his sense of humor despite these terrible situations they were in...

    After nearly 8 long years in captivity. Smitty was released and flown out of Hanoi and to the Philippines. He was the 6th man captured and was the 6th off the transport plane. I loved it when the pilot announced 'Feet Wet' which meant they were over water and no longer over enemy territory. And, then the cheers and the clapping began..

    Faith in God, honor to country and courage all played a significant role in both Smitty's and Louise's lives. Long after his return home, they both said this separation was a positive time in their lives. Wow...

    There are some interesting photos at the end of the book illustrating some of the key locations, a few pictures of POW's and also items. I was pleased to read that both Smitty and Louise are alive and doing well in Tupelo...As is repeated several times throughout the book, GBU!!

    Most highly recommended and for multiple reasons. Courage, commitment and faith in God play an important part in this book...and in their lives today.

    As we say in the USN, Bravo Zulu, to Smitty, and a very late 'welcome home'. Thank you for your service to this great United States of America, your continued courage, honor and dedication. And, also for your faith in God.
  • Dr. Debra Bridges
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the BEST BOOKS I’VE EVER READ
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2024
    A real page turner. I love that each chapter flips from the POW POV, then to the military wife’s POV. The last chapter is the best!
    I could not put it down. What a group of true heroes. This book is not preachy, it’s just the truth.
    What a gentleman you are, Mr Smitty. You just don’t meet men like you very often these days.
    Louise Harris is the fabric the Lord uses to make a good home.
  • j
    5.0 out of 5 stars Communication - survival’s life-blood - delivered by divine hand
    Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2019
    This is a great book with a story that will help everyone. Full disclosure - I know Smitty Harris - Talked with him on the bus at Robbie Risner’s funeral. A GREAT AMERICAN. Moreover, this story is about how Smitty’s innate curiosity resulted in the communication system that saved lives and united American prisoners in Hanoi. It is a testimonial to the importance of asking questions and LEARNING ‘beyond the book.’ Anyone who reads about the prisons of Hanoi knows about the tap code. What this book reveals is that the language and communication among the cells and prisons that sustained men through their darkest hours was discovered and implemented - almost by accident. A great book for people of faith - helping us all understand that even when the best of human teachers thinks they’ve got it figured, sometimes a divine hand reaches into the ether and delivers what men REALLY need.
  • Billy Still
    5.0 out of 5 stars Every Generation has its heroes
    Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2019
    Sara Berry has done what is most difficult to do. She has written someone else's story as if it were her own. Her telling of the dramatic, heartrending story of TAP CODE is a riveting tale that I simply had no desire to set aside. It caused me to think of Hampton Side's best seller GHOST SOLDIERS; the story of five men who survived the Bataan death march and years of imprisonment. Tap Code is that age old, horror story of war, told for a new generation of soldiers. Many of us, who stayed home in peace during Vietnam, have spent little time thinking of those who suffered as Smitty did. Indeed such suffering may be beyond our imaginations. However Sara Berry tells Smitty's story in a manner that allows us to wonder if, we, under similar circumstances, could rise to this level of character and courage. I am grateful that I am unlikely to find out. Thanks to Sara Berry for stimulating my often lazy imagination to remember that there are heroic folks all around us.
    Read this book. You will be glad you did..
  • Joyce Gilliland
    4.0 out of 5 stars good book
    Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2020
    relevant book about being a patriot, being a strong wife, having faith in God, wanting to keep our country safe from the enemy and those who would cause us harm. about being a strong patriot and being able to endure the pain and suffering imposed by the enemy.
  • Susan Collins
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration on paper and in person
    Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2019
    If you like a story told with no sugar coating and a healthy helping of hope, this book should be in your library! I have had the privilege of knowing Louise and Smitty Harris for many years. I attended the same church with them, their children, and grandchildren when I lived in Tupelo, MS. I have heard parts of their story, but to have it written down is a true treasure. This family, starting with Louise and Smitty, are an inspiration. In reading the book I could hear each of their voices in the pages written. It felt as if they were sitting beside me telling the story in person. The testament of their faith, grit, and perseverance through some of the most difficult times I can imagine has always pointed directly to God. I am so glad that many more people will have the chance to lean on their faith.

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