A POW's Soundtrack

“This music and my path in life are from an era of our nations's greatest economic depression—1930-1941. While I was in high school, jitterbug dancing and soft country music were most prevalent and toned down the sadness caused by the economic conditions. These conditions led me to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Corps. I was sent immediately to the Philippine Islands. The shortage of weapons resulted in my becoming interned in Japan as a prisoner of war for three years and four months, under the most undesirable conditions. Upon my return home, the same music I listened to before I left for war helped me rehabilitate my life.” —Ed Jackfert, U.S. Army Veteran