George Fryett served with the Military Assistance and Advisory Group (MAAG) in the Republic of Vietnam starting in July 1961. He taught English in his off-duty hours and was on his way to visit one of his students when he was ambushed by Viet Cong guerrillas and was taken as a Prisoner of War on December 24, 1961. He was held in captivity until released by the Viet Cong on June 24, 1962. He was the first American taken as a Prisoner of War during the Vietnam War.