Boding tried to lift his fellow POWs' spirits, creating compositions that were accessible, not too deep or obscure.
About three years after her husband was reported missing in action, Myrna Boding took their daughter to visit Santa Claus at a department store.
The conditions in which Boding was held became less harsh as the war continued, and be was eventually moved into facilities where be had more contact with other prisoners, including John McCain, in 1970.
After they spoke, Boding, still in his bathrobe, sneaked out of the hospital to buy a tape recorder.
With his wife's blessing, Boding resumed his career as a fighter pilot, earning the nickname, "Viking." He continued rising through the ranks, serving in command positions at the Pentagon, in Germany, Belgium and as a White House fellow.
In 2002 Boding and his wife visited Vietnam with a White House delegation.
Since his release, Boding has worked to put his wartime experience behind him, but not to forget.