World War II - Prisoners of War - Stalag Luft I

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

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Col. Einar A. Malmstrom

Colonel Einar A. Malmstrom

P-47 fighter Pilot and Commanding Officer of the 356th Fighter Group of the 8th Air Force

Shot down over France on 58th combat mission - April 23, 1944.

Senior Allied Officer in the South Compound of Stalag Luft I from April 1944 through May 15, 1945

E-mail his son at jim@swedemalmstrom.com

His P-47 was named K Barb J after his wife Kay, daughter Barbara, and son Jim. During the year he spent as a prisoner, he was the American commander of the South Compound at Stalag Luft 1, in Barth, Germany. For this duty, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

He returned home safely in May 1945 and continued a career in the United States Air Force and SAC (Strategic Air Command). He was killed in a jet fighter crash on August 21, 1954 near Great Falls AFB Montana

Malmstrom Air Force Base a SCA base near Great Falls, Montana is named after him.

Col. Malmstrom directing evacuation of POWs at Stalag Luft I.

Barth Airport, May 13, 1945 note charged wire. Col. Malmstrom, Capt. Smedley (leaning over) P-38 model he made showing on his cap. This is departure day from Barth.

Visit of Soviet commanders at Stalag Luft I
. L to R - Flt. Lt. Delarge, Gen. Marozil, Col. Zemke, Marozil's aide, Col. Malmstrom

This site created and maintained by Mary Smith and Barbara Freer, daughters of Dick Williams, Jr.