ernest cary brace (august 15, 1931 – december 5, 2014) was the longest-held civilian prisoner of war (pow) during the vietnam war. a decorated marine corps fighter pilot and mustang, brace was court-martialed in 1961 for attempting to fake his own death. he flew as a civilian contract pilot before being captured in laos in 1965 while flying supplies for usaid. he spent almost eight years as a pow and upon his release received a presidential pardon in light of his good conduct.