Eugene Evers
Bio
Eugene “Gene” Evers was born in Forest Grove, Oregon on July 10, 1931. After completing high school, he attended college for one term while working on his father’s farm. In January 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and graduated from camera repairman school. He volunteered for duty in Korea and served as a camera inspector at Yokota Air Base in Japan. During a reconnaissance mission over North Korea, a Russian MiG shot down the RB-29 he was on. He was wounded in the aerial battle and captured, spending 14 months as a prisoner of war (POW). After the armistice, he was released in a prisoner exchange. For his service, he received the Air Medal and the Purple Heart. Following the war, he returned to his Oregon farm, where he raised eight children.
Video Clips
Shot Down in a RB-29 Over North Korea
Eugene "Gene" Evers vividly remembers the moment his plane was shot down while on a reconnaissance mission over North Korea. Suddenly attacked by a Russian MiG, the RB-29 was brought crashing to the ground. Caught off guard during the air battle and with limited knowledge of how to respond, he recalls struggling to react effectively.
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Captured by The Chinese
Eugene "Gene" Evers recalls being captured by Chinese soldiers after his plane was shot down over northern Korea. As he lay on the ground, the soldiers approached and began searching him. Just as they started, a U.S. aircraft flew overhead, providing a brief moment of hope before he was taken prisoner.
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Living Conditions as a POW
Eugene "Gene" Evers recounts the harsh living conditions he experienced as a prisoner of war in North Korea. For the first seven months, he had inadequate shelter and often had to stay outside in various weather conditions. He describes the brutal treatment he received from the guards, including complete isolation from other American POWs.
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You Are Going to Die
Eugene "Gene" Evers recalls a time when Chinese soldiers questioned him, convinced that he was a spy. One of his captors even assured him that he was receiving "kind treatment." However, a fellow soldier intervened, claiming that Evers was an "ABC agent" in an effort to save his life. He describes the overwhelming fear and disbelief he experienced upon being told that he was going to die.
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Details of Living Conditions as a POW
Eugene "Gene" Evers recounts the harsh conditions he endured as a prisoner of war in a Chinese POW camp from July 1952 to January 1953. He faced freezing nights and lacked basic comforts during this time. On Christmas, he received his only meal of meat over the course of his 14 months of captivity. He reflects on how the extreme cold and limited food made his struggle for survival even more challenging.
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28 Hours to Mukden
Eugene "Gene" Evers remembers being informed about his transfer to a new location and receiving some of his belongings. He describes the exhausting 28-hour journey to a POW camp in Mukden, China, which included crossing the Yalu River. He emphasizes that his new "home" was a prison built by the Japanese during World War II.
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Living Conditions in Mukden Prison
Eugene "Gene" Evers describes the harsh living conditions he faced during his seven months as a prisoner of war at Mukden Prison in Manchuria. He recalls the constant isolation, insufficient food, and daily deprivation he endured. He remembers a particularly cruel guard whose actions made his imprisonment even more unbearable.
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Sentenced to Death by Hard Labor
Eugene "Gene" Evers recalls his trial at Mukden Prison, where he was sentenced to death by hard labor in the mines. After enduring 14 brutal months as a prisoner of war, he was finally released. He reflects on the immense hardships he faced and the overwhelming relief he felt upon regaining his freedom.
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