Pitchford v. United States

In this case, before us on cross-motions for summary judgment, the plaintiff, a former prisoner-of-war in North Vietnam, seeks to recover the portions of his pay and allowances that the Air Force paid during his captivity to his then-wife. We hold for the defendant arid dismiss the petition.

I

The plaintiff and his ex-wife first were married in 1963. They were divorced in May 1965. In June of that year, the plaintiff designated his mother as the recipient of survivor benefits if he were missing. Plaintiff also gave a power of attorney to his brother. In November 1965, just three days before…