Veteran Stories: Prisoner of War George Idlett

One piece of memorabilia on the Freedom Museum’s shelves isn’t like any other.

It’s shiny and fairly new, but still holds heroic and historic meaning in its display case. This unique item is a trophy, one awarded to the best High School NJROTC Color Guard in Prince William County each year in honor of the courage of local Prisoner of War George Idlett.

George served as a Staff Sergeant in the Army Air Force during World War II. He became imprisoned by the Japanese and endured the Bataan Death March—a more than 65 mile march where many prisoners died from hunger, dehydration and exhaustion. George, however, survived. During this time, the Japanese were looking for slave labor and anyone who was relatively healthy fit the bill. While shipping lots of good to the Philippines, POWs were also sent along back to Japan. Though, the U.S. was actively bombing Japanese ships, so there was potential for sinking US comrades. Once he arrived, he worked in a fort loading coal. Today, there are machines like conveyor belts that do the hard work, but the Japanese moved coal by manpower alone.

Despite these incredible challenges, George fulfilled his honor of being an American soldier with perseverance and grit. He returned home after the war as a free soldier. He settled down, started a business, raised a family and lived a long life before his passing in 2008. His long life and bravery are remembered as a local great American story.

Many of the Freedom Museum’s items are donated by local families to tell the story of veterans from Manassas, Manassas Park and Prince William County and their patriotic contribution to preserving our liberty. To see this artifact and much more, visit us at our brand new location.