3-30-26- George Matta INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — George J. Matta Jr., a retired Air Force chief master sergeant, has published a memoir chronicling his father’s 802 days as a prisoner of war during the Korean War. The book, “Prisoner of War – North Korea, 1951-1953,” recounts the experie nce of George J. Matta Sr., who was held in five North Korean prison camps from 1951 to 1953. The memoir’s release comes ahead of National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day on April 9. The account draws on personal letters, historical articles, and preserved family memorabilia documenting Matta Sr.’s survival and eventual release during Operation Little Switch in 1953. Matta Sr. served 28 years in the U.S. Army and fought in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Like many combat veterans, he rarely spoke about his wartime experiences. Matta Jr., born after the Korean War, learned the full extent of his father’s captivity later in life after speaking with his sister. Matta Jr. began researching the memoir after learning his father had long hoped to share his story. At the time, Matta Sr. was facing health challenges, including a cancer diagnosis. Matta Jr. compiled letters, articles, and family-kept materials dating back to the 1950s to reconstruct a detailed timeline of his father’s imprisonment. The memoir describes the hardships of captivity, including a firefight and a forced march of more than 120 miles into North Korea. It also includes lighter moments, such as prisoners’ efforts to disrupt a communist May Day celebration. Matta Jr. initially kept the project private before learning his father had already mentioned the collaboration during an interview. Following his release during Operation Little Switch, Matta Sr. received public recognition. A Boston Daily Globe article from May 9, 1953, described him as one of the best-known returned prisoners in New England, noting that fellow soldiers credited him with helping maintain morale in the camps. Matta Sr. also received letters of commendation from Gen. Mark Clark and several U.S. senators. Among his personal effects were three letters from John F. Kennedy, written before his presidency, thanking him for his service. Terry Sanderson, a representative of Rolling Thunder Inc., Indiana Chapter #1, has supported efforts to preserve POW histories through exhibits and speaking engagements. Sanderson emphasized honoring all prisoners of war and their service. Matta Jr. has launched a website, georgejmatta.com, to share additional photos and information. He is currently working on a second book focusing on the families of prisoners of war and those missing in action.For more information or to purchase the book, visit georgejmatta.com. ...read more read less