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

Former U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Robert Stirm, known for his poignant reunion captured in the iconic photograph “Burst of Joy,” passed away at the age of 92 on Veterans Day. His daughter, Lorrie Stirm Kitching, confirmed that he died at an assisted living facility in Fairfield, California. The photo, taken by Associated Press photographer Sal Veder in 1973, depicts a jubilant family embracing Stirm after his return from nearly six years as a prisoner of war (POW) in North Vietnam.

The image, which shows Stirm’s eldest daughter sprinting toward him with outstretched arms, has become a powerful symbol of the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. It won a Pulitzer Prize and has remained etched in the national consciousness. Kitching, now 68, recalls the moment vividly, 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.”

Born on December 15, 1930, Stirm served with the 333rd Tactical Fighter Squadron in Thailand. On October 27, 1967, during a bombing mission over North Vietnam, his F-105 Thunderbird was shot down. He was injured while parachuting and was captured immediately upon landing. Stirm spent a harrowing 1,966 days in captivity across five different POW camps, including the infamous “Hanoi Hilton,” known for its brutal treatment of prisoners.

During his time in solitary confinement, he forged a connection with fellow POW John McCain, who was also shot down that year. Kitching recounted a moment when McCain communicated a joke through a tapping code, bringing laughter to her father in a time of despair. “I just wish I knew what that joke was,” she said, reflecting on the bond they shared.

Stirm’s experience was marked by profound challenges. Upon his release in 1973, he faced not only the physical and emotional scars of captivity but also the complications of his personal life. He received a “Dear John” letter from his wife, Loretta, delivered by a chaplain. The letter expressed her doubts about their marriage, stating, “Bob, I feel sure that in your heart you know we can’t make it together.” The couple divorced a year later, both remarrying shortly after.

Despite the difficulties in his personal life, Stirm’s legacy endures. His daughter speaks of her gratitude, saying, “Every day, how grateful I am that my father was one of the lucky ones and returned home.” The family continues to treasure the photo that encapsulates their joy and relief.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1977, Stirm joined his family’s business, Ferry Steel Products, in San Francisco, and also worked as a corporate pilot. The impact of his experiences as a POW, along with the recognition from the photograph, brought notoriety that he sometimes found overwhelming. He expressed ambivalence about the attention, acknowledging that it often overshadowed the personal struggles he faced after returning home.

Stirm’s passing marks the end of an era that encapsulated a significant chapter in American history. His story continues to resonate, reflecting the sacrifices made by many during the Vietnam War and the enduring bonds of family that can flourish even in the face of unimaginable adversity.