103-year-old South Jersey WWII veteran recalls becoming prisoner of war
GIBBSTOWN, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Memories of becoming a prisoner of war during WWII are fresh in Joseph Cucinotta's mind on his 103rd birthday.
Cucinotta was born on February 8, 1923, in Gibbstown, New Jersey. He still calls that town home today.
Yet, he found himself far from home after being drafted in the Army in 1943.
Cucinotta ventured from Africa to Italy before being captured as a prisoner of war by German forces. He recalls being held as a POW for 15 months.
He also recalls escaping with a couple of friends, only to be found and recaptured.
Cucinotta says he was freed one day prior to the official German surrender, which is celebrated on May 8th as 'Victory in Europe Day.'
Upon returning home, Cucinotta started a family with his late wife of 64 years, Emily. He is known as a jack of all trades, having built his own home and several others.
Watch the video above to hear more of Cucinotta's story. His archive can also be found on the Library of Congress website.
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