A Father's Courage.
A Son's Tribute.
This memoir tells the story of SFC George J Matta Sr.’s 802 days in captivity in five POW camps in North Korea. Since his release in 1953, he was determined to write the account of what he and his fellow POWs endured. But like so many young men during the Great Depression, he left school to help his family. With barely a 6th-grade education, George Sr felt he did not have the skills to accomplish his lifelong wish—a memoir.
In the final years of his father’s life, his son, CMSgt. George J. Mata Jr. (ret.), collaborated with his father to chronicle the challenges, suffering, and sacrifices of the POWs. The Korean War is often called “The Forgotten War.” This memoir, the speaking engagements, and exhibits of memorabilia from his father’s service in three wars—WWII, Korea, and Vietnam—are a reflection of George Jr.’s determination that no serviceman or woman should ever be forgotten.
A STORY OF RESILIENCE AND HONOR
This compelling and heartfelt memoir tells the harrowing experience of SFC George J. Matta as a prisoner of war during the Korean War for over 2 years. George’s son, CMSgt George J. Matta Jr. (ret.) collaborated with him to get the book written.
Few of us will ever experience the loss of freedom and control over our lives that you’ll find in these pages. We come and go as we please. We eat the food we choose. We see a doctor when we feel unwell. Could we cope with insect-infested food? Lice? Freezing temperatures without warm coats and gloves? No medical care? Most of all, no end in sight?
These men did. Some gave up and died. Others were brutally murdered. There was no justice. We owe so much to these men. It’s a debt we can never repay, except by reading their stories and never forgetting them.
HOW THE BOOK CAME ABOUT AS TOLD BY THE SON
GEORGE J. MATTA JR.
This book is more than a history
– it is my father’s legacy.
Like most men and women who experience combat, my father never talked about his experiences in three wars. In fact, it wasn’t until much later in my life that I knew he had been a POW during the Korean War. When I called my sister, I would always ask her how our parents were doing. The day came when she said they were fine, but they were starting to show their age. Then she added that it was too bad that Dad never fulfilled his lifetime dream.
I had no idea what she was talking about.
