J.D. Salinger served in the U.S. Army’s Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC) in the field in Europe during World War II.

Watch Film Excerpt from Salinger

Salinger could speak both French and German and his work involved interviewing enemy prisoners and civilians. He formed a strong friendship with three other men in the CIC that would last decades. They dubbed themselves “The Four Musketeers.” One of them took the only known photo of Salinger writing The Catcher in the Rye during his army service.

American Masters launches its 28th season with the series’ 200th episode: the exclusive director’s cut of Shane Salerno’s documentary, Salinger, premiering nationally Tuesday, January 21, 9-11:30 p.m. on PBS (check local listings) with 15 minutes of new material not seen in theaters.