Prisoner of War Art – Hope Inspired Artwork

Prisoner of war art

John had been a prisoner of war for 3 1/2 years. So, there was hardship and adversity seen on his face during those years. John chose to turn his struggles as a POW into an art form. He created a wartime log of World War II. Creating caricatures of the soldiers captured and the events surrounding his imprisonment.

How John got into his predicament

John Cordwell was only 20 years old at this time. He had taken classes in architecture but never took the test. John had a premonition that he would not return from the war alive. He believed that there is no courage unless you are first scared. As a result, the pain and loneliness from that fear are represented in his deep wrinkles.

After entering the military and being given his assignments, he said he noticed a light above the head of some of the officers sitting in those instructional meetings. Eerily, those persons did not return from their mission. As he looked around during a meeting one day, he did not see a light. It took a few minutes before he realized the light was above his head. Thus, he felt he would not survive his mission. He was sure of his demise.

On November 7, 1941, Black Friday, his plane crashed but he was pulled out by a surviving soldier. It was not known whether he survived or was captured, the sad news was relayed to his family. His family struggled with this news. It was years before the really knew his fate.

The enemy found both he and his comrade. As a result, took them both into custody. Entering the prison camp where he lived those years and the wrinkles represented, he realized he had lost a most precious gift… LIBERTY… FREEDOM.

His prisoner of war art

His prisoner of war art depicts those days. Furthermore, the hope for survival and escape held them all together. Meanwhile, they had to keep their mind occupied. His most famous caricature of that time was Dhobie Day. Mr. Cordwell depicts their plans to escape and the results. With soldiers of many professions and knowledge, they strove every day to accomplish the ultimate… escape. To escape the harsh discipline was first on their minds. Actually, their very means of survival.

In conclusion, On May 7, 1945 the survivors were liberated. His log is a tribute to the people who did not make it home. To Liberty, Freedom, and the will and courage to survive. To sum up, John is a master storyteller. His stories complimented his artwork. His complete log depicts it all. John, no doubt, an everyday hero.

Video Production: Rocko Productions

Review Written By: M. Cardinal

Date Written: Feb 27th, 2020

Your Everyday Hero: John Cordwell – Prisoner of War Art

Prisoner of War FAQsWhat happens to a prisoner of war?

A prisoner of war (short form: POW) is a non-combatant who has been captured by the forces of the enemy, during an armed conflict. In past centuries, prisoners had no rights. They were usually killed or forced to be slaves.

What are the rights of a prisoner of war?

POWs must be treated humanely in all circumstances. They are protected against any act of violence, as well as against intimidation, insults, and public curiosity. IHL also defines minimum conditions of detention covering such issues as accommodation, food, clothing, hygiene, and medical care.

Are there still prisoners of war?

According to the Pentagon’s Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office, there are currently 83,204 unaccounted for U.S. personnel, including 73,547 from World War II, 7,883 from the Korean War, 126 from the Cold War, 1,642 from the Vietnam War, and six from Iraq and other recent conflicts, including three Defense

What was the longest-held prisoner of war?

Floyd James "Jim" Thompson (July 8, 1933 – July 16, 2002) was a United States Army colonel. He was the longest-held American prisoner of war in U.S. history, spending nearly nine years in captivity in the jungle camps and mountains of South Vietnam and Laos, and in North Vietnam during the Vietnam War.