Despite their small numbers, American POWs and MIAs inspired an outpouring of concern that slowly eroded support for the war. Bringing exhaustive archival research to an arena where Americans consistently struggled over the causes and consequences of their nation's defeat in Vietnam - the recovery of lost warrioirs - Michael J. Allen reveals how wartime loss transformed US politics well before, and long after, the war's official end.

Introduction: The politics of loss -- Go public : the construction of loss -- For us the war still goes on : the limits of homecoming -- As it has in the past : a short history of oblivion -- Fullest possible accounting : the persistence of the past -- The wilderness years : life after death -- Highest national priority : resurrection and retribution -- Not to close the door, but to open it : the ambiguity of recovery -- Conclusion: This thing has consumed American politics for years.