"Sgt. Spatafora's photo captures the emotional family reunion during Operation Homecoming on April 5, 1973, at Camp Pendleton, California. CWO William E. Thomas, who had been missing in action since May 19, 1972, was finally released by Viet Cong guerrillas on March 27, 1973. After his hospitalization, he would be given a 90-day convalescent leave before reporting for duty. Thomas, originally from Kailua, Hawaii, had enlisted on December 19, 1953."

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Size: 3332px × 2095px
Photo credit: © piemags/NBV / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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