A
collection of stories, photos, art and information on Stalag Luft I
If you are a former Prisoner of War or a next of
kin of a POW, we invite you to sign and leave your email address so others that
come may find you. Please mention camp, compound, barracks and room numbers if
possible.
Name: Larry
Hammill Case Hometown: Metairie, Louisiana 70002 Sent: 2:45 PM - 6/30 2000
I am looking for any information or living friends of my brother,
Rodolph Case, who was a prisoner of war in Germany durring
WWII. His name
is listed in the book, Behind Barbed Wire, by Lt. Morris K. Roy. I am
also interested in trying to find a copy of this book which I have seen
when I was younger."Rudy" as he was called listed his home
town as the city he lived in at the time he was located on the Air base
there. His actual birth place is Brookhaven, Mississippi. I would love
to hear from anyone he may have flown with in his crew or whom he
associated with durring his days in prison. I can't remember all the
stories of his imprisonment as I was too young to really note the
importance of them at the time. However as I have grown older I realize
what an important part he played in my life as a free american and would
much like to have some of this information to pass on to my children and
grand children. My brother is gone now but I miss him dearly and the
older I get the more it seems to stay on my mind. If anyone out there
happened to know him I would greatly like to hear from you or any
information about your tour with Rudy and or prison days.
Name: Claude
McCrocklin Hometown: Shreveport, La. Sent: 11:21 PM - 6/28 2000
It was wonderful to hear from you. I am happy you had the chance to
visit with Helga, Grete and her husband Gunther. My nephew is writing this to you via the internet. This is too new for
me. Please forward your postal address so that I may write you a letter.
Sincerely,
Claude
Name: Sarajane
Kleine Steinecker Hometown: Germantown, Ohio Sent: 12:39 PM - 6/28 2000
My Dad was an ex-Stalag Luft I POW who arrived in 1944 and stayed until
the Russians liberated the camp. He was a co-pilot of a B-17, which was
shot down on its first mission. I am currently researching your site as
part of a presentation for an art education Masters class. I have chosen
this time period to discuss what was happening in art classrooms in the
US and Germany and am also including artwork from the Jewish
Concentration camps and the POW camp. Dad is coming to speak to the
class and your photgraphs are very helpful. I am going to use them to
help illustrate his part of the presentation. Thanks so much, I will be
back to visit this site again, Sarajane Steinecker
Name: WilliamT.
Hamor Homepage:5127
Birchmont Hometown: Houston Sent: 9:52 PM - 6/27 2000
Was interested in your webpage about your father. I was a POW in Stalag
Luft 4 from October '44 to April '45. I was a radio operator on a B17 in
the 398th bomb group, 602 squadran. Our plane was shot down and broke
open and I was the only one that survived because I was thrown clear of
the plane before it went down. I only suffered minor scratches and
bruises and was captured after I parachuted down. It is always
interesting to hear of other POW's experiences and appreciate your
sharing your father with us.
Name: Anne
Bennett Carpenter Hometown: Opelika,Alabama Sent: 1:54 PM - 6/27 2000
Growing up in Eufaula,Alabama, the twin daughter of Gay and Clarence
Bennett,M.D., I spent many happy family holidays visiting in the home of
Aunt Carolyn and Brother Dick and seeing Barbara, Jim, Doris, and Marylou
growing up. Dick Jr. was always so pleasant to be around, with such a
sweet smile. He carried his memories of the War Camp well. I loved him
and his family and still do love his children and Aunt
Peggy. I would
love to meet Allison and the other children.
Name: Denise
Pirollo Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA Sent: 12:05 PM - 6/26 2000
Thank you for putting up this site. It is obviously a labor of love and
devotion to your dad. I am trying to find out more information about my
father who was shot down over Schleswig on May 29, 1944 while on a
bombing mission over the Politz Oil Refineries. He was at 4 different
stalags as the Germans kept marching them. I know the second one was
Stalag Luft 3 in Zagan, Poland. He was a navigator on a B-24 and I
really don't have too much other information as my dad did not talk
about that time very much. His name was Michael A. Delduca and he was at
Selman Field for his training. He was assigned to the 34th Bomb Group in
Tucson Arizona and finished OTU at Blythe before going overseas. If
anyone has any information that would be helpful to me, I would really
appreciate it.
Name: Randy
Sherrill Homepage: 265
Hwy. 165 Hometown: Eufaula, AL 36027 Sent: 10:20 AM - 6/25 2000
These are very nice pages on your Dad. Great way to honor him.
Name: Bob
Outman Hometown: Baltimore, Md. Sent: 9:55 PM - 6/22 2000
I was in Stalag Luft I, North Compound 2, Barracks 4, Room 5. Captured
07/07/44 in Hoorn, Holland. Navigator on B-17, 390th Bomb Group, 570th
Squadron. I have been unable to find any living members of our crew,
though I have learned of some who have died. I'm still looking for
Clarence Brown, tailgunner, and Joe Grove, waist gunner. I am in
correspondence with 5 men who were in the same room as I at Barth.
Name: Harry
Nelson Hometown: Eufaula, Al Sent: 4:48 PM - 6/22 2000
My first time visiting. Very interesting.
Name: Jerry
Lynn Cox Hometown: Geneva, Il. Sent: 12:05 PM - 6/21 2000
I find your site fascinating! I am new at this computer stuff, but am
excited about it all. My Father and my late Uncle are WWII vets, in fact
my Uncle, Lt. Robert R. Swartz from White Pigeon, Michigan was a POW at
Stalag Luft I, North Compound II, Hut 201, Room 6 and then 11. During
his "stay" and immediately after returning home, he wrote a
journal of daily life in the camp, as well as the liberation. I would
like to share that on the internet, but am not sure how to go about it.
Can anyone help?
Name: GERALDINE
FOSTER Hometown: WILKES-BARRE,P.A Sent: 5:10 PM - 6/20 2000
MY DADS NAME WAS GERALD STUCKER HE WAS CAPTURED AT THE FRANCE GERMANY
BORDER,CHRISTMAS EVE 1942 ANY IMFORM,ATION WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
Update: Gerald Stucker was part of
company F71st infantry Regiment his title was Gerald Stucker 33 463 811
corporal battles&campaigns go33&40wd45 northern france
rhineland.any info.will be most appreciated.
Name: Candy
Schwarz Hometown: Sacramento, Cal Sent: 3:17 AM - 6/19 2000
My father was in WWII he was in captured and sent to prison camp. He was
a engineer on the B-17 . He was released and later came home. It saddens
me, in all my father went through to later die from heart failure at the
age of 50 years old, in 1969.
Name: Doris Hometown: Eufaula, AL Sent: 9:27 PM - 6/18 2000
Happy Father's Day Daddy!! I miss you so much.
Note from Mary:
Doris is our younger sister. She was 19 when Daddy died. There are 4 of
us, Barbara, Mary, Jim and Doris. We all miss him so! It's been 21 years
now since he died and it doesn't get any easier! It still seems like
yesterday, but I would rather it be that way than for it to seem so long
ago that I couldn't remember him.
Name: jeanne
marie Hometown: Festus, Mo. Sent: 11:49 AM - 6/18 2000
Jack A. Selzer of Bonne Terre, Mo, now deceased, was held prisoner of
war in Stalag 12A in Limburg, Germany and moved to Mulburg, Germany by
boxcar. He escaped the end of April 1945 FROM A DEATH MARCH, AND WAS
PICKED UP 3 DAYS LATER BY THE 9TH ARMORED DIVISION. Another man escaped
with him, Carl Irmsdier, who now lives in California. He served in the
European Theatre, was a Tech 5 with the 10-4th Infantry.
Jack Selzer was my Uncle, he was my friend and he was and always will be
my hero.
Name: Jim
Bockstanz Hometown: St. Clair, MI Sent: 11:24 AM - 6/18 2000
On this Father's Day 2000, my thoughts are of how lucky I am to have my
father (Bruce Bockstanz) around to share his experiences with me and the rest of his
family. The time we have left together will be cherished. I am grateful
for the interest you have shown in his remembrances of his time spent
at Luft I and am looking forward to the addition of his story to your
wonderful site. I hope everyone that reads his accounts will realize the
personal toll each of these prisoners paid for all of us to enjoy the
life we have today. Your efforts are a great service for future
generations to be able to relive the sacrifices of war and realize the
heroism that all servicemen showed in the face of ultimate sacrifice.
Name: Patricia
Gulledge Self Hometown: Eufaula, AL 36027-8115 Sent: 6:08 PM - 6/17
My father, Sim Gulledge, was not a prisoner of war, but served in WW II.
He, too, would not talk about the war, nor would he watch any war movies
on television. He came home shell-shocked and in bad shape. He died June
5, 1999, and I would have liked for him to have shared more information.
Name: van
moody Hometown: flushing, mi. Sent: 12:05 AM - 6/17
I served in the pacific campaign in world war two and in korean late
1945. My heart goes out to those brave men and their sacrafices.
I
returned from the pacific on the victory ship Eufaula victory.
Name: Bruce
Turner Hometown: Eufaula, AL Sent: 10:43 PM - 6/16
Mary Lou, This is an excellent tribute to your father. I have been
reading the articles on your hard work in The Eufaula Tribune, what a
labor of LOVE!!!!!!!!!! Mighty impressive.
Name: Hubert
Mark Altvater Hometown: Greensboro, NC Sent: 11:39 AM - 6/16
Congratulations on your marvelous
work concerning Stalag Luft 1. I was a B-26 pilot, shot down on 8-6-44
and ended up in Stalag Luft 1 in North Compound 2, Barake 2, Room 2. I
hope to hear from you.
Name: David
Schamis Hometown: New York, NY Sent: 5:30 PM - 6/15
My Grandfather, Abe Schamis, spent 6 months in Stalag Luft I, starting
in December 1944.
He often talks of his experiences in the camp, and is very anxious to
read these pages. I think my Grandfather has a unique ability to filter
out the bad memories.
Name: frank
bisagna (steve) Hometown: bradenton fl Sent: 3:37 PM - 6/15
pow in stalag luft 1 jan 44 to may 13 1945.
Name: Leonard
Ray Franklin Hometown: Paso Robles, CA Sent: 9:03 PM - 6/14
My wife's father, Jack W. Heckman, was pilot on 53 missions in a B-17
right up to the end of the war. He started in North Africa and
progressed north as the war continued. He trained on Curtis Field, class
43-A. He died at age 57 after working many years as an air traffic
specilist. He had served again in the Korean war as an instructor. He
did not say very much about the war, but he never again had as important
a job as commanding & flying a B-17.
Name: Mark
Dodge Homepage: http://TigerStripeDesign@msn.com Hometown: Portland, Oregon USA Sent: 6:48 PM - 6/14
Preparing unit history for British-American Ambulance Corps. Unit
Commander-Francis (Frank) Vicovari (New York, NY) detained by Germans
after capture/scuttle of ship (ZAMZAM) mid-Atlantic April 1941 (1 of 3
Seriously Wounded and detained - 1 US Civilian dies 11-days later aboard
captors ship ATLANTIS/TAMESIS)-
Vicovari arrives Marlag und Milag Nord Jan. 1942 - Released February
1944 in 2nd of 3 exchanges for "sick and wounded" - First
event GOTEBURG, SWEDEN 20OCT43 (14) Internees - 2nd event LISBON,
PORTUGAL 15FEB44 (35) internees - 3rd event BARCELONA, SPAIN 17MAY44
(65) internees - total 114 internees exchanged -
Vicovari exchanged for (2) German Archeologists - Names Unknown -
Criteria for exchange unknown - Want to know name of Operation - How did
it get started? - This was pre-Operation 'Magic Carpet' - What level was
U.S State Dept./Embassy-Consulate Staff/War Department/International Red
Cross/YMCA involved? How did they travel out of these cities
(Ship-nationality - Aircraft-Pan American Clippers - USAAF/RAF Aircraft
- Special markings/Escorts)? What ports/cities did they arrive in? Who
assisted in conversion and de-briefing? Did any of these or other
Internees/POW collect on the 'pay vouchers' issued by the German
Government upon their release?
Preparing Student Research Project for Undergraduate Degree Program -
All sources will be acknowledged and cited - In advance, thank you for
any notes or leads you can share -
Best regards, Mark -
Name: Les Dear Hometown: Hoddesdon,England Sent: 4:43 PM - 6/14
My Friend Mr Tom Dougherty, told me about this site. It is superb i will be back many times i am sure.
Les Dear UK Friends of the 398th BG
Name: Jan
Wieland Hometown: LaGrange, Ga. Sent: 4:11 PM - 6/11
My daddy James Benjamin Scarborough, nickname Smokemeat was a pow at
stalag luft 1. He lives in Waycross, Ga. I grew up hearing all of his
stories. He still has a lot of information including a diary that he
kept. I don't know what barracks he was in. Three of his friends were
Clarence Greene, Billy Mitchell, and Paige Nelson. Paige is also still
alive and in Virginia. I would love to hear from anyone who might have
known him.
Name: Anthony
J. Zywiczynski Hometown: Perrysburg, OH Sent: 1:56 AM - 6/11
Barb & Mary, you have done a wonderful job on this website. A fine
tribute to your father.
Name: Oliver
Clutton-Brock Hometown: Devizes, Wiltshire, England Sent: 6:40 AM - 6/9
Mouth-watering. Wish I could get my hands on these books. Reason? I'm
writng a book on RAF Bomber Command PoWs of WW2. I have also compiled a
database of all 10,000 of those PoWs. Any data re US PoWs always
welcome, particularly date shot down and Kriegsgefangennummer!
Name: B.J.
Macauley Hometown: Orlando, Florida Sent: 10:34 PM - 6/8
Congratulations. Your message is well received and most needed in
America today. Your site is a ray of hope that other works may be out
there. My search is for some history regarding the NINTH AIR FORCE (9th
AF}, EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY SECOND (832nd) Aviation Sq. I am trying to
locate any information regarding the unit and hopefully any person who
may have known TSgt Irving C. DeMarais (or similar spelling). He was an
Airborne Radio Operator serving from May 42 to Sep 45. For about one year he was a POW
(requiring medical attention for head injuries) and returned to the USA
after the war ended. Please e-mail me if you can lead me on the road to
discovering more facts. Thank you. B.J.
Name: Capt.
Kenneth E. Webster (Sam) Hometown: Springfield, Ohio Sent: 2:29 PM - 6/8
I was shot down on Sept 12,1944. I was in Stalig Luft I until
liberation. I was in room 9 block 1. I was in the 445 bomb group Sqd
702. It was not a very good time for any of us.
Name: Donna
Niewinski (Weepers) Hometown: New Dundee, Ontario, Canada Sent: 11:01 AM - 6/8
Terrific information and photos ! Would be interested in hearing from
anyone who might have met/known my dad, David Weepers, F.O. RCAF.
Thanks, Donna
Name: Bill
Chapman Hometown: Clovis, NM 88101 Sent: 11:54 AM - 6/7
My brother was 2/Lt Curtis G. Chapman who you have pictured in the
Kriegie section. My neice, Amy Baker sent the picture. You have done a
wonderful job of putting this site on line. I served in the AF l951-55.
Thanks for a good job of making info available.
Name: S.
Moore Hometown: Glenwood, IA Sent: 11:40 PM - 6/6
My grandpa was a prisoner of war in Germany, but after the war he would
never talk about his experiences. He died in the early 90s and I don't
even know what camp he was in. If you have any info, PLEASE email me.His
name is LEE ROENFELD. Thanks.
Name: Linda
Krajewski Hometown: Coventry, RI Sent: 7:10 AM - 6/6
I am trying to find anyone who was in Barracks North 2 Compound Rm #208
from January 1945-May14, 1945. "Red" Paul Haggerty a dear
friend who volunteers for my daughters softball league would love to
hear from anyone who was there with him. Col. Wilson was the commander
in North 2. On New Years Eve 1944 they were on a train from Dulag to
Stalag I from Berlin. Paul is such a wonderful person who would love to
hear from any old friends.
Note From Mary:
Linda's father in law - Alexander J. Krajewski was a navigator
and first lieutenant in the Army Air Corps 340th Bombardment Squadron
and was shot down twice over Germany and spent eight months as a Pow at
Stalag Luft 1
Name: Scherer
Stephan Hometown: Fuerth/Bay Sent: 1:20 PM - 6/5
My father Willibald Scherer was Commander of Stalag Luft 1 from 1942
till to the end of 1944. I will look up your web page now very often, as
I'm interested as well in getting more and more informations about that
time and about the role of my father in those days. Helga Radau from the
archive in Barth got a lot of photos from my father's Stalag 1
collection. Maybe you are interested to know, what keeps myself busy and
why I can't read all from your page right now? If yes, read this:
J A R O G E R A 2 0 0 0 ( JA pan, RO mania, GER many, A merica) The
acronym J A R O G E R A represents the countries participating in this
travelling exhibition. The members of JAROGERA come together in Summer
2000 to join their artistic efforts toward world peace. Some members are
good friends, others are soon to become acquainted with the rest of the
group. Although countries of origin vary, as do ideologies, what they
have in common is a vision of ART AS A LANGUAGE FOR WORLD PEACE. The
JAROGERA project has made good progress.
Name:
George R. Simmons Homepage: 5220
Summit Hometown: Oklahoma Ciy, Ok #73112 Sent: 12:57 AM - 6/4
I am an Ex-Pow, #7335, Stalag Luft 1, North 3 compound. My baracks was in the S.E. corner of the compound (Number ?)
I have an considerable amount of information that I have compiled
concering ex-pow's that didn't make it home and were likely held by the
Russians in case anyone is interested. I was a P-47 pilot. I was shot
down at Haslach, Germany on 12-26-44, and arrived at Barth on 1-10-45,
flown out on 5-13-45 to Laon, France, thence to Camp Luck Strike, thence
sailed on the "Mayo" with Victor Mature to Boston, Camp Miles
Standish. I have had but a couple of contacts with other prisoners here in
Oklahoma City who were with me during my confinement in the same
compound. I would be available to anyone who is seeking additional
information. I can be reached at my home address or by phone 405-9431043
Name: Jake M
Simonitsch Hometown: Independence, MO Sent: 3:07 PM - 6/3
Fourteen month resident of Stalag Luft I. North Compound 1, Block
(barracks)# 1. Capt. J. Bromley in charge.(Pilot -B17). I was captured
3-8-44. Raid Berlin. 390th BG Nav. Very interesting wep page.
Name: Al
Lang Hometown: St. Charles, Mo. Sent: 2:25 PM - 6/3
I am certainly enjoying some of you history as a POW. I spent 9 months
as a POW I was liberated April 29'45 at Moosburg after the march from
Nuremberg in March '45 prior to that I spent 6 months in the hospital in
Meinengen. I have made 2 trips back to Germany and also to a Dedication
Ceremony at
Schoeneck France in Aug of '98
Name: Judy
Church Hometown: Sierra Madre, CA 91024 Sent: 10:50 AM - 6/3
My father, Gordon A. Redtfeldt was a POW at this camp, Stalg Luft I. He
was the navigator on the B-17 "Pride of New Mexico". They were
shot down in November 1944. He was there until they were liberated. Is
it possible to get a copy of this web site. If so, I will send you a ZIP
disk or what ever it would take. This site is fantastic. We would like to be able to sit down and really
study it. On the web it is hard to do. If you want to contact him you can do it through me his daughter, Judy
Redtfeldt Church, jcpromo@aol.com or (626) 355-3846.
Name: Bruce
Bockstanz Hometown: Grosse Pointe Woods, MI Sent: 4:00 PM - 6/2
On this day in 1944 I was navigating a brand new B-17 from Gander, New
Foundland to Valley, Wales - on my 22nd birthday!
Name: Sheila
McGeehan-Purdy Hometown: Jefferson City, Mo Sent: 5:07 PM - 6/1
My father was a POW in Germany. He was in Stalag Luft 3, then was
transfered to Stalag Luft 7. His name is William F. McGeehan (he was in
the Air force). His e-mail address is wmcgeehan@iopener.net
We have been lucky to be able to hear his stories during his POW years.
Although they bring tears to my eyes, I cherish the times he sits and
talks about it. The first time I asked him to tell me about it was in
1971. I am lucky enough to live 2 doors from him and the times I have
with him hearing his stories are very special to me. My father is the one who told me about your web site. Thank you so much.
Name: BRUCE
BOCKSTANZ Hometown: GROSSE POINTE WOODS, MI Sent: 5:54 PM - 5/31
I JUST FINISH READING THE NEW SECTION TO THIS GREAT WEB SITE - 'RESCUE'.RAYMOND DARLING'S RECOLLECTIONS AS A RESCUER BROUGHT TEARS TO
MY EYES AS A RESCUEE! I WILL NEVER FORGET MY FEELINGS OF UTTER ELATION
WHEN THOSE BIG BIRDS - THOSE B-17'S - THOSE FLYING FORTRESSES, SWEPT
DOWN ON THAT AIRFIELD AT BARTH. WE WERE FREE AT LAST!
ON ONE POINT I QUESTION MR. DARLING'S RECOLLECTIONS. HE SAID THAT WE
WERE HAGGARD AND SKINNY AND OUR EYES WERE GLAZED. LIKE WE WERE IN A
TRANCE. IF OUR EYES WERE GLAZED, IT WAS BECAUSE WE WERE ANTICIPATING OUR
RETURN TO THE STATES AND THOSE THAT WERE WAITING FOR US THERE (WITH
MAYBE A WARM-UP STOP IN PARIS)!
AS FOR 'HAGGARD AND SKINNY', WE HAD BEEN EATING WELL SINCE EASTER, ABOUT
TWO MONTHS BEFORE. ABOUT THAT TIME OUR HOSTS BEGAN TO REALIZE THAT 'FOR
THEM THE WAR WAS OVER' AND THAT THEY BETTER START TREATING US BETTER.
THEY FOUND THAT THEY DID HAVE SOME RED CROSS FOOD PARCELS AFTER ALL.
MOST OF US PUT BACK THE WEIGHT THAT WE HAD LOST DURING A TOUGH
WINTER.THEN WHEN THE RUSSIANS ARRIVED, THEY ROUNDED UP ALL THE NEARBY
CATTLE AND DROVE THEM ONTO OUR PENINSULA. SO WHILE WAITING FOR THE
AIRFIELD TO BE PREPARED, WE GOURGED ON HAMBURGERS AND MILK.
AS EVIDENCE THAT WE WERE IN GOOD SHAPE AND RARING TO GET ON WITH THE
THINGS THAT WE HAD MISSED, LOOK AT THE PHOTO OF MY ROOMMATES AND I UNDER
'KRIEGIES', ELSEWHERE IN THIS WEB SITE. THIS WAS TAKEN JUST AFTER THE
GERMAN GUARDS HAD LEFT AND WE WERE WAITING FOR THE RUSSIANS. DO OUR EYES
LOOK 'GLAZED'? OR IS THAT THE JOY WE FELT SHINING THROUGH.
WE SAID AT THE TIME THAT IN LATER YEARS, WE WOULD FORGET THE ROUGH PARTS
AND REMEMBER THE BETTER MOMENTS. THAT'S WHAT I'M EXPERIENCING TODAY.
WHILE I'M IN THE MOOD, I JUST CALLED MY PILOT, CHUCK QUINBY AND STARTED
ARRANGEMENTS TO MEET HIM AT THE 8TH AIR FORCE REUNION IN SALT LAKE CITY
IN OCTOBER!
Name: Clint
Gruber Hometown: Beaverton, Oregon Sent: 2:20 PM - 5/31
What a wonderful job of providing info for us old Kriegies! I was at Barth from about 16 Dec '43 to the end, Block Three, room 6,
South (or West) compound. Ted Ansfield, signed in just before me in the
Guest Book, and I must have rubbed shoulders a lot, but never knew each
other there. We are old buddies now, thanks to the Internet.
Name: Ted
Ansfield Hometown: Sulby. Isle of Man. British Isles. Sent: 4:08 PM - 5/30
A wonderful site. I was there from November 1943 to the end. Barrack 6 British compound.
Are there any more Brits out there?
Name: Hank
Richmond Hometown: McLean, VA Sent: 10:15 AM - 5/30
Thank you Mary for the excellent job you did reporting on the recent
conference. Just wish my Dad (Luther Richmond) had attended.
Name: Thomas
E. Dougherty Hometown: Harrisburg, OR Sent: 7:40 AM - 5/30
A wonderful thing you have done Mary. My home town was originally, Somonauk, IL. I became a member of he 398th
while it was still in Rapid City, S.D. My 28 missions were quite
uneventful compared to what some of our boys went through. I too, was a
waist gunner. God bless your father for what he was made to experience.
May God bless you too for the love you have shown for him. TED
Name: Bill
Guiteras Hometown: Phila., Pa Sent: 6:33 PM - 5/29
My uncle Paul Guiteras was a bombadiar with the 85th bomb group.He was
shot down over Munster Oct. 10 1943. He was a prisoner for 21 months,
not sure whitch stalog kept him. He passed away last month. Thank you
for any info.
Name: Cristine
Cresto Varney Hometown: Chatsworth(suburb of Los Angeles) Sent: 1:54 PM - 5/29
My father, John Anthony Cresto, was also a prisoner of war in Luft 1.
His B17 was hit while on a bombing run (my dad was the bombardier).
Everyone except the pilot and co-pilot bailed out. The plane made it to
safety and the pilot, co-pilot were decorated. My father landed in a
tree, and watched as the townspeople and the german military raced to be
the first to get him. He said he was glad the military won. He did not
think he would be delivered to the prison camp by the civilians. My
father didn't speak much about those years; primarily because my mother
reacted so strongly. He was missing in action and she never got over the
feelings she had at that time. I was born in September of 1944, and my
dad was captured in November. He returned in pretty good shape, despite
all he endured. My folks were married for 55 years until his death in
July of 1998. My dad went on to become a Los Angeles City Fire Captain,
a job which he loved. My father said they were not treated badly, just that there was no food
for anyone. He said the men exchanged recipes for the meals they would
have their wives fix for them upon their return.
My dad didn't see me until I was 9 months old. The story goes that our
first meeting I was on my pottie chair when we first saw each other.
My father has an air medal, but I would appreciate more information
about the prisoner of war medal. Thank you for any information you could
provide. I put up my flag today, and said a prayer of gratitude to all the
beloved veterans.
Sincerely, Cristine May 29, 2000
Name: Bruce
Bockstanz Hometown: Grosse Pointe woods, MI Sent: 8:32 PM - 5/27
I was really excited when I turned to your web site and found that you
had added a report on our Conference at the site of SL I, Barth,
Pomarania, Germany! In addition to your skills in running this site,
illustrating it with interesting photos, I see that you are a good
reporter too! I learned a lot about the people that I met in Barth. I've spent the
day, reading, printing and notifying my family and friends about the
changes. Thanks and my best wishes to your mother.
Bruce
Name: DON
MCDONALD Hometown: 117-15TH ST. HOLLY HILL, FL 32117-2201 Sent: 6:46 PM - 5/27
8TH AF 381ST BM.GRP 534 BM.SQDN DOWN 07 JAN 1944 LUDWIGSHAVEN/MANNHEIM
RESIDED BARRACKE 7 NORTH COMPOUND GLAD TO HEAR FROM EX/ROOMIES OR FRIENDS
PHONE----1-904-258-6893
Name: anna
j.staton lefler Homepage: http://po
box 21 Hometown: crab orchard wv 25827 Sent: 3:30 PM - 5/27
I am looking for information on bombing mission dated August 26th 1944
which my husband was killed in. Would like to know the target and any
other info you may have. He was with 8th air force was killed over
meheim germany on that date. He was a gunner on b54. alive when
parachuted.
Name: Jim
Gleason Hometown: Schenectady, NY Sent: 11:19 AM - 5/27
Father William J. Gleason
Shot down (actually bomb blew up leaving bomb bay) over Germany 12/31/44
- B17. There is a picture on this web site labeled "Class of
45" My guess is he is in there somewhere. He passed away 1989
Name: Doris Hometown: Eufaula, AL Sent: 10:52 PM - 5/26
Sis,
I visit this page occasionally and was drawn here tonight I guess
because of the Memorial Day weekend and thoughts turned to Daddy. So far
I have not made it through the site without crying...I guess I inherited
that sentimental stuff from Daddy...he did love his family so. I love
the letters you have added from Nannie and Poppoo (I remember rummaging
through Mom's boxes last year when we discovered those letters!) You did
a great job recapping the jest of the letters. I'm so glad that you and
Mom went to the reunion...not only to have been there firsthand and
witnessing the place that held our father captive but also I'm glad that
you and Mom shared the experience together. As we get older there are
fewer and fewer chances to really bond with a parent. This was one of
those times for you and Mom...Daddy would be pleased.
Name: Kenneth
K. Blyth Homepage: http://www.cradlecrew.com Hometown: Ottawa,Ontario now Naples, Fl. Sent: 6:57 PM - 5/26
Mary - It was nice being with you and your mother in Barth. You have
done a great job with your web page. If you have time you might like to
look up mine but it doesn't compare. I will have to do a lot more work
on it.
Name: CARL
P. FINNEY HISTORIAN Hometown: MUSKEGON,MICHIGAN Sent: 2:19 PM - 5/23
ONE OF OUR MEN WAS IN STALAG#1 "MORTON LEVINE" 72nd TROOP
CARRIER SQUADRON OF THE 434th TROOP CARRIER GROUP, FROM SEPTEMBER 17th
1944 TO THE END OF THE WAR.
Name: Ron
Fleishman Hometown: Camarillo, CA Sent: 2:03 AM - 5/22
Ten years ago I worked at TWA with Monroe S.(Harry) Wolyn.
He was a "guest" of the German Govt. Having to bail out of his
B-24,Harry was a gunner. Harry retired about ten years ago and we lost
track of each other. He used to tell me many "Barth -Stalag Luft
one" tales. Do you have an email for him?
Name: Steve
Kaplan Hometown: Plymouth, MN Sent: 5:48 PM - 5/21
Thank you so much for making all of this information available to the
families of those who flew the B-17s and who experienced an imprisonment
of which they rarely, if ever, spoke.
...
Name: Lt.
Truman C. Cole Hometown: De Soto , Mo Sent: 8:07 AM - 5/16
Anyone in the 320th ?
POW Stalag Luft 1 ??
Barth
Name:
Dan Gardner Hometown: Mathiston, MS 39752 Sent: 10:37 AM - 5/15
I was in the Army Air Corp. 389 Bomb group. Was shot down in a B-24
December 20, 1943. Was a German prisoner of war for almost 18 months.
Was in Stalag XV11-B. Would like to hear from anyone that was in the
same camp.
Name:
JOHN
J CARROLL Homepage:911
N TAWAS LAKE RD Hometown: E. TAWAS,MI,48730 Sent: 5:01 PM - 5/14
FLORIDA IN WINTER-4427 MT VERNON DR,BRADENTON,FL,34210; I WAS
AT STALAG LUFT 1, FLEW P38 WITH 38TH SQD,55TH FTR GP.; DOWN NOV29TH
1943 OVER HOLLAND.; OTHER THREE IN FLIGHT WERE; KILLED INCL
SQD C.O.
Name:
David Prater Hometown: Redding Sent: 9:55 PM - 5/13
My grandfather is Don Tapie and was a POW at Barth. Here is an oral
tradition report I wrote about him for my 6th grade class this
year......I am writing my oral tradition report about my Grandfather Don
Louis Tapie, who was born in Santa Barbara, California on February 11,
1921. When he was 21 years old my Grandpa decided to join the military
service. He joined the Army Air Corp, and became a navigator during
World War II.
The stories my Grandpa tells about his time in World War II are some of
the most interesting oral tradition stories shared in my family. My
favorite story started out when he was stationed at a base in England at
East Anglica. He was part of the 8th Air Army Corp 458 Bomb Group.
On September 16, 1944 he had a big breakfast and a short briefing with
the Commanding Officer. Then this mission was called off (scrubbed) and
he returned to his bunks. In a little while, he was called back for
another breakfast and briefing. It was a good thing he ate twice,
because he didn’t eat again for a couple of days.
The Commanding Officer ordered a bomb attack against Germany, so off
they went. At first, because they were so loaded, my Grandpa didn’t
think the plane would get off the ground. In the air, they were supposed
to change course 30 degrees when the Rhine River came to a bend below
them. But they didn’t, and their plane was hit by flak from the enemy.
Flak are shells that explode and cover a large area. Some of the flak
hit his number two engine. The pilot gave them the order to bail out. My
grandpa rushed to the gunners in the rear and found out they had already
jumped, mainly because their oxygen had exploded, and you don’t do to
well at 24,000 feet without oxygen. My grandfathers’ plane was then
contacted by other planes in his group, who said two of their engines
were on fire. So it was a wise decision to jump. My Grandpa had to
escape through the Bomb-bay door, which still had the bombs in its
racks. It was tight place to squeeze through, but he made it. At 24,000
feet, he was tumbling so fast he could not even see his plane until he
pulled his ripcord. He says that was quite a sudden stop for a person
who weighed 220 pounds! Then he saw the plane – he said it looked so
good and he wished he could still be on board, instead of in the air at
20,000 feet, and falling.
He could see everything, including many people on the ground. He said it
looked like they were waiting for him, greeting him to Germany. He came
down close to the town of Cob Lenz. He was escorted into town by a
Luftwaffe Officer and about 30 little, nine or ten year old children. They
spoke good English and wanted know where my Grandpa was from, and what
his name was. They also kept asking for candy bars, and my Grandpa
quickly lost his stash. They took my Grandpa to the Mayor’s office.
There he was interrogated and they took his watch, ring and everything
else of value. They never did believe my Grandpa didn’t have a gun on
him. They then locked him in a cell near the school. He said it seemed
like all of the kids had to look at him, but he didn’t pay much
attention to what they said. His back hurt from landing on it when he
bailed from the plane, and still hurts him sometimes today.
Later they took my Grandpa and some other Americans and lined them up in
front of a big wall, like they were planning to shoot them! But he says
the Germans were just having “fun” by scaring the Americans to
death! He stayed in Cob Lenz for a couple of days, and then was sent
Frankfurt for another interrogation. They knew my grandpa’s wife’s
name, his high school and many other things that surprised him, because
all my Grandpa would say was his rank, name and serial number. After
five days, the interrogators gave up and sent him to another camp where
he was finally given clothing and food. This was the first real food he
had in a long time.
Then my grandpa and the other American soldiers were put on a train and
sent on a long trip to Barth, in the northern part of Germany. It was
about sixty miles from the tip of Sweden. He stayed there for about
eight months until the war was over. While he was a POW., his wife was
having their first child (my mom’s older sister).
My grandpa has many stories about his time in World War Two, but this
story is my favorite. Every time I talk to my Grandpa about the War, I
learn more details and I am surprised that he remembers it all so well.
These stories make me feel closer to my Grandpa, because he gets to
share his adventures with me. Someday, I will share his adventures with
my kids.
Name: Ann
Prater Hometown: Redding, CA Sent: 8:55 PM - 5/13
My Dad, Donald Louis Tapie, was a POW in Barth Germany. I don't know his
exact location, but will try to find it and sign in again. In the
meantime, if anyone knows DON TAPIE please let me know. He can reached
at DLTAPIE@aol.com . He would also love to hear from you.
Name: Gene
Sylvester Hometown: Concordia MO Sent: 7:59 PM - 5/12
I now live in NJ. I spent 34 years working for the Boeing company after
getting a degree in Aero eng at U of Kansas.
Name: Bruce
Kamarainen Hometown: Fort Worth, TX Sent: 1:50 PM - 5/9
Hi!! My dad ( Ed Kamarainen)said I should check out this website. I think it is a good
idea. He was also shot down over the same area. Before the German soldiers arrived he was beaten
to unconsciousness by the local farmers. He has written a couple of articles for newsletters about his experiences
Name: Earl
Baker Hometown: Eufaula,Alabama Sent: 8:22 PM - 5/8
I did not meet Mr. Dick Williams until after the war. But I remember him
as a fine gentleman that always applied the golden rule to all his
business dealings.
Name: HOMER
S. NORRIS Hometown: COLUMBIA, TN Sent: 2:02 PM - 5/8
I WAS IN THE 322ND SQDN, 91st BOMB GROUP. SHOT DOWN JULY 20,'44. POW AT
LUFT IV FOR 6 MONTHS, MARCHED 700 MILES ACCROSS GERMANY, LIBERATED MAY
,45. I WAS MOST INTERESTED IN YOUR WEB PAGE. THANKS
Name: John
W. Galt Hometown: Shalimar. FL. Sent: 2:47 PM - 5/7
483rd Bomb Grp 15th AF shot down July 18 1944 over Kempton. Ger. Stalag
Luft I. Bombardier.Hometown then Carlisle, PA.Retired USAF 1963 as CMSgt
(E-9).B-17.Bombardier class 43-9 San Angelo, TX.
Name: John
DeRaimo Hometown: Charleston West Virginia Sent: 11:33 PM - 5/5
Thanks for the memories. I've just started putting together my fathers
story and came across this site. His log that he kept the whole time he
was in Stalag 1 confirms most of the information that you've so
wonderfully put together. I can't wait to print off some of your photo's
and show him. I can think of no fonder memory of your farther than what you've
accomphished on this home page. Thank you from my father, myself, and
my family.
Name: Eric
Smylie Sent: 9:13 PM - 5/5
I recently purchased the Wartime Log belonging to 2nd Lt. Jacob R. Brown
from Harlingen, Texas ASN 0-698256 Krgf. No. 4350 Stalag Luft 1 Barracks
3, Room 6. He was at the camp when it was abandoned in 1945. Does anyone
have any information on Lt. Brown?
Name: Clint
Gruber Hometown: Beaverton OR Sent: 1:15 AM - 5/2
I was copilot on "Iron Ass" of the 329th SQ 93BG. Shot down on
ninth mission December 1, 1943. Target Solingen in the Ruhr valley. All
crew bailed out safely except tail gunner, S/Sgt Harry Byerman, KIA in
turret. Spent remainder of war in Stalag Luft 1. Lived in South
Compound, Block 3.
Name: Bob
Outman Homepage: 6210
Park Heights ave. Hometown: Baltimore, Md. 21215 Sent: 1:21 PM - 4/29
Stalag Luft I
North Compound II
Barracks 4
Room 5
Name: Sara Hometown: Modesto, CA. Sent: 11:17 AM - 4/29
Dear Heroic Men,
This page is very interesting and also very helpfull. I am a college
student writing a research paper and I decided to write a sort of
documentary about a P.O.W. of WWII, when I met a man from this same camp
Stalag Luft 1 named Lt. Eldred McElrath a B-24 Liberator pilot, whom I
interviewed and am in the process of writing my research paper about his
life as a POW in the camp Stalag Luft 1. His description of life at that
time in camp Stalag Luft1 matches exactly others description of the
camp.I appreciate you all having this site. Everyone needs to learn
about what happened in the past and learn from others experiences. Thank
You!
Name: Teresa
Whittington Sent: 12:19 AM - 4/29
My first cousin was Lt. Wesley B. Crow, Jr. who was flying a p-38 when
he was shot down over Italy in April, 1944. He was held in the North
Compound I. Anyone who has any information they can share with his
family would earn our gratitude. Lt. Crow died June 1, 1999 in Ft.
Worth, Texas
Name: Kenneth
Cooper Hometown: Former Eufaula resident Sent: 11:46 PM - 4/27
I did not make the WW2 list but was active in the Korean Conflict. Every
citizen should read the stories of the POWs in order to appreciate their
freedoms we have today in which most people take for granted. This Web
site is worthwhile and I will pass it on.
I grew up in Eufaula but did not know Dick. I know that his family must
be very proud of him.
Name: Dawn
M Naret' Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa, USA 15230-0505 Sent: 7:18 PM - 4/27
This truly is "THE BEST OF THE BEST". From the first sentence
I had tears in my eyes. The bravery, valor and all American KHUTZBAH of
those early military men could not be duplicated today. Our boys of this
age will thankfully never have to endure the miseries of bygone
atroscities caused by the degeneration of the human intelligence and
spirituality that lured leaders of nations to send bright young men and
women into the bowels of evil called war. What part of "THOU SHALT
NOT KILL" do we not understand ? Will we as a species ever learn to
obey the laws of GOD and refuse to not "LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS
THYSELF". Our world leaders do seem to be making attempts at more
"negotiating" solutions to world problems today, but are they
really as interested in protecting us as they are in promoting commerce?
I cry for those who have been shredded by the guns of war, I cry for
those who have been left as orphans by the guns of war, I cry for those
who have buried children lost to the guns of war, I cry for the
survivers who are forever ripped from the pleasantries of innocence and
now only replay the horrors of the memories of war and I cry for the
world leaders who will have to stand in front of GOD, at their judgement, and explain why they considered this valuable young creation
of GOD as dispensible meat to be thrown to the front for political power
boosters. As a member of the "human" race, I pray for you and
all those brave men who survived that blackhole in the shining glory of
man's progressive evolution. May we all learn from this wonderful
memorial site that each and every human is a blessing and a great loss
to "someone"..."somewhere". Thank you again for
sharing so much info that many of us could never have been aware of. GOD
BLESS THOSE MEN AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.-
Dawn Marie Stauter-Liechtenstein Naret'
Name: jack
moskowitz Homepage: http://863
skyline dr. coram ny 11727 Sent: 2:44 PM - 4/27
452 bomb gr. 731 sq. pilot was Ted macDonald we were shot down 3/8/44 mission to berlin.
Bombardier and Co-pilot lynched by civilians. Stalag Luft 1 - no. compound bk 10 transferred to Jewish
prisoners barrack after 7/1/44 fortunately survived . Severely wounded, and spent 6 weeks in pow hospital.
,staffed by british personnel.operated on by british col.oral surgeon on kitchen table with ether as an
anaesthetic.have been going to 452nd reunions met some crew men and also fellow kriegies.
Let's hear from you!!!
Name: edward
rae Hometown: Gloucester, ON.Canada K1J 6T9 Sent: 12:53 PM - 4/25
Very interesting reading. I was in the RCAF(158 Squadron-RAF)as a rear
gunner on a Halifax aircraft. Attacked by 2Ju.88s(got One) bailed out
near Hannover on the night of Jan .5th/45 about 7:30 p.m. Visited
Frankfurt, box-car (40 men or 8 horses) to Barth and issued #7626. I was
flown out of Barth aerodrome by the 305th BG, B-17s in the afternoon of
May 13th, Col F.Cabreski, a P-47 pilot, was one of the senior U.S.A.F.
officers.He later flew F-86s in Korea, with a few Migs to his
credit.Thank you .
Name: MARY
PICKERING Sent: 11:20 PM - 4/22
I AM TRYING TO FIND INFORMATION ON MY GRANDFATHER, S/SGT GEORGE A
GOOD.
HE WAS A BALL TURRET GUNNER ON A B17 CALLED SHACK BUNNY, THEY FLEW WITH
THE 8TH AF, 385TH BG, 550 SQUAD. THE PILOT'S NAME WAS LT. LYLE FRYER.
THE PLANE WENT DOWN OCTOBER 1943. ALL CREW WERE TAKEN AS POW'S. WE DON'T
KNOW WHERE THEY WHERE TAKEN. WE ARE LOOKING FOR ANY INFORMATION ON MY
GRANDFATHER OR THE CREW THAT HE WAS WITH. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT ONE OF
HIS CREW MEMBER'S, LT JOHN S DURAKOV WAS THE CAMP INTERPITER. ANY INFO
WOULD BE GRATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU, MARY PICKERING
Name: John Rapp Hometown: Bath, NY Sent: 1:21 PM - 4/22
My grandfather was a B-17 navigator shot down over Germany and interred
at Luft Stalag I at Barth (John Raymond Rapp). It is a period of his
life he has always been extremely retiscent to tell our family about. As
a result, that period has been speculated on actively. Thanks for the
great source of information!
Name: Thomas
Creekmore Hometown: Severna Park, MD Sent: 3:50 PM - 4/21
I was a radio operator on one of the B-17s that flew to Barth to pick up
the POWs. I flew with the 305th BG and we flew 21 planes and landed at
Barth at Noon, Sunday, May 13th. 200 B-17s from the 1st Air Division
went on this "Revival" that Sunday. I will always remember
that day.
Name: Darrel
G. Myers Hometown: Lindale, Texas Sent: 4:55 PM - 4/13
I really enjoyed your site however I am searching for Stalag Luft 4 and
looking for Sgt. Roy T. Patterson I might add without much luck. Thanks
again
Name: Bill
Loch Hometown: Cincinnati,Ohio Sent: 11:14 AM - 4/11
I want to thank all the men that served our country in WWII. My father
served and was also a POW. He was in Stalag 7A in Moosesburg, Germany. I
am trying to piece together his stint in the service but it is very
difficult because his memory is fading. He can't even remember what unit
he was in or who he served under. He thinks he was with the 125th
Armored engineers division, but he is not sure. If anyone can help me
with how and where to obtain this information please let me know.
P.S. I once again attended the POW Recognition Day Program this past
Sunday in Cincinnati and I applauded loudly as each branch of the
service was recognized. Again thanks for your service to our country.
Bill Loch 513-831-1321
Name: Major
Bill D. Little - USAF (Ret) Hometown: Meare Oxenpill, Smt. BA6 9TA, UK Sent: 5:27 AM - 4/11
In Honor of my brother, M/Sgt. Ralph H Little, Oakboro, NC.8th AF, 45th
Wing, 452nd BG, 729th BSq., "Top Turret" and "Ass't
Radio" - B-17. POW in Stalag Luft IV.
Name: susan
helms Sent: 11:43 PM - 4/10
I am hoping to find out someday where my dad was captured during the
battle of the bulge. all i really know is he was 28th division and 112th
infantry. My Mom is little by little telling me more. It was something
never talked about in our house. All that was mentioned is he was a
prisoner a war and he was wounded. His name was Claude Briard.... I will
keep trying to find out all that happened to my Dad .... Thank you for
your time!!!
Sincerely,
Susan Briard Helms
Name: Joe
R Ahrens Hometown: Story City IA Sent: 9:06 PM - 4/10
My father was Lt. Robert H Ahrens. He was co-pilot of a B-24 named Miss Fit. I would love to hear from anyone who knew him or
anybody interested at all. I have several pictures of his plane and the
Stalag Luft Camp he was in.
jolinda5@gte.net
Name: David
N. Thompson Hometown: Memphis, TN Sent: 3:52 PM - 4/10
So glad to get more information from another Kriegie about Stalag Luft
1. I was in the West Compound. Member of RCAF. Arrived Sept. 1944.
Name: Patricia
Benker Hometown: Pinecrest,CA>USA Sent: 5:13 PM - 4/8
Mary,
I just realized I had found your web page via another route and did not
realize it until I reread the page and notes to you. Again, thank you
from my heart my friend you have opened the door to the young
"Record Keepers", who will find the energy to discover who
their Silent Family Heros are and were. We as Free Americans need to
remember what great personal goodness we have. I have discovered many
Ex-POW's who have found the men who shot them out of the sky 55 years
ago and have become friends and forgiven each other. What wonderful
examples of tolerance for all the world to know of. I think I have discovered a friend with more photos for you.
God Bless your family and I pray all have returned to good health.
Sincerely, Patricia
Name: Patricia
D. Benker Hometown: Pinecrest,CA.USA Sent: 4:55 PM - 4/8
Thank you for saving so much info. on your web page. I only wish I had
more about Dad or anyone with him, when he arrived at Barth from Stalag
Luft IV, as I would like to thank the men who helped him survive. I am
sure he never would have lived for 50 years longer had it not been for
the good heart and kindness of fellow POW's. The POW's really took care
of each other and continue to try to this day if only they can find
their fellow friends of many years ago. Sometimes it is only to say
"good bye", however often the reunion with family is
priceless.
Dad had a serious injury to his left leg when they were shot down Aprin
9,1944 over Keil,Ger., on a return flight from Marinberg(on the eastern
front). If there is anyone who was with Dad (Patrick Benker,384th BG.
546th BS)reading this please contact me. I would like to express our
appreciation for all you gave for our American Freeedoms.
Sincerely,
Patricia Benker
Name: Robert
J. Watkins Homepage: 136
Egypt Rd. Hometown: Mont Clare, Pa Sent: 11:25 AM - 4/4
I was a POW in Stalag 17B after being shot down on August 17,1943 to
May, 1945. Enjoy reading other accounts. Thanks for your effort.
Name: Sherri
Harrison Porter Hometown: Waxahachie, Tx Sent: 8:38 PM - 4/2
My Dad was a waist gunner shot down in 1945 and spent 2 months in a
prison camp at the age of 19. Im a civil member of the 305 th Bomb Group
Assoc. today. Dad past away in 1992, he was a great hero and I know your
Dad is and was as proud of you as mine was of me. My father Edgar F.
Harrison was in the 366 th sq. Last year I met 4 men that flew with my
father in his crew as I attended my 1st 305 th reunion in seattle, Wa.
My trip and the relations with my new friends reminded me of my fathers wonderful nature of being
an all american GOOD OLD GUY.... All that I've done to learn more and be an active part of history has
helped me over come the trama that was never talked about in my home.
Honor is not silence...Thanks
Name: Cindy
Cotter Sent: 11:04 AM - 4/1
My dad was a POW at this camp....James F. Cotter
Name: William
Eisner Hometown: Short Hills, NJ Sent: 6:53 PM - 3/31
I found your site by following the web page design leads on AT&T.
It's really very good and a great reminder that all of those
"doddering old men" we see around us today- actually not much
older than I am - performed truly heroic deeds when they were young and
essentially saved us from a horrible future. Best of luck and God
Bless!
Hometown: South
Carolina Sent: 2:13 AM - 3/31
Hello
I'm looking for help with information on my Grandfather. Raymond E.
Spencer, ser # 34965826, POW at Stalag 9 -B, Bad Orb,
Germany, WWII. I'm also looking for information on the Prisoner of War
tags issued to him by the Germans. These tags were recently stolen and
my family is trying to recover them. Any information would be welcomed.
Thank you all, for all you've done for our country.
Name: Todd
Fielding Hometown: Paoli, PA Sent: 8:53 PM - 3/29
I enjoyed my visit to your site. Can you tell me where I can get a list
of the US flies held at Stalag Luft 1? My cousin's husband was the last
navigator of the Picadilly Lily, and was a prisoner for 19 months until
June 1945. I would like to find which stalag he was held.
Name: John
Sacks Hometown: Mason, Ohio Sent: 6:52 PM - 3/27
I was a POW at Stalag Luft 1 September 27, 1944 - May 13, 1945 - #5587
North Compound 2, Barracks 205, Room 6. My wife and I visited Barth
August 20-21, 1998. Helga Radau was just great as historian. A few days
earlier, we also visited the village (Bebelsheim) where I parachuted
September 13, 1944 after being shot up over Ludwigshafen in a Pathfinder
B-17 from the 96th BG, but leading 490th BG who had just converted from
B-24's to B-17's. At Bebelsheim, I spent 3 days with the soldier (Ignatz
Merz) who had captured me. We now correspond regularly as friends.
Anyone who would like further information about travel or accommodations
in Barth based on our experience there, send us an e-mail. Also, if
anyone would like to share experiences during the POW era, contact me.
(Does anyone remember the song about Ashland U?)
This is a great Web Site with lots of accurate information and amazing
photos! I never thought I'd see those scenes again!
Name: Jackie
Smith Hometown: Georgia Sent: 10:32 AM - 3/27
You have done a wonderful job and have inspired me to find out more of my family
history! This was certainly very interesting and informative.
Jackie Smith
Name: Paul
Bartley Hometown: Montgomery, Al Sent: 2:31 AM - 3/27
I have spent a little more than an hour pouring over every page of your site and
must say that as much as I am impressed with your site, I am most moved over
your obvious love for your father and your deep respect for his sacrifice. As
much as we study history our depth of understanding will yield only an
inexperienced idea as to the actual experience seen and felt by our fathers. My
father, Paul Bartley, Sr., Ozark, Al., lived a quiet, honorable and contributing
life till his death in 1990. He, like yours, never spoke of his months and
months of island-hopping in the Pacific Theatre, the firefights in the swamps,
the life and times of a combat officer, the carnage. When I thought those tales
of heroism would be lost, the last two days of his life he answered my ten
thousandth request and told me his story in his quiet and humble way. He was
ever proud to have been there although would have just as well not had the war.
He was proud to have contributed although never considered anything he did
better than the contribution of others. To the end he was lovingly devoted to
his God and his family and fiercely devoted to his country. My son, Paul III,
never saw his grandfather but knows well the man who's name he bears. Great men
like your father, Dr. Kuptsow and mine cannot be praised high or long enough for
their sacrifice, even more so those who gave their lives. I read not long ago
the ignorant words of some social activist complaining "We don't have any
more heros for our young people to emulate." Oh, yes we do!
Name: George
Lesko Hometown: Lee's Summit, MO Sent: 8:05 AM - 3/26
I, and my son Greg are going to the Stalag Luft 1 confernce on 17 and 18 April
2000 via a Belin-Oranienburg conference scheduled 15 and 16 April. Hope to meet
with British flyer Bertram James who participated in the "Great
Escape" Roland Geiger is guiding us for 5 days.
I plan to pilot a rented aircraft onto the Barth Airfield - the same airfield I
departed from in a B-17 in April 1945.
Name: Bill
Morford Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa. Sent: 8:56 PM - 3/25
Very nice web page! A fitting tribute! My father was captured during the Battle of the Bulge and was intered at Stalag
4 b, but as he is recently deceased and did not speak of many particulars of his
imprisonment, I have been trying to glean what information I can about POW
prisons (the real ones, not the movie version) to let people know what a true,
though quiet hero he really was. Keep up the good work. Your site is an inspiration.
Name: Angela Hometown: Huntsville, AL. Sent: 9:56 PM - 3/24
This is really a special thought you had and I'm sure your daddy would be very
pleased with the kind of effort you gave to tell this to all. Congratulations...A.Smith
Name: Donna Hometown: Sarasota, FL Sent: 9:36 PM - 3/24
I was looking at the "featured" Web pages on ATT Home Page and got
hooked as I started reading yours. I enjoy WWII history, but especially when it
is up close and personal. Thank you for keeping the stories alive.
Name: THOMAS
CLARK SMITH Hometown: HUNTSVILLE , AL. Sent: 8:21 PM - 3/24
MARY YOU DID A GREAT JOB ON THIS.WE KNOW YOU ARE PROUD.. ANDREW LOOKS JUST LIKE
YOUR FATHER, THE BIG PICTURE LOOKS JUST LIKE ANDREW . GOOD JOB BARBARA
Name: Edwin
E Kamarainen Hometown: Renton Wa Sent: 4:27 PM - 3/24
Mary; As we found out,your dad and I were shot down over the same target on the
same date, Misburg Nov 26 1944. I was with 491st Bg about an hour
earlier.Congratulations on your very informative sight .Best wishes! Ed &
Eva
Name: BRUCE
BOCKSTANZ Hometown: GROSSE POINTE WOODS, MI Sent: 8:33 AM - 3/20
I WAS A NAVIGATOR ON THE B-17, THE SILVER SLIPPER. IT WAS THE FIRST NON-PAINTED
FORTRESS TO FLY IN THE ETO. WE WERE STATIONED AT THE 96TH BOMB GROUP AT
SNETTERTON HEATH.
ON JULY 19, 1944, WE WERE HIT BY TWO FLAX BURSTS JUST AFTER DROPPING OUR BOMBS
ON THE BALL-BEARING PLANT AT SCHWEINFURT. ESCORTED BY P-38'S, WE DROPPED OUT OF
FORMATION AND FLEW FOR AN HOUR ON TWO ENGINES. WE BAILED OUT OVER REIL ON THE
MOSEL RIVER. AFTER INTERROGATION,WE SPENT THE REST OF THE WAR IN STALAG LUFT I,
BARTH, POMARANIA, NORTH COMPOUND II, BLOCK 4, ROOM 12.
AM CURRENTLY TRYING TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CEREMONY AT BARTH IN APRIL.
ANYONE PLANNING TO ATTEND?
Name: Ed
Suominen Sent: 2:02 PM - 3/18
POW Stalag 2B 2 years, escaped from death march and concentration camp. Book:
"Twice to Freedom".
www.twicetofreedom.com
Name: JRW Hometown: McLean, VA Sent: 9:12 AM - 3/15
I made it.
Name: Clayton
F. (Clay) Boyce Hometown: Seattle, WA Sent: 3:11 AM - 3/15
I was a crew member on the USS Admiral H. T. Mayo, the ship that brought these
guys home. I came across this site almost by accident. I have been writing a
family history for a while and thought it was about time to write my own story.
It was in the process of trying to refresh my memory about my service on the
Admiral Mayo that I came across this site. It was one of the greatest thrills of
my life to witness the debarkation of these airmen and soldiers in Boston that
day. I had forgotten the name of the camp (Camp Lucky Strike) where these men
had been just prior to coming aboard the ship until I read the narrative by Dr.
Kuptsow. I am honored to have been involved in a small part of their
lives.
Name: Jeff
Blyth Hometown: Glendale, CA Sent: 5:00 PM - 3/14
Took my father (RCAF Halifax pilot, 408 Squadron) back to Stalag Luft 1 last
year and we're going back again next month. There's a reunion planned for all
former POWs April 17, 18, 2000, in Barth. The town is organizing the two day
festivities. Contact me for further info.
Name: Patricia
Benker Hometown: Pinecrest,CA Sent: 1:31 AM - 3/13
Thank you, what a wonderful web site you have made for your Dad. You have
collected so much information, as I have about my "silent Ex-POW"
father however, you have used your skill and heart to record a story that will
soon be lost if not shared and recorded by the friends and family who knew these
silent heros. We will never be able to understand the pain and suffering of the
Ex-POW's who were our fathers however we have both discovered a group of very
special Americans who are really friends, that are like family. Part of my own
father's life history would have been lost and never known by his own family had
I not discovered with the help of other Ex-POW's men who knew Dad during those
dark days as a POW.
God Bless You for the time and effort you have put into collecting and saving
your Dad's story.
Sincerely,
Patricia
Name: Gerry
Seger Hometown: Lake City, Michigan Sent: 9:47 AM - 3/12
Enjoyed your story about your father. Each time I read a story, I thank these
fine gentlemen who suffered so much for our freedom. I am helping a friend research information on her father,
Albert Maxbauer, who
was a POW from March 31, 1944 at Barth.
Gerry Seger
Name: Pam
Kupsov Homepage: 227
Pine Ridge Rd Hometown: Havertown, PA Sent: 10:58 AM - 3/11
THANKS AARON! I really appreciate learning more about you and our family...talk
to you soon.
Name: Steve
Kupsov Homepage: http://227
Pineridge Road Hometown: Havertown, PA 19083 Sent: 12:04 PM - 3/9
Thanks for providing all the info on my cousin, Aaron Kuptsow. His memories will
live forever in our hearts and minds.
Name: Susie
Hoffmeyer Hometown: Huntsville, Al Sent: 5:19 PM - 3/6
Mary, You have really put in alot of work on this. I am sure it was worth it for
you and your family. Hope you are feeling better.
Name: Lt.
Col. Robert M. Wills, Sr. Homepage: http://Liberty
Lake, Washington Hometown: Marion, Ohio Sent: 2:11 PM - 3/6
Great Site: I, too, was a POW from 3/23/44 - 4/19/45. All of the other members
of our crew from 385th Bomb Group, 550th Squadron, were at Stalag-Luft 1.
I was
taken off train headed for Barth, and ended up in a hospital at Nordhausen for 3
months, then on to Stalag-Luft 3, and participated in forced march to Stalag
XIII-D at Nuremberg. Crew members who were in Luft 1: 1st Lt Jack Salyards, 2nd
Lts. Nate Gewirtz and Bill George, SSgts Harry Campbell, Charles Cooper, John
McGwire, William Brooks,Otto Schoenberg, and Joseph Williams.
Name: james
speight (Anabel) Hometown: Oakboro NC Sent: 12:35 AM - 3/6
trying to find info for my uncle (Ralph Little) 452ndBG--729Sq. POW in Germany
Stalag 4 or 5. B17 shot down near Gembioux, Belgium
Name: Anita
& Aaron Hometown: Phila. PA Sent: 7:58 AM - 3/4
Dear Mary:
Your web site is terrific. I've enjoyed re-reading the account. Everything has
come thru clear & concise. The picture reproductions are first rate. You've
done an excellent job and I'm sure that you'll get a lot of hits from those
seeking more information relative to their own families. See more on e-mail.
Anita & Aaron
Name: Steve
Harper Hometown: Columbia SC Sent: 3:00 PM - 3/2
Great site ! Truly an honor to our "Greatest Generation" . My dad was
a POW in WWll , but was so quiet (traumatised I think) that I got very little
information from him . We were in the preliminary stages of a trip to Europe to
follow his wartime travels , when he suddenly died of a heart attack . He never
got around to telling me where he was , except captured by a pitchfork wielding
Belgian (?) farmer .Do you have any informational sources where I can follow his
wartime career?
Thanks
Steve
Note: Steve's father was T/Sgt. Mallie Lemmuel Harper of South Carolina . The
city could have been Columbia , Cayce , West Columbia or Hopkins. Flying on his
12th mission on a B-17, he bailed out over Belgium, he thinks, as a fighter was
trailing them waiting for them to go down from battle damage. They bailed out
rather than be shot down. A local farmer captured him with a pitchfork !!
Name: Roy
Berman Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa. Sent: 2:30 PM - 3/1
My wife and I are friends of Aaron Kuptsow and find that his story as well as
all others and the photos are fascinating!
Name: SUSAN
KANADY Hometown: GAINESVILLE FL Sent: 12:33 AM - 3/1
HI,MY GRANDDADS NAME IS PAUL LUKAC/LUCAS.I DONT KNOW MUCH EXCEPT HE WAS IN BOOT
CAMP IN CAMP BLANDING,WENT TO PARATROOPER SCHOOL IN FORT BENNING,GA,AND GOT OUT
OF THE ARMY IN 1945. HE WAS A POW IN GERMAN CAMP AND WAS CAPTURED ON THE
METZ(METS) RIVER. ANY INFO WOULD BE APPRECIATED
Name: Fran
Alden Hometown: Mansfield Pa Sent: 5:45 PM - 2/29
Mary I got thru easily this time FRAN
Name: Karen
Dice Sent: 10:00 AM - 2/28
Hi! What a tremendous amount of work! And all those messages, in just a few
days, must make you feel good.
Love, Karen
Name: Chris
Pappas Sent: 7:37 PM - 2/27
This is great stuff. Look forward to seeing you both soon. Dinner is on us.
Chris
Name: Doris
Williams Fowler Sent: 6:00 PM - 2/27
Mary,
Thank you for honoring Daddy's life and service to his country. Your tireless
research has filled in a blank spot we all had regarding his short life. I feel
certain that this web page is once again making him proud of his daughter! I'm
proud of you too big Sis!!
Name: Scott
Mather Hometown: Morro Bay , Californis Sent: 4:32 PM - 2/25
I'm trying to find information on my Fathers ordeal as a prisoner of war. The
only information I have is that he was in Generals Hodges 1st Army during the
Battle of the Buldge in about the middle of the line. He was a Lieutenant in
Company D ( heavy weapons). They were over run by the Germans. The men were
either to be killed or captured by the advancing infantry. The Battalion
Commander gave the men a choice of trying to get back to the lines or taken
prisoner. The group that opted prison needed an officer to command and represent
them. My Father volunteered. They walked for over three weeks in the snow to
arrive at the camp. That is all I know. His name was Joseph Mather from Pasadena
California. He was awarded a Bronze Star for his action. Later he received the
POW Metal. If any one has any information on him or where I might go to find
some I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you, Scott Mather
Name: Debbie
Lusana Hometown: Israel Sent: 3:43 PM - 2/25
I am Aaron Kuptsow's neice. He thought we would like to read the story.
Thanks
Name:
John Hamann Hometown: Rochester, MN Sent: 12:01 AM - 2/24
My uncle. Lorin Hamann, was in the same prison camp as your father was. He
wrote a book about his experience in Germany, being shot down and capitured.
With pictures that he had taken at prison camp. My uncle past away three year ago, his wife, Marj, ask
me to help her to maybe publish it. Any war publisher,or other ideals. Thank You,
Name: Carrol
F. Dillon Homepage: http://sites.netscape.net/carroldillon/homepage Hometown: Sarasota, FL Sent: 4:31 PM - 2/21
I found your entire web page of great interest. You have done a great service to
the history of the POW's. I don't understand why your father was not sent first
to Stalag Luft IV. Most of the noncommissioned officer went to Luft IV. Then, in
February 1945 a small group were sent to Luft I. Thank you for the kind words
about my book "A Domain of Heroes" My e-mail address has now changed
and is CFDillon@dellnet.com
Name: Richard
A. Manasian Hometown: Sandwich Mass. Sent: 12:37 AM - 2/19
I found your story very interesting my father was a radio man and top gunner in
a B-17 was shot down and spent two years in stalag 17 Manas Manasian
Name: marvin
laufer Homepage:75
cottonwood drive Hometown: williamsville ny 14221 Sent: 3:50 PM - 2/18
I was given your web address by Aaron who was close to me during our time in
service. I flew with the 603 BS of the 398th. I never met your father because
mickeymen were not assigned to a crew. I was shot down on 11/21/44 over
Merseburg and ended up in Luft 1 north compound. Your site is fantastic and gave
me much gen happy landings mickeyman1
Name: james Hometown: billings Sent: 9:32 AM - 2/16
Hi.I'm 22 and I have never served in a war, but it makes me proud when I read
about good men who gave me and my family the freedom we enjoy today. People like
rock stars and movie stars but my real heros are the men like your father =)The
men who fought and died for me and my children. So I want to say thank you from
my heart.=)Thank you.
