You were discharged from Shick General Hospital in early November 1945. When you came home for Thanksgiving, you and Jane started dating in earnest?
Yes.

Alf and Jane Larson Engagement Photo -- Photo: Alf Larson Private Collection

Did you propose right after that? (Ben Peterson)
I proposed to Jane a month after the night we went to her parent's house for dinner. (Laughter). I did have a physical problem when I got home. I couldn't run because of the knee injuries from the rocks I received at Clark Field. If I walked too fast, I fell right down.

That's how I caught him! (Jane) (Laughter)

Jane, were you born and raised in Duluth?
Yes (Jane).

After you and Alf met and started dating, did you discuss his wartime experiences?
No. When we met, I had no idea what to expect. I hadn't seen him for a long time. He didn't want to talk about any of it. I didn't ask. I guess I figured if he didn't want to talk, I didn't want to listen. Other than bits here and there, he didn't talk about any of these experiences for years. I am hearing a lot now for the first time. (Jane)

When did you decide to get officially engaged?
A friend of mine was going to get a ring on Christmas. I thought that was terrible. I didn't want to get a ring on that day. You need a special day! I got the engagement ring right before Christmas. Alf gave me a set of luggage for Christmas. (Jane)

1945 was quite a year! You were a prisoner of war. From January 1st you experienced the bombing, being a prisoner of war, the war ending, being repatriated, coming home, medical testing and re-entry into society after almost five years in captivity, discharged from hospitals, and engaged by Christmas! I'll bet in July 1945 you never figured the year was going to end like that!
No, I sure didn't!

When were you discharged from the Army the first time?
I was discharged from the Army Air Force the first time in March 1946 at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.

Alf, how long were you in military service?
Fifteen years total with twelve years of active duty and three years in the Army Reserve.

WRITER'S NOTE: Alf Larson's World War II service in the Philippines and subsequent 41 month's in captivity as a prisoner of war is truly unique. It is a story so powerful and horrific that he pushed it aside in his brain for 55 years. Now, at age 81, he has shared it to all who are interested. It wasn't an easy task. I can only begin to imagine the difficulty of reliving this all over again. And, interestingly, Alf does not feel animosity or bitterness towards his former captors. He recognizes that the Japanese military was abusive within their own ranks, based on their own codes. This "code" filtered down to the American and Filipino prisoners. They were viewed by their captors with utter contempt, not only for being the "enemy," but also for surrendering rather than fight to the death. The result was complete inhumanity by one group of people to another. In spite of it all, Alf was determined to survive by maintaining a strong faith in God, living day-by-day, and never surrendering his mind or spirit. He once said, "This experience taught me one thing about people" "In times of extreme adversity, most people are very caring and willing to help others in any way they are able." The determination of the human spirit prevailed, resulting in sacrifice, heroism and bravery. Alf Larson and his comrades are truly charter members of "The Greatest Generation."

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