8/27/25
In the 1970s, I was in middle school in Everett, Washington. Many of us, bought these prisoner of war bracelets in honor of the brave men who were missing. I think it cost seven dollars at that time. I wore it nearly daily for several years. I always hoped someday I would learn he’d come home. As I am retiring now I’m going through my jewelry, and I came across it again after all these years. Now, however, I was able to actually look up his name!! 

I’m so very glad he came home and proceeded to live a very full and productive life with many awards and people who loved him. Thank you, Barbara Holland

I believe I taught Pamela in Elementary school and remeber wearing her dad’s bracelet . I too still have it and think of you and your family often…especially today as I am reading a book about the Vietnam war era.  Continued blessings to you and your family. 
Colleen Flynn
Glen Oaks Elem teacher.  4th grade.
If Pam reads this I would love to know that she saw my post.

To Colonel Larson’s family,

I, like others who wrote on this wall, wore Colonel Larson’s POW bracelet.  It’s been 54 years and I still wear it on occasion, proudly donned I might add.  My daughter has taken it to show and tell in kindergarten (years ago) and passed along the sacrifices of veterans such as Colonel Larson to a new generation so they are never forgotten.  As much as I cherish it, I am happy to pass it along to your family!  

Thank you for your service and sacrifice Colonel!

Djzielinski1958@gmail.com  please contact me if I may send this.

Hello!  I also wore Col. Larson’s POW bracelet during high school. I’ve recently come across it again and I will send it along to Mike, as requested 
I’m honored to have worn it!!

I ran across Col Larson’s obituary. Even though it has been 2 1/2 years, I would like to share something with his family.  I had  a POW/MIA bracelet with his name on it which I wore for several years as a teen. Until I ran across his obituary, I never knew that he survived being a POW. He had been in my prayers for several years, and I am so thankful that he survived and had many years to spend with his family.

I wore his POW bracelet for years, since 1970! I finally called him about 2004 and actually spoke with him (through many tears). I wanted to tell him how I prayed for him and thought of him often. I still wear that bracelet sometimes. He was a classy man, somehow I just knew. It was so special to actually talk to him. I just wanted to say goodbye and thank you for your service one more time Gordon. Blessings to your family and friends. Love, Kelly Darling, Ann Arbor, Michigan. xoxoxoxoxo

Lt. Col Larson gave me a copy of his manuscript.  I was/am honored to read it. 
I am wondering if the family would like it back. I can be contacted at lauradiane.stratton5@gmail.com. 
Thank you. It was an honor to know him and Mrs. Larson.
Sincerely,  Laura Stratton

I always wore Gordon’s bracelet during and after the war. I always wanted to know about his family. I hope we can connect

I was living in Miami, Florida going to Bauder Fashion College 1972-73.  I offered to wear a silver bracelet for POW’s!  I wore Gordon Larson, May 5, 1967. I was in 9th grade when I got it.  I wore it proudly!  I’m a daughter of an Air Force veteran, born 1929-October. 2021.  I’d love to meet his family!  My maiden name was Lawson, which was close to Larson, so I chose his bracelet!! My address is 5166 Etna Rd, Whitehall OH 43213 614-5820142.

Hello Larson family - I am saddened to hear of the passing of Colonel Larson.  This is David Johnson, son of Major Donald “Don” Johnson.  Colonel Larson and my father conducted business together.   I was close to Colonel Larson and went on many hunting trips with him.  Also, had many dinners with him at my parents home at Canyon Lake.  He was a great man and a hero.  He taught me many things and shared with me some of his experiences as a POW.  He never complained about his experiences at the Hanoi Hilton.  He was modest and humble.  I loved him so much and looked up to him.  He was so close to my Mom and Dad.  I went with him to see his oil drilling operation and also went to watch him race horses.  He changed my life and taught me about sacrifice, honor, hard work, and doing ones duty.   I am sorry I just learned of his passing.  The last time I saw Colonel Larson was at my Dads funeral.   I wish I could have attended his services.   Please accept my deepest condolences.  I can be reached at 2108603250 and would love to hear from any of you.  God Bless you!

August 16,  2021  To the  Family of Col. A. Larson:  I was so sorry to learn of Swede’s recent  passing.  I wore the “POW Bracelet” for a year, in his honor, & with the hope of his  “release & return” to the U.S., which he did in 1973.   Watching him get off the plane & give a  speech live on television with my mom,  was an incredibly “emotional & rewarding”  experience back then.  It was 12:00 a.m. when we saw him get off the plane that night.   I shared with Swede a few years ago on his website, & heard back from him. He thanked  me for remembering him, & for wearing the “POW bracelet”. He also shared that it was people like me, that made it all worthwhile as a POW in North Viet Nam.   Swede was very brave  He showed much courage under great duress and survived.   It was nice to know that he was still around.  around.   Once again, please accept my sympathy for the loss of  a “Great American Hero”. Just to  add, my brother also served in Viet Nam in 1969. He too survived and returned.   Respectfully, Kathleen Tetro West Harrison, New York

My Father - Hiram C. Hanson - was a close dear personal friend of Col. Larson and Mary.  He cherished that relationship throughout his life.  He, like many, wore Col. Larson's POW bracelet and if memory serves me correctly, presented it to Swede upon his return home.  He built and crafted Col. Larson's Medal Box - a picture of which can be found on Col. Larson's website.  I encourage all to visit that site and take the time to read it.   Friends from High School in Winona, MN , now both together again.  Col. Gordon Swede Larson - a genuine and true American Hero!  Hiram Daniel Hanson

I, too, wore Colonel Larson's POW bracelet in high school.  His military career was truly remarkable and his accomplishments after retirement were a testament to his resilience.  I thank Porter Loring for giving me an opportunity to return the POW bracelet to its rightful home - with his family.

As a 7th grader in 1970 it was a “thing” to have a POW bracelet. My bracelet had Colonel Gordon Lawson’s name on it. I was honored to wear it even though I didn’t understand too much about the Vietnam war. My family and I prayed for him everyday. I was so glad to find out when he finally came home. I’m saddened now to learn of his passing but honored to have “known” him. Thank you, Sir, for yours and your family’s service to our great nation. We are truly great full. ~~Jan Cummings Cook

OBITUARY

Colonel Gordon Albert Larson

November 15, 1927 – May 12, 2021

Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough

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