CIA Model of "Hanoi Hilton"

The CIA sometimes produced models for prisoner of war rescue missions. These miniatures helped operational planners to understand the target, in this case, the Hoa Lo prison camp. Built by the French in the 1880s to house political prisoners, the Americans held there during the Vietnam War—including Lieutenant Commander (later Senator) John McCain—called it the “Hanoi Hilton.” Despite attempts, no American POW successfully escaped or was rescued from a North Vietnam prison.