World War II - Prisoners of War - Stalag Luft I 

A collection of stories, photos, art and information on Stalag Luft I

Guestbook Entries - 4th Quarter - 2002
 10/01/02 thru 12/31/02

Visit our site www.merkki.com

Name: Lawton Bomer
Hometown: Palestine, Tex.
POW Camp: stalag 7a and 4b
Name of POW: Lawton Bomer
Postal Street Address: 104 Lorraine pl.
City, State, Zip: Palestine. tx.75801
Sent: 12.10 PM - 12/31 2002

I was captured june 12 1944 was with co.a 23rd.inf.in france was put in boxcars with 39 others finnaly was put out after 23 days in the boxcars at stalag 4b then moved to 7a where i spent most of my time on work details was liberated in may ibelieve.was discharged Feb.1 1946 Happy New year Lawton Bomer

Name: Dave
Hometown: Friendswood, TX
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: Harlan B. Bixby
Sent: 11.01 PM - 12/30 2002

The story of the Picadilly Commando, is very familiar to me, my uncle Harlan Bixby was the copilot. He came out and spent Xmas with me in 1999. While here I put him on video for about 3 1/2hrs. I just let him talk about his experiences. Between the time he was shot down and the time I was born, my grandparents had received a message from the Dept. of the Army, stating that he was missing in action. I was born on 30 Nov 1944. My mother gave me a middle name of Harlan, in his memory. Of course they found out later he had survived. He is and has been, my own personal hero. He has been a gift to everyone who knows him. He is eighty one yrs old on Dec 28th 02
My daughter is presently in the U.S.Army she makes the 5th generation who have served our country Hoooyah!!
Uncle Harlan's, uncle Bennet, died at Ft Benning Georgia in 1918 of the flu that ravaged the us. Harlan's great grandfather Augustus Bixby, fought in the deciding battle of the civil war, the battle of Nashville.
In the revolutionary war, at the battle of Lexington and Concord, there were 9 Bixby's in attendance. That was the night Paul Revere did his ride. And of course we all know of the Bixby brothers lost in the civil war.
To say we are a proud family is an understatement, we are honored to have served our country.

Name: Torin Douglas
Hometown: London, UK
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: Ken Winstanley
Postal Street Address: 125 Gressel Lane
City, State, Zip: Birmingham 33 9UD, England, UK
Sent: 11.52 AM - 12/30 2002

My father-in-law Ken Winstanley was a POW in Stalag Luft 1 from January 1945 until the camp was liberated in May, and would like to hear from anyone who might have known him at that time. He thinks this site is marvellous and is only sorry he's lost his sight and cannot read the entries and see the pictures himself. He was particularly interested in the story of the "secret radio" which he remembers well - he thinks that at one time it used to be hidden in a bucket of dirty water (wrapped up in waterproof cloth) to hide it from the Germans. Does anyone else recall that?
Ken was a rear gunner in the RAF, flying in Lancaster bombers - 550 Squadron, Number 1 Group, based at North Killingholme in Lincolnshire. He was a sergeant (RAF no 634829) and is listed on the RAF POW Association rollcall webpage. He was shot down on January 5th 1945 and was saved by his parachute, and has his Caterpillar Club membership certificate to prove it. He was the only member of his crew to survive. He never knew what happened to the others until yesterday when we started looking on the Internet and found them listed on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission site - they are buried in Hanover cemetery.
He was evacuated by the Americans on a B-17 Flying Fortress and brought back to Ford airfield near Eastbourne in the UK.
Thank you very much for all the effort and inspiration that has gone into creating this website.

Name: Herbert A. Rainbird
POW Camp: Stalagluft #1
Name of POW: Herbert A. Rainbird
Postal Street Address: 15900 Lexington Blvd. #2123
City, State, Zip: Sugar Land, Tx. 77479
Sent: 11.48 AM - 12/30 2002

I was in the first 57 Officers at Stalagluft @ 1 in October 1943. I worked in the kitchen of the South compound until may 1945. Does nany one know of "Skinny" Fryer who was first X in That Bunch? I would like to from anyone in vicinity of southwest Houston.

Name: Susan Wessel
Hometown: Florence
POW Camp: stalag 17
Name of POW: James Danald White
Postal Street Address: 913 Sherrod Ave
City, State, Zip: Florence, AL 35630
Sent: 11.17 AM - 12/30 2002

Thank you for this site. My brother Jimmy was a member of the Caterpiller Club. My granddauther helped me find this site. i just wanted to say thank you for all the information. He was sht daown over the North Sea. I found his card in all of his letters. Thank you again

Name: Nancy J Robidoux
Hometown: Jackson Michigan
POW Camp: Stalag I
Name of POW: Jack Van Butterfield
Postal Street Address: 2113 Ridgeway Road
City, State, Zip: Jackson MI 49203
Sent: 6.08 PM - 12/29 2002

Thrilled to see your site. After the death of my Mother, we have had the opportunity to find all kinds of records from my fathers WW II experiences, including some information on his time in the prison camp. His experiences were something he was reluctant to share with his children. If anyone remembers him, would would really like to hear from them. Thanks for being the conduit.

Name: Donald Minnich
Sent: 7.28 AM - 12/29 2002

I am an English tutor for English Language, English as a Second Language, communication, and writing skills. I found this site for information for one of my students. It is the best I've found in my research and thank you. I lived in this period of Luft 1 and speak German, so my students need to know the vision they get from enemy prison camps is not a sit-com but real and the inhuman contact by the enemy on prisoners. This site is important to history, and thanks again.

Name: Kelly Pole
Hometown: Leicester UK
POW Camp: Stalag 20b Marienburg
Name of POW: Harry Garner
Postal Street Address: 10 east Road, Birstall
City, State, Zip: le4 4aj
Sent: 8.19 PM - 12/28 2002

I'm looking for anyone who remembers Harry Garner captured in Norway on the 27th April 1940 escaping with Steve Elliott and Harry Anson in March 1945. Harry is still with us but is desparte to know what happened to his old commrades so if anyone knows of thems or relatives please let us know!

Name: GARY HUMPHREY
City, State, Zip: VISALIA CA 93277
Sent: 12.40 AM - 12/28 2002

Name: Carmella Germano
POW Camp: Stalag Luft I, North II Compound, Block 4, Room 12
Name of POW: Ernest Germano
Postal Street Address: 3814 East "K" Street
City, State, Zip: Tacoma, WA 98404
Sent: 1.55 PM - 12/27 2002

Ernest Germano died December 25th 2002.

Thank you for posting the picture of "10 of the 18 Kriegies of Stalag Luft I, North II Compound, Block 4, Room 12". Before this picture, I had never seen any pictures of my dad from WW2.

God Bless

Name: Trudy Talbott
Hometown: Canyon Country, CA
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: Harold F. Korger
Postal Street Address: PO BOX 1155
City, State, Zip: Canyon Country CA. 91386
Sent: 12.16 AM - 12/27 2002

My Late Maternal Uncle, HAROLD F. KORGER, was a navigator and was in both Ploesti Raids. He was a hero of some note after that and was offered the chance to tour with "Killer Kane" and the rest of them after the 2nd raid, but he had only one more mission to fly on so he stayed for that. He was shot down over Italy, broke a leg, was betrayed by a farmer for years afterwards he wanted to KILL that 'S.O.B'). He ended up in Stalag Luft 1. Fortunately for him, no one knew who he really was or he'd have been executed for sure! He had been a music teacher as a civilian and quickly formed a choir and later a band, with music and instruments donated by the German Soldiers who really loved good music, no matter WHO was playing it. The noise of it also served to cover up other noises, such as the digging that was taking place to try to get out of there!
Uncle "Harry's" stories of eating rats and of weighing only 98 lbs at his release gave my brother and I nightmares as you might imagine!
He died 7 years ago from a rare from of Leukemia. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Bernice, and three children, Kathy, Margret and James, and 4 grandchildren, Michael, Tawren and Sean(all from Kathy)and Alexandra(from Margret)who is a talented musician and composer in her own right!
Aunt Bernice lives in Medford Ore, and if anyone knew Harry Korger during his days there, she would like to hear from them via an email to me.
God bless our brave men and women everywhere!

Name: maxie chumley
Sent: 10.05 PM - 12/26 2002

My great Uncle Peat Chumley was a prisoner of war .He went in at D-day and was captured at battle of budge after being cut off from rest of troops.He was a Sargent of a sniper squad. He died this year and was burried in Grennwood South Carolina.He had three childern,two girls and a boy.He was in his 40,s when the war started,he was home on leave when pearl harbor was attacked.He was in the army and was stationed at pearl harbor.He is the best rifle man that i have ever seen.I,m a good shot and hunter but I have never seen anyone that was a better shot than he was.He did kill many enemy but he didn,t talk about it much.he showed me a SS uniform that he had and said that the german wouldn't be needing it any more.

Name: Anne Wordsworth
Hometown: Melton Mowbray
POW Camp: slalag XXA
Name of POW: Edward George Morgan
Postal Street Address: 10 New Street ,Asfordby Leics LE14 3SG
Sent: 1.18 PM - 12/26 2002

I am seeking information about Stalag xxa. My father was a pow for five years and was on the march from Poland.Mum is 82 years old now and I wish to know more about Dad's time as a pow.He died in 1980 and never talked much about this terrible time in his life.

Name: Craig Wall
Hometown: Newton Abbot - Devon
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1- West Camp, Bks 10 rm 4
Name of POW: Eddie Warmington - KGF 4712
Sent: 3.47 PM - 12/25 2002

This site's historical records are unbelievable and revealed to me in December 2002, have made a moving and emotional memory of my enforced stay at Stalag Luft 1 from 25 July 1944 to 14 May 1945, for which I am most grateful! If you would like to contact me please reply to my friend Craig Wall.

Name: Rodney Robbins
Hometown: crawfordsville,IN
POW Camp: Stalag Luft VI
Name of POW: Ralph Wildman
Sent: 9.37 AM - 12/25 2002

I am searching for any information on my grandpa. He was shot down in Berlin and landed in the North Sea while flying on April 28, 1944 and was captured by the Germans. He was liberated April 26, 1945.

Name: Kenny Warner Jr.
Hometown: Science Hill,Ky
POW Camp: IVB
Name of POW: James M Warner
Postal Street Address: P.O Box 396
City, State, Zip: Science Hill ,Ky 42553
Sent: 7.51 PM - 12/24 2002

My grandfather was in company F 34th infantry ..rifleman 745.and A POW Stagal IVB..his name was James M Warner...I would like to know any information or ways to get info .My grandfather died when I was 12 & my father died when I was 16 ...so little info was passed down to me ...just his tags & A form of honorable discharge. I would also like to hear from anyone who may have known him

Name: joe bonnette
Name of POW: quitman roof
Postal Street Address: 441 george brown rd. pelion sc 29123
City, State, Zip: w. columbia sc
Sent: 6.53 AM - 12/24 2002

he was my uncle-i remember him telling me he ate a lot of garlic and turnips

Name: Mike Osborn
Hometown: Ventura, CA
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: William L. Rucker
Postal Street Address: 4924 Thille St.
City, State, Zip: Ventura, CA 93003
Sent: 10.02 PM - 12/22 2002

Looking for those who may have known my father, William L. (Bill) Rucker, Pilot, B-17.

Name: JIM CAREY
Hometown: AUGUSTA, MAINE
Sent: 6.44 PM - 12/20 2002

Here is a LIST of MEN I Knew as a BOY that Served in EUROPE- During WW!!--Perhaps?? Some ONE! Will Recognize their NAMES who Knew THEM? & Get Back to ME! DON HUNT--a Gunner on a B-17-Norm Hayden I do NOT Know What Norn DID? I used to Work with NORM--Sherman Hallowell a Mechanic on P-47s & a BOB CAREY a P-51 Pilot that was LOST & never Returned!-at the very END of the WAR! BOB had just Shot Down an M-262 & was Engaging Another! & was Never Heard from AGAIN! Any REPLIES Will be APPRICATED! THANKS & GOD BLESS!

Name: JIM CAREY
Hometown: AUGUSTA,MAINE
POW Camp: Unkown
Name of POW: DON HUNT
Postal Street Address: Riverside Drive
City, State, Zip: AUGUSTA,MAINE 04330
Sent: 6.17 PM - 12/20 2002

I was just a Boy of 7 yrs Old-when WW11 Started-- & I had Known Don Hunt & I was a Farm BOY & I Remember DON When My DAD cut our HAY Feild--& DON helped HIM--DON was a GUNNER on a B-17 & was SHOT Down & Taken Prisoner Where? I have NO IDEA? --BUT Heard DON DIED Of DYSENTERY? & Just for the RECORD!--I Am now an Old MAN-68 yrs OLD! & I Still Do NOT UNDERSTAND! HOW MEN Could GO off to WAR!-& Go Through ALL they Went Through! the HORROR! & Come Back HOME--& Become Leaders & Law Makers-& COMPLETELY FORGET-Their Friends & BUDDIES they Left BEHIND? BUT-to WHOM? it May CONCERN?? I Will ALWAYS REMEMBER! & from the Very BOTTOM of My HEART!- as REMEMBERED by a BOY--THANK ALL of YOU! for ABOVE & BEYOND the Call of DUTY!-- that FOUGHT AGAINST ALL ODDS! Along with MY FRIEND--DON HUNT GOD BLESS ! from JIM CAREY & YES! I Still REMEMBER!

Name: J L SEGAL
Hometown: PITTSBURGH
POW Camp: STALAG 7A
Name of POW: GEORGE L. SEGAL (DECEASED)
Sent: 5.23 PM - 12/20 2002

I NEVER GOT TO MEET MY FATHER-IN-LAW. HE DIED BEFORE I MET MY HUSBAND. I HAVE BEEN CURIOUS ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCE AS A POW. THAT IS HOW I FOUND THIS SITE.

Name: Pamela Conner
Hometown: Commerce city
POW Camp: Stalag4B Muhlberg Sachsen 51-13
Name of POW: James G Wellman
Postal Street Address: 7900 Roslyn St
City, State, Zip: commerce city colo 80022
Sent: 7.11 PM - 12/19 2002

I finally found out where my father was held does anyone know him or were they in this camp thank you

Name: lisa butterfield
Hometown: Jackson, Michigan
POW Camp: stalag luft 1-west from luft IV
Name of POW: jack van butterfield
Postal Street Address: 5106 e. bardstone
City, State, Zip: jackson, michigan 49201
Sent: 2.14 PM - 12/19 2002

I am trying to gather information about my husband's Dad for a Christmas present. Jack was in the 527th bomb squadron, and 379th bomb group. He was an aerial gunner. Any info would be a blessing, and greatly appreciated.

Name: David s Case
POW Camp: luft stalag 1
Name of POW: Capt Richard "dick" case
Sent: 9.06 PM - 12/18 2002

My uncle Richard "dick" Case was shot down over Germany in January 1944 and spent the rest of the war in luft stalag 1 . There Is actual combat film footage of his B17 getting shot down that was used in a movie that was made during the war and starred Errol Flynn but the name of it slips my mind right know but it is for sale @ any blockbuster store in the U.S also he told me some of what went on in the camp if anyone is interested Thanks

Name: Walker
Hometown: Worcester, MA
POW Camp: Stalag 17B
Name of POW: Peter C Motiaytis
Sent: 1.52 PM - 12/18 2002

My Dad was in 546 Bomb Squadron, 384 bomb group. He was a gunnar on a B-17 that was shot down over Schweinfort Germany October 14, 1943. He was then a POW in Krems Austria. I would like to hear from anyone who would like to share some information. His plane's name was SADSACK. I think there were only 2 or three survivors.

Name: Jim shaughnessy
Hometown: Tacoma,Wa
Sent: 1.45 PM - 12/18 2002

appreciate your efforts, enjoy visit from time to time!
our moms are friends [Dolly Fletcher from americus] our fathers will not be forgotten
thanks, Jim

Name: Max Castner
Hometown: Princeton, IL
POW Camp: Stalag I
Name of POW: Max Castner
Postal Street Address: 620 Sherwood Glen Dr
City, State, Zip: Princeton, IL 61356
Sent: 1.37 PM - 12/16 2002

This is a wonderful site as I was a POW in this camp. My grandson found the website and as a soon to be history major this is more hands on for him.

Name: Jaclyn Collis
Hometown: Creston B.C.
Postal Street Address: Apt#310-410 Strickland St
City, State, Zip: Whitehorse, Yukon, y1a 2k2
Sent: 7.35 PM - 12/15 2002

Both of my grandparents were in ww2 i am not sure exactly what there place was but i know my grandfather Fredrick Jeffery Collis was in the air force and my Grandmother was a W.A.C Daisy Victoria Trevelyan they both came out of Canada at that time I believe if any info in regards to these (now both deceased) people please let me know i was closer to these people than i ever have been even to my own mother. I miss them greatly and would like to know, thank you.

sincerely Jaclyn Collis

Name: Tina Wayne
POW Camp: Stalag Luft IV
Name of POW: Aaron "Archie" Stein
Sent: 8.28 PM - 12/14 2002

My dad was in Stalag Luft IV and I am looking for a paperback book of the same name. I think it was a 50 year anniversary book about the camp. If anyone has one they would like to sell, please contact me. My father is still alive, but is very demented and is in a VA nursing home in Massachusetts.
Thank you and bless all the people who served.

Tina Wayne

Name: Jenny Allaston
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: Arthur Henry Lucy Jr. (Tech Sgt)
Sent: 6.42 AM - 12/14 2002

I have just found out from this site that my dad was in Stalag Luft 1 during the war. All I know is he was the radio operator in a B17. He died in 1975 and would never tell us anything about his time as a pow. Any information was kept at my grandmother's house, I never knew her, and when she died her second husband threw all my dad's things away including his medals that my mother did not have (she was his second wife). If anybody has any information whatsoever about my dad I would love to know it.

Name: William Lexner
Name of POW: Joseph Merrigan
Sent: 5.43 AM - 12/14 2002

My grandfather was a P.O.W. in Germany, but will never speak on it. I thank you for this site, it reenforces what I had believed.

As a U.S. Marine myself, I understand about sacrifice for for your beliefs, but I will never be asked to sacrifice as much as these men. I am humbled.

Name: Diana (Mickey) Hawkins
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
POW Camp: Lucky Strike Camp
Name of POW: Gerald B. MIckey
Postal Street Address: 944 Rim Rock Circle
City, State, Zip: Show Low, AZ 85901
Sent: 5.19 PM - 12/13 2002

POW, Gerald B. Mickey, shot down in France on first or second mission. Believe they crash landed on May 24, 1944. Daughter trying to find out if anyone remembers her father (Gerald) and knows details of situation. Navigator was killed in the crash. believe the bombardier wrote to my father's parents and told them how gerald had helped him get out of plane. any more information would be appreciate by a daughter who was not told much for whatever reason. thanks. . . .

Name: Jay Gaudig
Hometown: Rapid City S.D. (Ellsworth AFB)
Postal Street Address: 1625 Avenida deL Manzano
City, State, Zip: Camarillo, CA 93010
Sent: 4.04 PM - 12/13 2002

1. Vietnam, our ship picked up 13 aircrew in the Gulf of Tonkin. After college my career began to focus on aircraft self defense and electronics countermeasures. Gulf War and present on going actions since then show our work has been highly successful. Zip Nada aircrew in POW camps.

2. Thank you for preserving our freedom so I could enjoy it and pass it on. Jay age 59. Civil service retired. Raytheon Systems Engineering, Goleta CA

Name: Dennis de Wet
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: Jack "Divvie" de Wet
Postal Street Address: 309 Carnation Dr
City, State, Zip: 75002
Sent: 11.29 AM - 12/13 2002

Dad was an RAF pilot (237 Squadron). He was shot down in Italy on May 26, 1944 while straffing some flak emplacements near Orbetello, Italy. He crash landed in field in front of the barracks of the Herman Goering division, was captured, escaped after a couple of days and was recaptured at the river Arno on August 24 while trying to cross to the Allied lines (400 yards away) after passing within a hundred yards of the German Advanced field headquarters. He sent to Abtione? the Gestapo prison North of Pistoia and was interrogated by them for several days. They suspected that he was a spy parachuted in to work with the partisans because he was captured in Civilian clothes. He was sent to Germany and arrived at Barth around September 10, 1944. His stay in Stalag Luft 1 sounds much the same as that of the other prisoners.

Name: Marjorie C. Sievers
Hometown: Duluth, MN
POW Camp: Luft 1
Name of POW: Thomas J. Shefchik
City, State, Zip: Duluth, MN
Sent: 5.04 PM - 12/12 2002

Thomas J. Shefchik was my brother-in-law (and POW who snuck into the latrine and played taps on his bugle the night Roosevelt died) and recently passed (July 5). I am a veteran of WWII and appreciate your wonderful site.

Name: Peter Hynes
Hometown: Chicago
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 3
Name of POW: Wylton Todd, FT/LT RAF
Sent: 2.52 AM - 12/12 2002

Wylton Todd, my grandfather, was sent to Stalag Luft 3 just before the great escape. He was a prominent architect. So when the 50 POW officers were executed, he designed the memorial, which is in Zagan, Poland. He was with the 169 RAF Squadron

Name: Arthur 'Digger' Arculus
Hometown: Howick Auckland
Postal Street Address: 2/27 Channing Cres, Howick
City, State, Zip: Auckland. New Zealand
Sent: 4.37 PM - 12/11 2002

Greetings,
I am trying to trace the name of a POW who was shot down over the Bay of Biscay by a German 'blockade runner', the 'Weserland' sailing to the Far East, two survivors were picked up, one badly burnt and one who had his leg amputated by the ships Doctor. They could have been shot down anytime from the date of sailing, 19 September 1942 to say, the end of the month. The pow's were disembarked at Batavia, Java. The aircraft waws NOT a Sunderland as no losses tie up at all during that time.
Sorry there is very little to go on and I have been trying for a very long time starting with so very little information. Do you know any other avenues to chase up Far east POW's? the chap I am after survived the war.
Thanks,
Arthur Arculus WW2 Aircraft and Aircrew Research.
(Former Royal Corps of Signals - 4th Air Formation Signals Regt)

Name: Kevin Willmott
Sent: 10.35 AM - 12/11 2002

I am trying to find information about my uncle.
His name was Reginald William Willmott and he flew in Lancasters in 7 Sqdn based at Oakington Cambridgeshire.
He was killed on the 29th January 1944 on a mission on Berlin.
My understanding is that two of his crew mates survived and were probably taken prisoners.
My father and grandfather were visited after the war by my uncles crew mates. My father thinks that one of them may have been Canadian.
I would be pleased to hear from anybody who may have any information.

Name: Ernest Young
Hometown: Floresville
Name of POW: John Carey "Red" Morgan
Postal Street Address: 603 Elm
City, State, Zip: Floresville, TX 78114
Sent: 2.22 AM - 12/11 2002

I am working on the genealogy of the Young and Morgan families. John Carey "Red" Morgan was a descendant of Samuel Bynum Morgan and Diana Landrum Young. I would like to connect with any descendants or ancestors of John C. Morgan.

Name: Milton E. Zack
POW Camp: Kurile IslandS & Hokkaido, Japan
Name of POW: Milton E. Zack
Postal Street Address: 432 A Avenida Sevilla
City, State, Zip: Laguna Woods, CA 92653
Sent: 10.35 PM - 12/10 2002

If interested log on to 11thairforce.com . My years in the Air Corps, now the Air Force.

Name: Nancy Galvin
Hometown: Ohio
POW Camp: Unknown Stalag
Name of POW: Harry Quigley
Sent: 7.53 PM - 12/10 2002

Looking for information on prisoners taken at Kasserine Pass that were in stalags during the war. My uncle was MIA and presumed dead for the duration after Kasserine, but was eventually found by a catholic charity. I have no other information. Can anyone help?

Name: Gina
Hometown: PD
POW Camp: Moosburg, Stalag 7
Name of POW: Anthony Dodaro
Sent: 12.18 AM - 12/10 2002

Hello- I have been trying to find any information about my grandpa, Anthony Dodaro, if you can help please contact us at nespoli05@msn.com. Thank you
Gina and family

Name: Burt Landtroop
POW Camp: STALAG 1
Name of POW: Dorman W. Landtroop
Postal Street Address: 1816 E. Mountain Sky Ave.
City, State, Zip: Phoenix, Az 85048
Sent: 7.03 PM - 12/9 2002

My father, Lt. Landtroop, was captured bombing a bridge at Cassino, Itlay, Dec. 16, 1943. He spent the remainder of the war in Stalag 1. He stayed in the Air Force till 1962, then retired as Lt. Col. He then worked for the NTSB - Aviaton Safety in Wash. DC till he retired in 1978. He passed away in Jan 1986 in Peoria, AZ. Anyone who knew him I would be pleased to know.

Name: Bill Shinneman
Hometown: Longview, TX
Sent: 11.19 AM - 12/9 2002

I am an oral historian for the Commemorative Air Force and their American Airpower Museum at Midland, TX.
What do you folks plan to do with the oral histories you collect? Do you have a permanent archive in your plans?

Name: Charlie Ballman
POW Camp: Stalag V A
Name of POW: Pete Ballman
Postal Street Address: 215 Ridgewood Drive
City, State, Zip: Nicholasville KY 40356
Sent: 11.20 PM - 12/8 2002

My Grandfather Pete Ballman was captured and sent to Stalag V A camp. But since he has been dead for almost 20 years now I have lost his stories. To wish that I knew then what I know now. I would have asked and recorded more stories. All I know is that he and my grandmother were divorced before he went into the service. His DD214 states that he was at Normandy but dont say anything about DDay.
Does anyone know about how to read the info on the form and does anyone know about Stalag V A other than it was located in Ludwigsburg Germany???

Name: Susan Peters
POW Camp: Stalag Luft III
Name of POW: Albert Seibel (RCAF)
Postal Street Address: P.O. Box 606
City, State, Zip: Morrisburg, Ontario K0C 1X0
Sent: 7.57 PM - 12/8 2002

I am collecting data on behalf of my family - my unlce, Albert Seibel, was at Stalag Luft III, (among other camps). Would love to communicate with anyone who may be able to provide further information.

Name: Sterling Tuck
Homepage: http://home.cfl.rr.com/bailout
Hometown: Now Orlando
POW Camp: Stalag I (Barth)
Name of POW: Same
City, State, Zip: Winter Park FL 32792
Sent: 2.00 AM - 12/8 2002

Update of my email address. I am originally from Akron Ohio.

Name: ron buchanan
Hometown: san bernardino
Name of POW: louis guinn
Sent: 10.48 PM - 12/7 2002

i found a red cross prisoner of war bulletin, dated may 1944.my uncle louis was a prisoner of war, but i am unsure where. the bulletin was sent to my grandfather in san bernardino.if anyone is interested in this document please feel free to contact me.

Name: Jerry Campbell
Homepage: http://ev1.net
Hometown: Portland, TX
POW Camp: Stalag 1.
Name of POW: Jerry Campbell
Postal Street Address: 111 Causeway
City, State, Zip: Portland, TX 78374
Sent: 4.59 PM - 12/7 2002

I do not miss it. No nostalgia for this Kriege.

Name: Wally P. Fydenchuk
Hometown: Canada
Sent: 9.57 AM - 12/7 2002

I am researching United States citizens who enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force prior to Pearl Harbor.

Any names/related information would be appreciated.

Name: George P. Wilcha
Hometown: Warwick, NY
POW Camp: Unk Stalag
Name of POW: Irv Rubin, US Army
Sent: 7.13 PM - 12/6 2002

I am trying to find out some information about my uncle, Irv Rubin, US Army, who was a POW in a German Stalag. My Uncle was from Yonkers, NY and passed away in the late 1960's. My Mom had told me her brother had to hide the fact he was Jewish from his captors. I don't have any other info to share. I would appreciate any info from someone who may have known him.

Your site is great. It's an awesome tribute. Thanks for sharing it with everyone.

Name: GWYNFOR WILLIAMS
Hometown: WREXHAM, N. Wales, Gr.Britain
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1,Barth,Germany
Name of POW: Gwyn
Postal Street Address: 6 Renard Road
City, State, Zip: Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Sent: 5.21 PM - 12/6 2002

I was in a barrack 18, with men from various countries. One good friend V. Popovich from Yugoslavia, flying with RAF, died Dec. 24, 2001. Johnny Woods, England, Colin Hughes, from New Zealand,dec. Terry Fynn, South Africa (Zimbabway)dec. Rudy Hoiland, Norway. Jerry Turgeon, Canada.

Name: Linda Roberts
Hometown: East Windsor, CT
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 6 - Stalag Luft 4 - Stalag Luft 3 - Stalag VIIA
Name of POW: Ernest W. Lacross
Sent: 3.58 PM - 12/6 2002

I would appreciate being contacted by anyone who knew my Dad.

Name: William Dean Jones
Hometown: Manchester, Iowa 52057
POW Camp: Dulag-Luft/and Stalag 17B
Name of POW: same
Postal Street Address: same
City, State, Zip: same
Sent: 8.53 PM - 12/5 2002

While held at Dulag Luft--I lost my dog-tags somewhere over or in the mtns near Steyr, Austria. I do not remember how long I was held in solitary. Eventually, after being escourted to an office, I was seated and given a Babe Ruth candy bar and one Cambell Cigarette.I was told they knew who I was and told me my Mothers name was Blanche. A loose leaf binder was opened to a news clipping taken from my hometown paper after my last furlough home, in 1943. I was downed over Austria on April 2, 1944, by an aerial Rocket fired from an ME-109.

Name: Walter B Zirbes III
Postal Street Address: 276 Reade St apt 2
City, State, Zip: Blandburg, PA 16619
Sent: 8.35 PM - 12/4 2002

Not seeking help. Have just finished Richard Freeman's book 'Zemke's Wolfpack' and did search "Hub Zemke" this site came up. Checked it out, interesting. I am a retired Navy Chief, student of military hx ie guerilla warfare, counter-insurgency and much more. Keep up the good work.

Name: Blake Dennison
Hometown: Columbia City, IN
POW Camp: Luft III
Name of POW: My Dad-Brandon A, Dennison
Postal Street Address: 31 S. Stickler Rd.
City, State, Zip: Columbia City, IN 46725
Sent: 8.26 AM - 12/4 2002

This is a wonderful site for finding research on this stuff.

Name: Robert Heare
Hometown: Midlothian, Va
POW Camp: Luft IV
Name of POW: My father - Robert D. Heare
City, State, Zip: Romney W. a.
Sent: 9.07 PM - 12/3 2002

My father, Robert D. Heare, was a prisoner until the end of the war. I would love to hear from anyone who knew him. Dad is still alive and well living in Romney W. Va.
p.s. I made a mistake the first time i did this.

Name: Jill Hobart
Hometown: Sparta, WI
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: Earl A. Jefferson
Postal Street Address: 812 N. Hampshire Ave.
City, State, Zip: Mason City, IA 50401
Sent: 6.04 PM - 12/3 2002

My grandfather (Earl "Brub" Jefferson) died before I was born. We have scrapbooks from when he was a P.O.W. but that's not the same as knowing him. If you knew him please get in touch. The whole Jefferson family is very interested. Thank you!

Name: John H. Burns
Hometown: Manassas, VA
POW Camp: Stalag IV
Name of POW: Merle Hancock
City, State, Zip: Manassas, VA
Sent: 3.32 PM - 12/3 2002

Merle Hancock is my VFW Buddy and he told me about his B-17 missions with the 483rd from over Memmingen, Germany. His plane went down.

Name: Trudy Talbott
Hometown: Canyon Country
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: Harold Korger
Sent: 12.09 PM - 12/3 2002

My Uncle Harold F.Korger (deceased) was a navigator that was in BOTH Polesti raids, and was then shot down over Italy shortly after. He ended up in SL1. He had been a music teacher in civilian life, and quickly organized a camp choir and band. He spoke vividly of eating dogs, cats and rats in order to survive. The last 6 months of the war, there wern't even many Rats left to eat!
Harold Died 6 years ago from Leukemia. His widow, Bernice, lives in Medford Oregon and is in touch with a few other former POW's still. I will let her know about this website. I believe she has some artwork and other memorabilia that she might be willing to share here with everyone.
If anyone remembers my uncle, I would LOVE to hear from them...He was always my Late Mom's favorite brother and MY favorite Uncle as well!

Name: Rik Willemse
Hometown: Maastricht
Sent: 9.39 AM - 12/2 2002

Thoroughly enjoyed looking through your site. It helped me a great deal in a historic research I am conducting at the moment. Found two pictures of men I only knew by name from a MACR. The pictures of Mr. Samuel H. Bender and Mr. James C. Newbold I was able to send to the relatives of another (deceased) crewmember. Keep up the good work !!

Name: claude ouellet
Postal Street Address: 4229 gulfstream bay court
City, State, Zip: orlando, florida 32822
Sent: 5.15 PM - 12/1 2002

Great site, seeing actual documents makes you feel there, like it just happened. Thank you for this great site.

Name: Kimberly Evans
Hometown: New York
POW Camp: Stalag Luft One
Name of POW: Ellicott Davis Evans
Sent: 2.51 PM - 12/1 2002

I'd love to hear from anyone who knew my father! Of course, any photos anyone may have with him in them would be truly appreciated! Thank you

Name: James D. Forsythe
Hometown: Leachville Arkansas
POW Camp: 12A
Name of POW: PFC James D. Forsythe
Postal Street Address: 21893 McClellan Road
City, State, Zip: Cupertino Ca 95014
Sent: 11.04 AM - 12/1 2002

Stalag 12A was an induction Center, I was in 13 other Stalags and on the road most of the time.

Can I Email or U S Post mail my memories of Being A P O W?

Name: Dave Abramo
Hometown: Worcester Ma
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 4
Name of POW: S/SGT NICHOLAS ABRAMO
Postal Street Address: 556 Massasoit Rd
City, State, Zip: Worcester, MA 01604
Sent: 11.31 PM - 11/30 2002

Please help me solve this mystery?

I was wondering if anyone knew of POW''s that were transferred to Stalag 1 or other camp from Stalag 4 in January/February 1945? My father S/SGT Nicholas Abramo was at Stalag 4 but was transferred to a camp where the Russians liberated them in May 1945. He said they just walked out of the camp after the Germans left.
I know he was with these POW's:
Al Hellier, Bill Mansmann, MacGowan, Eddie Mettler, Charley Cognac when liberated.
Thanks,
Dave Abramo

Name: Shad Baltimore
Name of POW: William Garth Seddon
Postal Street Address: 1110 C Ave East
City, State, Zip: Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577
Sent: 8.34 PM - 11/30 2002

I am looking for information on my grandfather, William Garth Seddon [b.1919 d.1975]. I know he was a POW twice, the first time he got out. I would like to know the best way to get information about him, any clues? Thanks in advance!! Shad Baltimore

Name: John Van Zandt
POW Camp: Stalag l
Name of POW: Robert W. VanZandt
Sent: 4.02 PM - 11/30 2002

my father was a POW from Nov.l944 til liberation. He was in Stalag Luft l, North Compound 3, Barrack 305, Room 12. names mentioned in diary-Young, salt lake city,utah;Butler, Illinois; Bishop; Schmidt, Calif;Nance;Victor Hernandez, Puerto Rico; Joe McCorgin, Oklahoma; Col. Zemke; Major Monnier; Green; . Hope someone remembers him. He passed away on Jan.1, 2000, before i knew of these web sites. I think he would have been very interested in seeing them. Thanks for any information forthcoming. John VanZandt

Name: Janice Foster
Hometown: Cementon, PA
POW Camp: Stalag VB
Name of POW: Emil Spitko
Sent: 1.36 PM - 11/30 2002

My father, Emil Spitko, was captured in North Africa and sent to Stalag VB. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone else in the same camp who may have met him.

Name: William Stichman
Homepage: http://www.suomalaisuudenliitto.fi/case.htm
Sent: 7.48 AM - 11/30 2002

Firms located in 'neutral' Sweden supported the Nazis' financial and industrial leadership.
Sweden's crucial role supplying Nazi Germany iron ore and military facilities. Especially notorious for their support to the Nazis were Wallenberg family, SEB bank and SKF factory. The Swedish government was responsible for the most iron ore that Nazis received. Kiruna-Gällivare ore fields in Northern Sweden were all important to Nazi Germany.
These heavy deliveries of iron ore and military facilities from Sweden to Nazi Germany lengthened World War II. Casualties of the war has been estimated at 20 million killed in Europe. How many of them died due to Sweden's material support to Nazi Germany?

Name: Tim
Hometown: London UK
Sent: 1.56 AM - 11/29 2002

I just read the story by Bruce Bockstanz and it brought to mind something that I might be able to contribute. My Grandfather - Air Vice Marshall ******** (then wing/co Surgeon I think) was one of the first British Doctors into Bergen Belsen at the end of the war. He wrote a lot of letters to his wife (my grandmother) which I have seen - they are on blue paper, but my mother (now married to an Admiral) will not let me have until she passes away.
My father was a P51 and Sp Mk 9 pilot at the end of the war (he died ten years ago) and he taught me to fly.
I will be flying a twin again tomorrow and often think when I am holding before radio "*** ready on 29 left" before lining up and easing the throttles open.....that it must have been a bit harder in your day....silly you might think, but there you go.
Anyway, I am 44 now and hope to convert to jets (with a military friend I have just been to post grad business school with (I work for an oil co) and also to fly a P51 which can be rented (dual-and rather expensive). Any tips on P51??
Just thought I'd check in. We take our hats off to you guys - regards, Tim

Name: Craig Hart
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
POW Camp: Limburg, Germany
Name of POW: William (Billy) Hoof
Sent: 9.14 PM - 11/28 2002

I am looking for anyone who knew my grandfather in this prison camp (Stalag 12A?) in Limburg, Germany. Please contact me! Thanks!

Name: Robert E. Cook
POW Camp: Stalag 3
Name of POW: S/sgt Gilbert A. Borba W/G
Postal Street Address: 2521 Sr 508
City, State, Zip: Onalaska,Wa. 98570
Sent: 2.09 PM - 11/28 2002

S/sgt Borba is my uncle.100th Bg.13th wing.Shot down over France September 8th 1944.Flying B17 named (VARGA VENUS).all onboard killed but him.Remained POW till the end of war maybe someone well know him from POW camp.THANKS SO MUCH.
R.E.Cook

Name: Ove Tuneborn
Hometown: Trollhättan
Postal Street Address: Hjortmossegatan 99
City, State, Zip: Sweden
Sent: 1.11 PM - 11/28 2002

I have been reading the texts at this site for several days and I find it very interesting. I grew up at the Air Force Base of Såtenäs, Sweden, at the end of WW2 and I remember the American planes and pilots that had to land there. If you or someone you know have been to Såtenäs I would love to hear from you.

Name: Marion Lougheed
Hometown: Earth
Postal Street Address: PO Box 218
City, State, Zip: Montague, PEI Canada C0A 1R0
Sent: 9.49 AM - 11/28 2002

I have been emotionally and intellectually fascinated by anything having to do with WWII for a long time. I am trying to have enough 'experience' to feel like I could have lived it. I know I can never feel that because its an incomparable experience and probably a horrible one, but at the same time it must have been amazing because of the humanity shown by the prisoners. How people live through extraordinary conditions is equally fascinating. I also want other young people to be aware of what the war was all about from the human point of view.
Please contact me with any experiences, comments, websites or anything else. I would love to have memorabilia and hope to write a book as close to firsthand account as I can get.
Thanks!

Name: Steve Brown
Hometown: Edenton, NC
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: Wilbur H. Brown
Postal Street Address: PO Box 574
City, State, Zip: Edenton, NC
Sent: 8.07 PM - 11/27 2002

My father was in this POW camp and I would like to receive any information from anyone on him. Thanks!

Name: Ed Whaley
Hometown: Oil City PA
Name of POW: Floyd B. Whaley
City, State, Zip: Oil City PA
Sent: 9.07 PM - 11/21 2002

My brother was in this POW camp and I am looking for any information that anyone can provide on Floyd B. Whaley.

Name: dave punchard
Hometown: clitheroe,lancashire.england
POW Camp: captured in crete 1941
Name of POW: samuel joseph parker
Sent: 9.34 AM - 11/21 2002

im trying to trace any information about my grandfather.Friends he made,camps he was in.He was marched through europe finishing in i think austrian camp.Known as sam parker.england.now deceased.any info appreciated.thankyou, dave punchard

Name: Debra Loya
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: Roman Yriarte
Sent: 10.14 PM - 11/20 2002

Roman is my Great Uncle. He is living in Northern California, although I know he doesn't own a computer. According to the roomate listing he was in North 3, Block 308, Room 12. My daughter is in the 3rd grade and will be studying WWII next semester in Social Studies. She will be interviewing her Great-Great-Uncle over the Christmas break. This website is a wonderful resource!

Name: Keith Virley
Hometown: Ipswich,Suffolk.England
POW Camp: Stalag 20a
Name of POW: Colin Virley
Postal Street Address: 18,Wicklow Road,
City, State, Zip: Ipswich,Suffolk,England
Sent: 4.15 PM - 11/20 2002

I am interested in contacting relatives of or anyone who was in the same camp as my father He was a gunner in the Royal Artillery based at Croydon Surrey,and was captured at Dunkirk and spent all of the war at Stalag 20a.He was in the same camp as the actor Sam Kydd.

Name: William Birney
Homepage: http://mortarbattery.tripod.com/
Hometown: Wallingford CT
Sent: 10.39 AM - 11/20 2002

I have always been interested in the POW subject since visiting Hammelberg in 1958 while stationed in Germany. Also visited the site of Stalag XIII on the outskirts of Nurnberg in 1959, 1996 and 1999

Name: Mary Arfman Heard
Hometown: Austin, Texas
POW Camp: Stalag Luft IV
Name of POW: Harry W. Arfman II
Postal Street Address: 5514 Porsche Lane
City, State, Zip: Austin, Texas 78749
Sent: 12.29 PM - 11/19 2002

My Father passed away in 1996 and I want to learn more about his POW experience. Thank you for posting the Stalag Luft IV pictures.

Mary

Name: Cheryl Hilliard
Homepage: http://www.blacksheepnews.com
Hometown: Madison, VA.
Postal Street Address: HC5 Box 109A
City, State, Zip: Madison, VA. 22727
Sent: 7.47 PM - 11/18 2002

Hello,
Many thanks for a most wonderful site. We found it looking for my Father's friend, C.L.Reeder. Dad's base was 8th Air Force, 95 Bomb Group, 13th Wing, in
Horam, Suffolk. He was there from just before Xmas 1943, until July of 1945. Would so enjoy hearing from any one who was there with Joe Hilliard, and any one who knew C.L. Reeder.
Again, thanks so very much.

Regards,

Cheryl Hilliard

Name: Julie Fisk
Hometown: HULL, Yorkshire
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 6 Heyderkrug
Name of POW: Edwin R. McCunnell
Postal Street Address: 28 Park Walk,
City, State, Zip: Hull HU4 7QA
Sent: 6.57 PM - 11/18 2002

My father Edwin R McCunnell, nicknamed "Mac", "Junior" and "Tiddler" by his compatriots, survived with 2 other crew members, Roger Pallant, and Basil Wordworth (Rhodesia) when their Halifax was shot down and crashed nr. St. Antonius Church, Ulft, Netherlands on the night of June 12/13 1943. Their squadron was 158 squadron based at Lisset, Yorkshire. They were all sent to Heyderkrug Stalag Luft 6. Basil and Edwin were sent by train to Thorn (Torun) for a few weeks and then to 357 Kopernikus when Luft 6 was evacuated in 1944. Roger Pallant was sent by Sea to Stalag IV, and took part in the "Long March". Whilst I have discovered lots of information about the actual crash, and have visited the site in Holland, and correspond with people who witnessed it, I have very little information about my father, and his experiences in the camp. - The crew who died were Hugh Wooldridge, Frank Oliver, Reginald Cook and E. Thurlow. I write to the cousin of Frank Oliver, and the sister in law of Roger Pallant, who has since died. My father died in 1961. Basil Wordsworth is now 81 and lives in South Africa. If any families of those who died need any information, I will be happy to help. Similarly, if anyone knew my father, I would be grateful for any information they can give me.

Name: Sgt. Darrin J. Leonhart, USMC
Hometown: DeForest, WI
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1, North 1, Barrack 8, Rm 14
Name of POW: Robert L. Boebel
Postal Street Address: 2189 Elrod Ave.
City, State, Zip: Quantico, VA 22134
Sent: 1.21 PM - 11/18 2002

Grandpa, I love you and grandma both. Hope you see this.

Name: Donald C. Beal
Hometown: Santa Clara, CA.
Postal Street Address: 566 Eden Court
City, State, Zip: Santa Clara, CA. 95051
Sent: 2.29 AM - 11/18 2002

I had the pleasure of coming home on the Mayo from
Korea via Japan to San Francisco December 1945.

Name: Ann Crowley
POW Camp: Stalag Luft I & IV
Name of POW: John Crowley
Postal Street Address: 692 Main Street
City, State, Zip: Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Sent: 5.24 PM - 11/16 2002

My dad was a tailgunner on a B24 and was shot down 7/7/1944 and was in both I & IV. My sister and I know little about what happened in prison because he didn't talk about it much except to say that We should all appreciate freedom because you don't know what it is til it has been taken away. Is there anyone who remembers him? His home town would have been Cranston RI.

Name: JOSEPH MAIALE
Hometown: FRANKLIN SQUARE NY
POW Camp: LINBURG
Name of POW: STALG XII A
Sent: 3.39 PM - 11/16 2002

LOOKING FOR ANYONE WHO WAS ON THE TRAIN THAT WAS STRAFT BY OUR P38WHEN WE WERE BEIG MOVED FROM STALG12A BECAUSE ALLIED FORCES WERE GETTING CLOSE WE WERE LEFT LOCKED IN THE BOX CARS THE GUARD RAN AWAY WHEN WE DID BREAK WE HAD 14 OFFICERS AND 36 ENLISTED MEN WOUNDED OR KILLED THIS WAS AROUND MARCH 27

Name: Odell Myers
Hometown: Tyler, TX
POW Camp: PG21 (Italy):Stalag Luft 1 (Germany)
Name of POW: Odell Myers
Postal Street Address: 1602 Shepherds Glade Dr.
City, State, Zip: Apex, NC 27523
Sent: 2.14 PM - 11/16 2002

Update on my E-mail address and new Zip Code. Interested any contact at PG21, South Compound Stalag Luft 1 and 319th Medium Bomb Group, 438th Sqdn. (B26 Marauder.)--Odell Myers

Name: Jan Pavey
Hometown: lincoln
POW Camp: stalag luft 3
Name of POW: Robert Dickson Johnstone
Postal Street Address: The Lodge Wickenby
City, State, Zip: Lincoln Ln3 5ab UK
Sent: 2.11 PM - 11/16 2002

I am the eldest daughter of Flt.Lt R.D. Johnstone DFC
Royal Air Force Pilot 51 squadron Snaith Yorkshire
He was shot down over Bochum 13/14 May 1943 incarcerated in Stalag Luft III. He died in 1974 and I am interested in contact from any of his crew or their families.

Name: Robert D Funk
Hometown: KIRKSVILLE, mo
POW Camp: Stalag 17 B
Name of POW: same
Postal Street Address: 2100 S First St
City, State, Zip: Kirksville, MO 63501
Sent: 11.54 AM - 11/16 2002

Nice web site... First time I have seen the "Letter of Appreciation" from Gen Hap Arnold to army air forces members.. Dont suppose I could get one at this late date??? Looking for a link to any 17 B web site.

Name: Charles L. Roth
Hometown: Grand Junction, Colo. 81501
POW Camp: 8b, 7a, 17b,
Name of POW: Charles L. Roth
Postal Street Address: 302 Gunnison Ave.
City, State, Zip: Grand Junction,Colo. 81501
Sent: 8.38 PM - 11/15 2002

Hello,Casey Bauer. I`d be glad to write to you.  My winter Address is 1119 N. Lehmberg Ave. Casa Grande, Az. 85222

Name: Bob Sweetman
Hometown: Newark
Name of POW: Albert D Sweetman
Postal Street Address: 337 Wedgewood Rd
City, State, Zip: Newark DE 19711
Sent: 8.17 PM - 11/14 2002

Albert Draper Sweetman ,my 1st cousin, now deceased, was captured by the Germans in the Ruhr Valley near the end of the war . He had told me that he was never mistreated but did not have much food . He stated that the poor German soldiers had not much food for themselves.

Name: Jesse H. Shaver
Hometown: Goodland KS - Schoenchen KS - Nashville TN
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: James Herman Shaver
Postal Street Address: 2526 Sharondale Dr. Apt A3
City, State, Zip: Nashville, TN 37215
Sent: 4.13 AM - 11/14 2002

Hello,

I am looking for information about my grandfather, Lt. James Herman Shaver.

He was from Western Kansas. He was a B-17 bombardier. On the 25th mission over Kassel, Germany, there was a midair collision, probably with another Allied plane. Grandpa parachuted down from 30,000 ft.

He was taken to Stalag Luft One, where he was a prisoner on North 3. This was about 6 months or so before the Russians came in. He got back home around September of 1945

I am looking for anyone who knew him from training, the time in England, the POW time, or after the liberation. I am particularly interested in anyone from the plane. I vaguely remember him saying that the rest of the crippled plane made it back out of Germany by trading altitude for airspeed, although some crewmembers were badly injured and frostbitten.

I have a small diary he kept in the camp with a tin-can cover. Also, he carved a wooden locket with a wooden chain out of an oak pitchfork handle. He also carved an 8th Air Force insignia in the camp.

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jesse H. Shaver

jesseshaver@hotmail.com

615 297 2235

Name: DENNIS P. CULLER
Hometown: KING
POW Camp: STALAG LUFT IV
Name of POW: BUFORT E. CULLER
Postal Street Address: 1604 SLATE RD.
City, State, Zip: KING NC 27021
Sent: 9.39 PM - 11/13 2002

MY FATHER WAS A POW IN STALAG LUFT IV. HE WAS A NOSE GUNNER ON THE B24 BOMBER. HE WAS IN THE 461ST/765TH. THEY WERE SHOT DOWN ON MISSION # 36 . THEIR TARGET WAS THE CONCORDIA VEGA OIL REFINERY IN POLESTI, ROMANIA. IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFORMATION AND OR PHOTOS ABOUT THIS, PLEASE EMAIL ME! THANKS! PS: MY FATHER IS STILL ALIVE AND WELL!

Name: Truman A. Saam Jr.
Hometown: Williamsport Penna.
POW Camp: North Compound
Name of POW: Ralph M. Persun Jr. ( Hap )
Postal Street Address: 1928 Newberry St.
City, State, Zip: Williamsport,Penna.17701
Sent: 1.51 PM - 11/13 2002

Hap was transferred to luft stalag 1 approx. Nov. or Early Dec.1944.He was transferred from luft stalag 3 and came to stalag 1 by train. He was a S/Sgt USAAF service number was 33504400.Hap would like to hear from anyone who remembers him and those times. Would also like to hear from any of his crew that bailed out of Leroy Heyders ship #471 of 447th Bomb Group (H)710Sqd.his phone # 1=405-842-8656 or contact me at e-mail ssaamsport@aol.com

Name: Matthew Gibb
POW Camp: Stalag Luft III
Name of POW: Matthew Gibb
Postal Street Address: 7 Royal Hill Court, Greenwich High Road, Greenwich, London, SE10 8PH, UK
Sent: 1.46 PM - 11/13 2002

I am posting this on behalf of my father who was in Squadron 51, flying from Snaith, crewing a Halifax. He was in Dulag Luft and then Stalag Luft III from about June 1943 until the end of the war, in North compound, hut 107 (I think it was 107 - anyway the one the completed Great Escape tunnel was dug from) and both he and I would be pleased to hear from fellow prisoners.

Name: Matthias Wulff
Hometown: Barth
City, State, Zip: Barth, Germany
Sent: 10.43 AM - 11/13 2002

Hello,
I'm Matthias. I live in Barth and I was quite suprised that such an site is existing. In school we' ve heard much about the terrible thinks which has happened during World War II. In my opinion it's very important to keep this part of history in mind.
It's a great site with fantastic photos!

Name: CLIVE WHALLEY
Hometown: SCARBOROUGH UK.
POW Camp: STALAG LUFTs I, IV, VI
Name of POW: RON JACKSON
Sent: 8.47 PM - 11/12 2002

LOOKING FOR V ROSSI (NEW JERSEY), A.ZINGER, JIM LUNGER,
AL HAYWORTH, A. LIND (NZ), LACH MCKAY (NZ), E.A. LINGENFUS LUFT4 (PHILA. PENN), A. YOUNG (NZ/AUS)

Name: R C Livo
Hometown: Cheboygan, Michigan
POW Camp: Stalag Luft I
Name of POW: Jonn Carroll
Postal Street Address: 1205 S Main
City, State, Zip: CHeboygan, Michigan 49721
Sent: 1.52 PM - 11/12 2002

My deepest thanks to all who risked their lives to protect the freedom I enjoy. But I have a question for my friend John Carroll---just what did you do to kill time during your 18 months as a prisoner of the Germans? For example, were any pranks played?

Name: William Hallett
Hometown: Pottsville Beach New South Wales 2484 Australia
POW Camp: Luft 7 Bankua Stalag 111A Luckenwalde
Name of POW: William Hallett
Postal Street Address: 15 Elfran Avenue Pottsville Beach
City, State, Zip: New South Wales 2489 Australia
Sent: 3.16 AM - 11/12 2002

I was flying with 214 squadron as a Flight Engineer firstly on Stirling aircraft then on B17 Fortress, shot down on 24th May i944,I am now 80 years old, and only,  recently saw your program, I see where compensation has and is being paid to American ex POWs and others, but the English seem to be left out of it all, I like others experienced the long forced march between camps and on baling out got tangled with the trailing arial  since then have always had back problems, not serious enough to stop working as a TransportManager, and being in Australia since June 1951 have lost all contact. I would appreciate any help regarding any possible compensation claim from the British authorities, and any contact with Luft 7 inmates,

Name: M. Farina
Hometown: Chicago
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: Casimir "Casey" Paulinski
Sent: 12.07 AM - 11/12 2002

I have been able to track don the whereabouts of the crew of my Father-in-Law Casey Paulinski. He was the co-pilot of a b-17 crew in the 92nd Bomb Group- 407th Squadron based in Podington, England during World War2.

His crew was shot down on their 4th mission, December 22, 1943 during a bombing run over Osnabruck, Germany. seven of the crew bailed out and survived, but became POW's. Casey, the pilot and the flight Engineer-Top Turret Gunner landed the plane safely in Borne, Holland, but were arrested on Christmas Day, 1943 by local Dutch police, and turned over the the German SS. They were sent to POW camps and spent the rest of the War there. Casey died in 1974, after a long battle with cancer, but his legacy lives on in his three daughters, and five grandchildren. Five of the crew are still alive, two however confined to VA hospitals due to strokes. We have traveled to meet the Pilot and radio operaor at their homes, and have videotaped their recollections of the war and their POW experiences.

I would strongly recommend using the Internet search engines, (Yahoo, AOL, etc.) and then the Internet White Pages for telephone numbers to search for information, including squadron, POW camp and fellow crew members. Be patient and persistent and you will be amazed at the results.

Name: Grady W. Adams
Hometown: Winston Salem, NC
Postal Street Address: 691 Valleybrook Lane
City, State, Zip: Winston Salem, NC 27104
Sent: 4.58 PM - 11/11 2002

Found your page while browsing. Today is November 11, 2002. My WWII experience is limited to the latter part of the war. June 6, 1944 to May 1956 in the Navy. I noticed many of the fellows were not much older than I when they were overseas. Interesting Pages. Thanks.

Grady W. Adams

Name: Tracey Rentner
Hometown: Concord, CA
POW Camp: Unknown- somewhere in germany
Name of POW: Malcolm Rentner- Mst Sargent USArmy
Sent: 3.28 PM - 11/11 2002

I am trying- hopefully not in vain- to locate members of the POW camp that my grandfather was in. He was a POW in Germany in the years 1941-1943 approx. He was a tall man- 6'7" hard to forget- from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I'm not sure what rank he was when he was captured, but his gravesite mentions that he was a master sargent. He spoke fluent german, which might have saved his life. Unfortunately for me he died before i was born in 1972. If this person sounds remotely familiar to anyone please let me know. His wife, my grandmother passed on 10 years ago so no one alive knows the story.

Name: John Bamford
Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
POW Camp: Stalag Luft I
Name of POW: Jack Bamford
Sent: 10.31 PM - 11/10 2002

Just wondering if anyone may have known my grandfather, Jack Bamford, F/O with RCAF and a POW in Stalag Luft I...thanks...

Name: Erin M. Cox
Hometown: Whaleyville, MD
POW Camp: unknown
Name of POW: Mr. Bill James
Sent: 8.17 PM - 11/10 2002

My grandfather was a fighter pilot in WWII, flying the B17. His name was Bill James. He married a British girl named Pearl Hubbard after his release from a German POW camp. My mother had been born while he was imprisoned and was 18 moths old at the time of his release. I know nothing about his experiences and he did not speak of any of this. He was in the 91st Bomb Group, and (I think) the 323 Squad. If anyone at all remembered my grandfather, I would love to get an email. Thanks so much for this site.

Erin Cox

Name: Gayle Cody
Homepage: http://libertywrites.com
Hometown: Little Elm, Texas
POW Camp: unknown
Name of POW: Wayne Corbin Polston
Postal Street Address: 1521 Live Oak Drive
City, State, Zip: Tallahassee, FL 32301
Sent: 7.28 PM - 11/10 2002

Looking for my Dad, who was a POW in WWII, since deceased, want to tell his story.

Gayle Polston Cody,

His loving daughter

Name: Carroll L. Smith
Hometown: Dover, NH
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1 South Barrack-12/Room 5
Name of POW: Harold (Harry) Campbell
City, State, Zip: Clarkesville, Georgia
Sent: 12.02 PM - 11/10 2002

Harold is a 1st cousin of mine. In October 2002, a reunion was held for part of his crew and room mates at Stalag Luft 1.

Name: maureen dickson (redhead)
Hometown: bishop auckland
POW Camp: ?southern germany
Name of POW: edward redhead
Postal Street Address: 24 west end, wolsingham,
City, State, Zip: bishop auckland, count y durham, dl13 3ap england
Sent: 8.06 AM - 11/10 2002

my late grandfather edward redhead born newcastle-upon-tyne england on 17th dec 1919. served in the catering corps during ww2 was captured in the agean and sent to a stalag camp in southern germany. we have rosary beads carved for him by ?nuns, he was ill and in hospital during his incarceration. my grandfather died in 1980 so all my info is from family. anyone help put the pieces together

Name: Mary Ann Wistock Huisken
Hometown: California
POW Camp: Stalag Luft I
Name of POW: Michael Wistock
Sent: 12.17 AM - 11/10 2002

My dad was pilot of B-17, 15th air force 463 bomb group, 775 bomb sq, shot down April 6, 1944 Plane named "Banshee". Am doing life history. Would love to hear from anyone who knew him.

Name: Reen
Sent: 11.45 PM - 11/9 2002

Am looking for information on my mother's fiance, who went down in a plane in the English Channel sometime after August 20, 1944

His APO address was 16305-AA-122

One of his last letters was from Northern Ireland and he was getting ready to be go on some missions over Germany

Rene Van der Vouse (sp?)

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Name: Timothy Hyde
Homepage: http://www.achieving.com.au/kiwi.htm
Name of POW: Galbraith Hyde
Sent: 2.24 AM - 11/9 2002

My father Galbraith Hyde MBE, was a POW in Stalag 8b Lamsdorf. He crashed his Stirling Bomber 50 years ago this week. I'm starting a web project to re-tell his story,
and invite you to visit.
http://www.achieving.com.au/kiwi.htm

Attempted escape by stealing a plane, the death march, and life in VIIIb . Any info to add to the story appreciated. Timothy Hyde (son)

Name: QUINN L HIXSON
Hometown: CLEVELAND
Postal Street Address: 212 WINDTRACE DR NW
City, State, Zip: CLEVELAND, TN 37312
Sent: 7.48 PM - 11/8 2002

CHARLES EDWARD HIXSON WAS MY UNCLE. HE FLEW IN THE 853RD BS IN THE "PONDEROUS PACHYDERM". HIS LAST MISSION, HOWEVER WAS ON THE "ARK ANGEL". EDDIE DID NOT RETURN FROM THE11/26//44 MISSION.I WOULD JUST LIKE TO TALK WITH ANYONE WHO SERVED WITH MY UNCLE.PLEASE REPLY

Name: Dorothy Kabaker
Hometown: Los Angeles,CA
POW Camp: Germany
Name of POW: William Aaron Kabaker
Postal Street Address: 86 Blue Sky Lane
City, State, Zip: Oceanside. CA 920-56
Sent: 3.00 PM - 11/8 2002

Thanks, I found a group to help me with getting benefits for me , a widow of a P.O.W. ( Army ). I am a disabled nurse and need assistance with medical expenses etc. The VA turned away my request.

Name: LD Donovan
Hometown: Manassas, VA
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: Arthur Walsh Donovan
Postal Street Address: 9104 Karlo Street
City, State, Zip: Manassas, VA 20110
Sent: 2.25 PM - 11/8 2002

Anyone who knew AW Donovan of the 493rd Bomb Group, 863 Squadron who was taken prisoner on Dec 31 1944 would be appreciated.

Name: Edward W. Walsh
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1, Barth
Name of POW: Capt. Frank K. Walsh
Postal Street Address: 5249 Brookview Drive
City, State, Zip: Jackson, MS 39212
Sent: 6.23 PM - 11/7 2002

My dad, Frank Walsh, was a B-26 Marauder pilot knocked down over Sardinia, captured by the Italians, and moved to Barth after the Italian surrender. He lived in South Compound, Barrack 2, Room 7, from late 1943 until the Russians came through in May, 1945. Ironically, his little brother, Richard, was the waist gunner on one of the B-17s that flew the liberated POWs to France (Camp Lucky Strike I believe?). Dad retired from the USAF in 1960, taught school in Mississippi, and retired from that in 1987. He's still enjoying the second retirement.
Thanks for bringin this web site to the public. May we never forget!

Name: Melanee Dallas
Hometown: Portage, or Hobart Indiana
Sent: 1.11 PM - 11/7 2002

My great-grandfather, Charles Eubanks was an POW. I am not sure where or at what camp, because he never really talked about war and six years ago he passed away. In school we are getting into deeper research about wars and we can decide what we would like to write our paper about. If anyone can remember him or find out more about his camp, let me know, it would be greatly appreciated!

Name: jane tukey
Postal Street Address: 15 Piper Rd, Apt,k314
City, State, Zip: scarborough,Maine
Sent: 12.19 PM - 11/7 2002

My husband was Commander of the 356th Fighter Group stationed at Martlesham Heath in East Anglia, but had a parallel career with Mac until they both were assigned to different squadrons. We kept in close touch with each others families until they died. My husband Philip E. Tukey, Jr died on March 3 of 2001. He retired out of the Maine ANG as a BG. Thanks for doing this site. It is great

Name: James Leahy
Hometown: London
Postal Street Address: 520 Ben Jonson House, Barbican,
City, State, Zip: London EC2Y 8NH
Sent: 11.16 AM - 11/7 2002

This week BBC Radio 4 has been broadcasting extracts from John Nichol and Tony Rennell's book The Last Escape. I was so impressed by the leadership of Dixie Deans that I searched Google to try to find out more about him. I was saddened to learn he was stricken by multiple sclerosis and died young.

Name: Bernard DENNIS
Hometown: Chester UK
POW Camp: Stalag 7A
Sent: 7.56 AM - 11/7 2002

I have a book from Stalag 7a about Munich. It is in English and has a rubber stamp confirming its origin.   Also, inside the front cover is written ''Room 7G Stalag 7A.
Is this of interest ?
Kind regards
Bernard Dennis

Name: Bev Goreham Stoughton
Hometown: Salem, NH
POW Camp: Stalag 1 West
Name of POW: Rod Goreham
Postal Street Address: 24 Walnut Ave
City, State, Zip: Hampton Nh 03842
Sent: 9.24 PM - 11/6 2002

Hi , I just found your site. My dad was a pow and I am trying to compile some info for him. He was an RAF captain. His bomber was shot down. He and another man I believe were the only survivors. He told me he was hooked up and gave a blood transfusion to someone. I am trying to get some of his roommates names. I couldn't find him on the room mates page. He has just recently been talking about it, through tears as most I am sure do. Thanks for your page, and I will try to get more info.

Name: Marianne Trouve
Hometown: Elmont, NY
POW Camp: Stalag Luft One
Name of POW: Louis Trouve
Postal Street Address: 50 Saint Pauls Ave
City, State, Zip: Boston, MA 02130-3491
Sent: 6.08 PM - 11/5 2002

My father, Louis Trouve, was a prisoner at Stalag Luft One from Dec 1943 until liberation in May 1945. I wonder if anyone might remember him or have any stories. He used to take down the BBC news broadcast at night in shorthand, which was then copied and distributed the next day. He is now deceased and never talked about his experiences there very much.

Name: Jason Wood
Hometown: Rexburg, Idaho
Name of POW: Lois Webster
City, State, Zip: Twin Falls, Idaho
Sent: 10.57 AM - 11/5 2002

My Great uncle, Lois was a P-38 pilot and was shot down and captured. My Grandmother (his sister) and I have been trying to get him to write about his experiences. This site is beautifully put together and will hopefully motivate him to open up some more.

Name: Jessie Smith
Hometown: Steamboat Springs
POW Camp: Don't know
Name of POW: Arthur Smith
Postal Street Address: 42312 CR 44
City, State, Zip: Steamboat Springs, CO, 80487
Sent: 2.16 PM - 11/4 2002

My great-uncle was a POW after his B-52, for which he was the navigator, crashed in Germany. He never told me what camp he was at, or even much about his story. His little brother, my grandfather, told me most of what he knows, but there are gaps. So if anyone recognizes the name, could you please email me any stories you have, I would really appreciate it.

Name: sheena bakewell
Sent: 7.15 AM - 11/4 2002

my father Daniel Robert Bown was in the R.A.F. and was in several POW camps unfortunately he died when I was 16, and did not leave us any history of his role in the second World War, but we do know that he escaped from the camps at least once, if anyone out there can enlighten us if would be appreciated.

Name: Jim Dibrino
Hometown: Philadelphia
POW Camp: Stalag Luft I
Name of POW: SSgt Jim Dibrino
Sent: 8.58 PM - 11/3 2002

My Dad is interested in talking to anyone who might recognize his name and shared his experience.  326 Bomb Squadron

Name: Frank P. Faragasso
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: Lt. Frank Faragasso
Sent: 1.11 PM - 11/3 2002

My father was a POW in Stalag Luft 1 from late 1943 to 1945. I would liketo hear from anyone who knew him. He died in 1982.

Name: Jacqui Sage-Passant
Hometown: Stanbridge, Beds UK
Postal Street Address: 40 Tilsworth Rd
Sent: 6.02 AM - 11/3 2002

At this time of year I like to visit sites like this to tell my sons stories of the war -I am only 35 but I feel strongly they must know first hand what kind of men lived through theses conditions and to have a sense of pride in what you can achieve in the worst of circumstances.

Thank you for the time you took to tell this story as I have visited this web site before.

Can you tell me as I cannot find reference to it this time, the tunnel that was actually used for the escape and which tunnel in the film "The great escape" was used as I know they are different ones, as I plan to put this question in a School quiz I am writing.

Thank you

Name: Col. Robert M. Slane, USAF(ret )
Hometown: Shreveport La.
POW Camp: Stalag Luft III, Stalag13b, Stalag7a
Name of POW: Robert Slane
Postal Street Address: 1510 Carmel Drive.
City, State, Zip: Shreveport, la. 71105
Sent: 6.58 PM - 11/2 2002

I was a B-17 Ist Pilot at age 19. Shot down 2 months after my 20th Birthday. (Class 43A.) Shot down on 14 Oct,1943.Member of the 91st Bomb Group. Just discovered your fine web site.

Name: LTC Paul Chryst, USAF (Ret)
POW Camp: (none)
Postal Street Address: 1494 North Adams Street
City, State, Zip: Pottstown, PA 19464
Sent: 3.11 PM - 11/2 2002

We flew our first Mission on 03 AUG 44 and the last one No. 35 on 15 Dec 44. I counted 38 missions total; but the Orderly Room said "only 35 completed". MY Pilot Class was 43K;but the PT-17 Stearman washed me out.  Went on to Aerial Gunnery School and graduated to become the FIRST class of Cadets to wear Gunner's wings then on to Bombardier School. We graduated after 12 weeks bombing and another 6 weeks of DR Navigation.   My biggest fear while flying was "bail-out" the small hatch next to the Navigator and being killed by hitting the leading edge of the left elevator. If I made it to the ground, my next worry was being killed by some German civilian. At 6'-2" I weighed 125 lbs. and never would have survived the small rations in POW Camp. I salute you for having survived and your website achievement. "Never Forgotten; Forever Honored" to ALL Members of the 91st BG(H) P.C.

Name: Robert L. Janiskee
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
POW Camp: Dulag Luft
Name of POW: Commodore L. Sharp
Postal Street Address: 1104 Javelin Ct.
City, State, Zip: Columbia, SC 29212-1520
Sent: 7.08 AM - 11/2 2002

Seeking information about T/Sgt Commodore L. Sharp, Knoxville, TN, top turret gunner who served with 351st BG, 510th SQ based at Polebrooke. My relative 2LT Eldred Hancy (KIA) was with him in B-17 42-30867 downed by enemy aircraft on 9 October 1943 near Hallig Hooge. BTW, I was stationed at Camp King (formerly Dulag Luft) in Oberursel/Ts when I served as Grp Supply Officer for the 513th MI Group during 1964-67. My office, which was used as an interrogation room, still had the bars on the windows.

Name: Jessica L. Sanford
Hometown: Albuquerque
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: Raymond P. Sanford
Postal Street Address: 1103 Kentucky St NE
City, State, Zip: Albuquerque, NM 87110
Sent: 5.03 PM - 11/1 2002

Raymond P. Sanford was my grandfather. He was captured when his plane crashed on 12/13/43. All his crew perished except for him. I am interested in finding out about his P.O.W. years.

Name: William T. Bolt
Hometown: Big Spring, Texas
POW Camp: Stalag Luft I
Name of POW: William T. Bolt
Postal Street Address: 5100 John Ryan Blvd., # 135
City, State, Zip: San Antonio, Texas 78245
Sent: 3.05 PM - 11/1 2002

Appreciate e-mail from room mates and fellow POW's of Stalag Luft I.

Name: Doug Smith
POW Camp: Stalag Luft I
Name of POW: Everett P. Musselman
Postal Street Address: 267 Cross Creek Dr.
City, State, Zip: Petal, MS 39465
Sent: 12.12 PM - 11/1 2002

Everett Musselman was my uncle. He passed away earlier this year. I would like to hear from anyone who remembers him or Lt Hugh Augustus Ward, who was Everett's buddy.

Thanks for any help,

John D. Smith
Capt, USAFR

Name: Charles E. Early
Hometown: Austin, Tx
Postal Street Address: 204 Deen Ave
City, State, Zip: Austin,Tx 78753-5404
Sent: 12.37 AM - 11/1 2002

In a search on AOL search came up on this name,,,kind of stops you in your tracks-was eight when the war started, then Daddy went in Dec'42 and we saw a good bit of the country. Daddy was a Chaplain and things were different then and we got to see a good bit with him at the different bases, from Maine to Florida,,,,,bring back a lot of memories,,,,,mostly good....Praise the Lord

Name: William C. Thompson
Hometown: Chickasha, ok
POW Camp: Stalag 9-B
Name of POW: w. c. thompson
Sent: 12.18 PM - 10/31 2002

Did you know my cousin Bill Cox, b-17 pilot, short, wiry little guy from Greensboro, North Carolina? Returned o.k. and was involved in the family business, Cox Tire Machine. His brother David was a marine on a flat top in the pacific. I can't believe you fly boys had ROOM numbers. The infantry shared a barracks with 300 other equally filthy, human beings and 2 million cooties. I assume you have read the narrative of your Luft-lag in the Chickasha Library. I found it very interesting. Bill Thompson

Name: Eddie Sewall
Hometown: Huntsville, AL
POW Camp: Stalag Luft I
Name of POW: Frank L. Sewall
Postal Street Address: 10202 Plantation Dr.
City, State, Zip: Huntsville, AL 35803
Sent: 10.49 PM - 10/30 2002

If anyone knows anything about my father, please contact me. Thanks.

Name: Philip Okonek
Hometown: Cleveland
POW Camp: Stalag IIIC
Name of POW: Victor C. Okonek
Postal Street Address: 4640 Young Rd.
City, State, Zip: Stow, Ohio 44224
Sent: 6.55 PM - 10/27 2002

My father Victor C. Okonek was a captured American soldier and was held at Stalag IIIC. Any information you may have will be appreciated.

Name: Diane Pehrson
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Name of POW: Col. Carl Crumpler
Postal Street Address: 5 Elwood Road
City, State, Zip: Londonderry, NH
Sent: 9.43 PM - 10/26 2002

This message is for Col. Carl Crumpler. I am 43 years old. I remember when I was young, the day my mother took me to get a POW bracelet with your name on it and the day your name appeared in the Omaha World Herald that you were released. I returned the bracelet to celebrate your release. Your wife wrote to me and included your picture. Those were the days before computers. I just watched a movie depicting Vietnam and thought of you and wondered if the internet would shed some light about you...and it did...and I cried. Thank you for what you and coming back to make me feel an american should.

Regards Always,
Diane Pehrson

Name: George mcPherson
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
POW Camp: stalag luft one
Name of POW: Same
Postal Street Address: 206-200 Dallas Rd
City, State, Zip: Victoria, B.C. Canada v8v 1a4
Sent: 7.51 PM - 10/26 2002

Brings back a lot of fond memories thank goodness no bad ones. I still enjoy listening to John stoyko, I keep in touch with my Squadron through Alan Davies and Renee Ounsley in Goole Yorkshire. They do a wonderful job with 51Sqdn. Memorial Garden at

Name: ANNETTE RUBENSTEIN
Hometown: BROOKLYN,NEW YORK
POW Camp: STALAG LUFT 1
Name of POW: ARTHUR J. RUBENSTEIN
Postal Street Address: 332 MAHOGANY GLEN
City, State, Zip: ESCONDIDO, CA. 92026
Sent: 6.50 PM - 10/26 2002

ARTHUR WAS A BOMBARDIER IN THE 452 BOMB GROUP, AND IN THE 729TH SQUADRON STATIONED AT DOEPHAM GREEN, ENGLAND.WAS AT BARTH FOR 13 MONTHS, FREED BY THE RUSSIANS IN MAY,1945.  PASSED ON 20 JULY, 2001.WAS 100P/C DISABLED DUE TO HIS INCARCERATION ETC.

Name: Sgt Freddie Potter
Hometown: Ware, Herts, England
POW Camp: Stalag 383
Name of POW: Sgt Fredrick Potter
City, State, Zip: Worthing Sussex
Sent: 8.20 PM - 10/25 2002

Alive and well and wishing to speak with anybody who served with 44th Battery 101st Regt Royal Artillery, caputured at St Valery France 1940 12th June.
Was the guns with the 51st Highland

Name: Pam Conner
Hometown: Commerce city
Name of POW: James G Wellman (Shorty)
Postal Street Address: 7900 Roslyn St
City, State, Zip: commerce city colo 80022
Sent: 8.32 PM - 10/24 2002

I don't know to much about my Dads war time he was captured and was a pow for 18 months the Russians liberated them. He was held in Germany. He was probably about 18 yr old. After he returned home he was an MP in Seattle Washington and was awarded the Purple Heart and two Oak Leaf clusters Does any one know my dad Thank you Pam

Name: Galen Stehlik
Hometown: Crete, NE
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: Irvin F. Stehlik
City, State, Zip: Grand Island, NE 68801
Sent: 6.10 PM - 10/24 2002

Irvin Stehlik is my father. He was shot down February 4, 1944 on a Frankfurt mission. He was in the 401st Squadron, 91st Bomb Group. Anybody with information concerning my dad, please email me.

Name: Jerry Dinkelacker
Hometown: Brandon. MS
POW Camp: STALAG II B, II A
Name of POW: George Robert Dinkelacker
Postal Street Address: 366 Avalon Way
City, State, Zip: Brandon, MS 39047
Sent: 10.42 AM - 10/24 2002

My Dad, George Dinkelacker, Passed away on the 17th of April 2002. He was a POW during WWII. He was held in STALAG's IIB and IIA. Liberated by Russians in spring of 45 during move to a third camp. I am trying to locate other POWs that might have remembered him from those camps. Are there POW lists from these camps?

Name: Doug Gross
Homepage: http://www.b-17combatcrewmen.org
Hometown: San Diego, CA
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: William (Bill) W. White, 2Lt, 351st BG
Postal Street Address: 8094 Mission Vista Drive
City, State, Zip: San Diego, CA 92120
Sent: 6.22 PM - 10/23 2002

What a great webpage. One of my buddies, Bill White (Bombardier, 351st Bomb Group), was "in the bag" at Luft 1 for the last 18months of the war. Bill is not "plugged in", so please contact me if you knew him. Bill is 85 now and would very much like to hear from anyone he served with.

Keep 'em Flying!

Doug Gross
www.b-17combatcrewmen.org

Name: Annette Woods
Name of POW: Mitchell K. Woods
Postal Street Address: 115 North Wille Street
City, State, Zip: Mt. Prospect IL 60056
Sent: 2.09 PM - 10/23 2002

Mitch is now 85 y/o residing in a VA Facility Nursing Home. True, not much in the way of conversation with his children about his POW internment.

Name: John W. Holmes
Postal Street Address: 2550 Yeager Rd, Bldg 1, Apt 7
City, State, Zip: West Lafayette, In 47906
Sent: 12.30 PM - 10/22 2002

Not a POW during WWII, but a navigator, classified at Nashville, Sept 1942, preflight at Selman. Advanced at U.of Miami, Coral Gables, Fl with Pan-Am. Overseas August, 1943 to Oct, 1045 in C-47's, troop carrier, Mediterraen,North Africa, Southern Europe. Back to USA thru Trinidad. Wrote more in detail in another message. Would like to hear from other navigators. Thank you, John W.Holmes

Name: Jay Trigg
POW Camp: Stalag Luft I
Name of POW: Anderson, Raymond
Sent: 8.52 PM - 10/21 2002

I am about 95% certain that my grandfather, Raymond Anderson, was held
as POW in Stalag Luft I. I am trying to get some confirmation on this.
He is not listed definitively on your roster, but I do note an Anderson
w/ no first name. Possibly him?

Here is what I know about his service and his capture as a POW.

He was a Bombardier on a B-17 of the 15th Air Force Bomber Group 301,
353 Squadron.

He was based out of Foggia, Italy.

He was shot down over Verona, Italy in either 1943 or early 1944. Most
likely mid 1943. He discharged the Air Corp as a 1st Lieutenant, but he
may have been shot down and captured as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was also
recalled to B-29 duty during the Korean conflict, but was stationed
Stateside the duration of that recall.

According to his recollections to my father and uncle (my grandfather
currently suffers from Alzheimers, and is in extremely poor health) he
was liberated by the Russians at Barth. His camp was run, at various
intervals, by Wermacht, Naval, and SS administration. He stated that he
was treated adequately by all, in terms of food and base accomdations.
He stated, as well, that the SS staff were the most feared and the most
strict. He also stated that some Russian soldiers were held either at
that camp, or in some camp that was in close proximity, and that the
Russian soldiers were typcially executed in some fashion.

Any information you can give me is appreciated, and I will try to answer
any questions that you may have.

Thank you,

Jay Trigg

Name: Walter Kast
Hometown: Massapequa, New York 11758
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: Walter Kast
Postal Street Address: 10 Beach Road
City, State, Zip: Massapequa, New York 11758
Sent: 1.39 PM - 10/21 2002

Navigator 324th SQ. 91st Bomb Group
Shot down (on fire) during 8th mission (Leipzig, July 20, 1944. All crew members got out alive.

When I read about those wonderful!!! interrogators at Dulagluft (Wetzlar) I only wish they are rotting in hell. No thoughts of kindness and understanding from me.

Name: Nola Ruspini Reid
Hometown: Puebo, CO
POW Camp: Stalag 7
Name of POW: Albert Ruspini
Postal Street Address: 76 Fiernald Rd
City, State, Zip: Park Ridge, NJ
Sent: 9.07 PM - 10/19 2002

I am looking for anyone with the name Ruspini. I discovered Albert Ruspini's name in your web-site, but I do not know who he is. Please respond in any way you can. Thank you. Mrs. Nola Reid Pueblo, CO

Name: Gerald W. Lay
POW Camp: Stalag 1, North Compound 3
Name of POW: Lt Gerald W. Lay
Postal Street Address: 1107 Scott Road
City, State, Zip: Kingston, TN 37763
Sent: 9.52 AM - 10/19 2002

I was Co-Pilot on B-17, shot down 25 Nov 44 and went to Stalag 1 until liberated by Russian forces May 45.

Name: Brad Coulter
Hometown: Detroit
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1, South Barracks
Name of POW: Fred Coulter
Postal Street Address: 16996 Marguerite
City, State, Zip: Beverly Hills, MI 48025
Sent: 7.18 AM - 10/17 2002

Looking for anyone who may have known my father in camp. He passed away in 1987 and I would be very interested in hearing about him from anyone who was in the camp.

Name: Ruth Crisman
POW Camp: Decatur Apt. with Don Cole, Sr.
Name of POW: Ruth
Postal Street Address: P.O. Box 141
City, State, Zip: Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487
Sent: 3.30 PM - 10/16 2002

A fantastic and interesting website revealing hours and hours of research! Great design. Still surfing through. Wish Don could have seen this because of his tremendous interest and knowledge of history. Thanks.
Ruth Crisman

Name: Greg Price
Hometown: Galt, California
POW Camp: Stalag Luft I
Name of POW: Curtis (Bill) Dunlap
Postal Street Address: 823 Lyonia Dr
City, State, Zip: Galt, Ca 95632
Sent: 6.04 PM - 10/14 2002

Looking for any info regarding my father in law who was shot down on mission to Schweinfurt. He was assigned to 306th Bomb Group, 369th Bomb Squadron. Looking for anyone who was roommates with him or has photos for my wife.

Name: Ray Goodson
Hometown: Joliet, IL
POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1
Name of POW: Ray Goodson
Postal Street Address: 1007 W. Marion St.
City, State, Zip: Joliet, IL 60436
Sent: 2.55 PM - 10/14 2002

Name: Lenora Swanson
Hometown: Beckley, WV
POW Camp: Germany ??
Name of POW: Russlle Tolle
City, State, Zip: Kanas
Sent: 11.54 AM - 10/14 2002

He is my grandfather, He's dead now, just wanted to know if anyone remembers him from when he was there?

Name: Corinne M. Pray
POW Camp: Stalag IXB
Name of POW: Joseph S. Arsenault
Sent: 8.45 AM - 10/14 2002

My father became a POW during the Battle of the Bulge on December 19, 1944 and was sent to Stalag IXB in Bad Orb, Germany. Any information from former comrades of Company C, 106th Div., 423rd Infantry Regiment will be greatly appreciated.

Name: Karin de Graaf-Warmerdam
Hometown: Haarlem
City, State, Zip: The Netherlands
Sent: 6.04 PM - 10/13 2002

My grandfather Adriaan (Jan) Behage was in Dulag Luft. He died 5 years ago, and he never talked about this time. I'm very satisfied , that I haved looked on this site, so I can imagine how it looked like.

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