Vietnam War POW Robert Stirm, Iconic Photo Subject, Dies at 92

Former U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Robert Stirm passed away on November 11, 2023, at the age of 92 in an assisted living facility in Fairfield, California. Stirm is best remembered for his role in the iconic photograph “Burst of Joy,” which captured a heartfelt reunion with his family after spending nearly six years as a prisoner of war (POW) in North Vietnam.

The photograph, taken by Associated Press photographer Sal Veder at Travis Air Force Base on March 17, 1973, depicts a jubilant family rushing toward Stirm, with his eldest daughter, Lorrie Stirm Kitching, leaping into the air with outstretched arms. The image won a Pulitzer Prize and has served as a lasting symbol of the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, evoking deep emotions and memories for those who witnessed the reunion.

Kitching, now 68, reflected on that moment, stating, “The feelings of that and the intensity of the feeling will never leave me. It was just truly a very moving reunion for our family.” She shared that the photograph remains prominently displayed in her home, emphasizing her gratitude that her father was one of the lucky POWs to return.

Stirm served with the 333rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand during the war. On October 27, 1967, while on a bombing mission over North Vietnam, his F-105 Thunderbird was shot down. He was wounded three times while parachuting and captured upon landing. Stirm spent a total of 1,966 days in captivity across five different POW camps, including the notorious “Hanoi Hilton,” known for its brutal treatment of American pilots.

During his captivity, Stirm developed a bond with fellow POW John McCain. The two communicated through a tapping code while in solitary confinement. Kitching recounted a moment when McCain shared a joke, which elicited Stirm’s first laugh in captivity. “I just wish I knew what that joke was,” Kitching said, acknowledging the camaraderie that helped sustain her father during his harrowing experience.

The emotional reunion captured in “Burst of Joy” came with complexities. Upon his release, Stirm received a “Dear John” letter from his wife, Loretta, delivered by a chaplain. In part, the letter read, “Bob, I feel sure that in your heart you know we can’t make it together.” This letter marked a significant turning point in their relationship, leading to their divorce a year later, although both would remarry soon after.

Stirm later expressed mixed feelings about the notoriety the photograph brought him, noting that it also highlighted the challenging personal circumstances he faced. “It was kind of unwelcomed,” he remarked, reflecting on the attention his story garnered alongside the legal struggles stemming from his divorce.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1977, Stirm joined his family’s business, Ferry Steel Products, in San Francisco. He also worked as a corporate pilot, putting his flying skills to use in civilian life.

Loretta Adams, Stirm’s first wife, passed away from cancer in 2010 at the age of 74. Kitching noted the complexity of their relationship, acknowledging her mother’s desire to make the marriage work while also recognizing the difficulties they faced after Stirm’s return.

The legacy of Robert Stirm continues through the powerful imagery of his reunion and the stories that emerged from his experiences as a POW. His life serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War and the resilience of those who endured its challenges.