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Article Title: Nazi Influence at the Fort Robinson Prisoner of War Camp during World War II

Full Citation: Thomas R Buecker, “Nazi Influence at the Fort Robinson Prisoner of War Camp during World War II,” Nebraska History 73 (1992): 32-41

URL of article: http://www.nebraskahistory.org/publish/publicat/history/full-text/NH1992NaziInfl.pdf Date: 8/23/2013

Article Summary: Most prisoners of war held at Fort Robinson considered their treatment satisfactory. There was some harassment of non-Nazi prisoners of war by Nazi prisoners. A Special Projects reeducation program successfully modified the political stance of many PWs while they were in the Nebraska camp.

Cataloging Information:

Prisoners Held at Fort Robinson: Gerhard B Braune, Albrecht Lederer, Ernst Ummack, Otto Ludwig, Harry Huenmoerder, Wolfgang Dorschel

Other Names: John Neumaier, Jason Silverman

Nebraska Place Names: Crawford

Keywords: Geneva Convention, Afrika Korps, Special Projects, John Neumaier, Wolfgang Dorschel, der Ruf (The Call), Neuer Horizont (New Horizon), Harry Huenmoerder, camp spokesman, Nazi salute, Nazi flag, movies, reeducation

Photographs / Images: Wolfgang Dorschel’s pencil and ink rendering of the Fort Robinson Prisoner of War camp, October 1945; sign for PW camp on Highway 20 west of Crawford; PW camp compound that housed the original Afrika Korps contingent throughout World War II; Hans Waecker and other members of a variety entertainment group in front of their hall; German PW Wolfgang Dorschel on work detail; PW reunion August 21, 1987

NAZI I FLU NCE ATT FORT OBINSO PRISO ROFWA CAMP DURI GWORLDWA II

By Thomas R. Buecker

During World War II some 375,000 that construction of a P.W. camp on the General Erwin Rommel's famed Afrika German and 50,000 Italian prisoners of post military reservation was to begin. Korps. These troops were well­ war were brought to internment camps In January 1943 a site one and one-half disciplined, regular ,soldiers, many of in the United States, chiefly at the miles east of the post was prepared, whom were fanatical Nazis. They were request of our European allies. In 1942 and construction started. Initially the more thoroughly indoctrinated in Nazi alone large numbers _ of German camp was planned as a single­ ideology than most later arriving soldiers were captured by the British in compound, 1,000-man camp, with P.W.Sl The Afrika Korps soldiers were North Africa. The thousands of additional facilities for guard and usually the first prisoners to arrive in prisoners of war strained their supplies administrative echelons. The buildings American P.W. camps, and they and manpower, and the British govern­ were all temporary frame structures, became the camp cadre for the later ment pressured the United States to covered with battened tarpaper. arrivals. take charge of the captured men. Almost before construction was com­ Throughout World War II the Prisoners were shipped on empty troop pleted, the army decided to expand the American government strictly com­ transports returning from Europe to camp to hold 3,000 prisoners. With the plied with the Geneva Convention's the United States. The American army addition of two compounds, the camp rules for prisoner of war treatment. was ill prepared to receive and hold contained 160 buildings for prisoners Because of that compliance, the Ger­ large numbers of prisoners of war and American personnel. man P.W.s were able to maintain con­ (P.W.s). Numerous prisoner of war Later that spring, American soldiers tinual contact with their government. camps were quickly built on military arrived to garrison the camp. Two Swiss representatives regularly visited installations, including Fort Robin­ military police escort guard companies, the camps. The German government son, Nebraska. numbering 275 men, arrived to provide sent directives, books, and canteen Although Fort Robinson was located security. The 1765 Service Unit was funds through those representatives. in the northwestern corner of the state, activated for administrative purposes. Initially, Americans had no interest it had excellent railroad connections. Composed of seventy-five men, this in the politics of the German P.W.s. After several weeks of rumors, word unit provided the headquarters staff, Camp personnel were unprepared to was received in late December 1942 chauffeurs, mess personnel, clerks, and deal with the ideological distinctions four interpreters. By the summer of found in the camps. Most Americans 1943 the camp was ready for were politically ignorant or naive about operation. Nazism. This naivete is illustrated by a Thomas R. Buecker is curator of the Ne­ braska State Historical Society's Fort Robin­ On November 19, 1943, the first conversation between the Fort Robin­ son Museum. He is a frequent contributor to prisoners arrived at the Fort Robinson son commander, Colonel Arthur historical journals. camp. They were 680 members of Blaine, and his interpreter, John 32 / The pencil and ink rendering ofthe FortRobinson Prisoner ofWar camp was made in October 1945 and donated to the Nebraska State Historical Society by former P.W spokesman Wolfgang Dorschel. The caption reads "View to east on the sand hills (spur ofthe Rocky Mountains)." (NSHS-11 044-3)

Sign for P.W camp on Highway 20 west ofCrawford. (NSHS-T467-l)

33 Nebraska History - Spring 1992

Neumaier: "Corporal, I tell you these Bolsheviks in that camp, they really have discipline." "Colonel, sir, these are not Bolsheviks. These are Nazis." "Bolsheviks, Nazis. All the same.'? The stage was setfor internal strife that the American command at first chose to ignore. There were severalfactors thatled to American difficulties with German prisoners. The first was Nazi political influence. Approximately eight to ten percent ofthe German P.W.s were con­ sidered fanatical Nazis, and thirty per­ cent were felt to be sympathetic to Nazism. It can be assumed that these figures, compiled at the end of the war, applied to the Germans in the Fort Robinson camp. Although ardent The P.W camp at Fort Robinson housed in the compound on the right the original Nazis were a minority, they controlled Afrika Korps contingent throughout World War II. [NSHS-T467-2} .... (bottom) Varista the .camps, intimidating others by (variety entertainment) group in front of their hall. Hans Waecker is at right. (NSHS­ threats and violence.' T467-16) A second factor was the failure to segregate anti-Nazis and Nazi prisoners during the initial processing. It was assumed that every German soldier was a Nazi. Those considered rabid Nazis were sent to a special camp at Alva, Oklahoma. But a quota system imposed on each Service Command Area prevented all of the hard-core Nazi P.W.s from being sent there. Third, the average German soldier had strong patriotic and nationalistic feelings. He was doing his duty as a soldier serving his country. A P.W. dis­ play of anti-American expression was not necessarily pro-fascist. The blind obedience characteristic of German soldiers did not indicate Nazi sym­ pathy. The American command con­ fused nationalism with Nazism." Along with ignorance of German political beliefs, American guards generally had no understanding of the German language. Some qualified men were selected as interpreters but never in sufficieritnumbers. At times the Fort Robinson camp was short as many as sixteen interpreters. As former inter­ preter John Neumaier explained, the 34 Prisoner of War Camp

German Army was "not just a national of the camp. Typically a June 1944 safety. He had exhibited decided anti­ army but a political army."> The report remarked that the camp was Nazi sentiment. His transfer to Fort Americans' lack of understanding of well-administered, "not to say worthy Devins, Mass., was also made to pre­ political ideology, nationalistic of commendation."!" serve "the efficient operation of the attitudes, language, and rules of com­ The general aim of the American prisoners interned here." pliance with the Geneva Convention command was to maintain tranquility. On July 12 Unteroffizier Ernst led to the drastic increase in Nazi As long as the P.W.s behaved correctly, Ummack was placed in protective cus­ influence inside the compound. they were treated accordingly. Unfor­ tody because his life had been Nazi influence on the German P.W.s tunately some American personnel, threatened. He was accused of being a actually began before they arrived in especially camp guards, were not traitor because he translated war news the camp. Many expected to see New qualified for their assignments. The to other P.W.s, which they did not York in ruins after being bombed by the camps had to operate with an believe. Three days later he was Luftwaffe: unprepared skeleton staff. transferred to Camp Veteran, Sometimes in conversation, they had the impres­ Several months after the P.W.s Wyoming.P sion New York City was completely demolished, arrived at Fort Robinson, conflict be­ On February 18 Camp Spokesman it was destroyed, it was wiped out. We said 'That's not true. Here's a news picture of New tween Nazis and anti-Nazi prisoners Harry Huenmoerder recommended York City,' Propaganda! Propaganda! It was de­ began to surface. To maintain camp transfer for Gefreiter (Corporal) Otto stroyed, that was their attitude." harmony, the groups had to be Ludwig. He had boldly threatened Others were amazed to see the large separated. February of 1944 saw the Nazis in the camp in front of a number ship convoys coming from America. first documented cases of Nazi harass­ of his fellow prisoners. He was subse­ They had been led to believe that Ger­ ment, which served to bring recalci­ quently beaten: man U-boats had eliminated all trans­ trant prisoners into line or drive them I got very bad treatment from my comrades. Atlantic shipping.' to other camps. In addition there was That's the reason why [the Americans] sent me In prisoner of war camps the office of fear among prisoners that harsher later to Camp McCain, in Mississippi. They took me out, and maybe wanted to kill me, you see, camp spokesman was the most impor­ methods would be used. Because the because [I] had someinformation, you see, the tant P.W. position. This man was the Americans believed that most of the American officers leading the camp they heard aboutit. And theytookme outand askedme andI key intermediary between the P.W.s were Nazis, anti-Nazis request­ told them the comrades put some water, in the American command and the prisoner ing segregation were transferred night time, on me, you see, they beatenedme and community. His position was guaran­ elsewhere. Other prisoners quickly I think in solution they sent me to Camp McCain in Mississippi. 13 teed by Article 43 of the Geneva Con­ learned to keep their opinions to vention. In camps across the United themselves. Spokesman Huenmoerder believed States, Nazis quickly managed to get Harassment included monitoring itwould be useful to transfer Otto Lud­ their candidates appointed to this personal conversations to detect dis­ wig, and that it would be "in interest to important position. Fort Robinson senters, beating of prisoners for good order and discipline among the proved no exception." "unpatriotic behavior," and control of German Soldiers in this camp."14 At Fort Robinson, the senior ranking camp media by censoring printed and There were other examples of P.W. noncommissioned officer was film materials. Some P.W.s believed harassment by the Nazis inside and selected as spokesman. His appoint­ that threats against their families by outside the compounds. Prisoners tak­ ment was approved by the American Nazis in the camps could actually be ing English language classes were command for several reasons. First, he carried out in Germany.'! threatened with punishment for giving had a good command of English. Specific instances of Nazi harass­ in to "foreign indoctrination." Nazi Second, some felt his character was ment at the Fort Robinson Camp can spies were also in the classes for the beyond question. However, he was also be identified. On March 14, 1944, a purpose of controlling discussion and pro-Nazi." transfer was requested for Soldat prohibiting expressions of opinion.P Nazi-dominated camps were models (Private) Gerhard B. Braune. This Some anti-Nazi prisoners were of efficiency. The Nazis soon realized prisoner was threatened with death threatened en route to the camp, that a well-run camp earned them the inside the compound because of anti­ necessitatingtheir transferimmediate­ backing of the American command. Nazi sympathy. He was transferred to ly upon arrival." The Americans seemed to have an Camp Campbell March 29, 1944, two Nazis in the camp also tried to unwritten policy of making any conces­ weeks later. intimidate P.W.s of other nationalities sion which helped keep the compounds On February 26, the U.S. camp com­ serving in the German Army. After the running smoothly. As a result, camp mander requested transfer for Afrika Korps, other Axis prisoners inspection reports filed by the Swiss Unteroffizier (Sergeant) Albrecht began to arrive atthe camp. Manywere representatives praised the efficiency Lederer from the camp for his own Czechs, Belgians, and Austrians. Upon 35 Nebraska History - Spring 1992

arrival in America they protested son wrote a letter to the War Depart­ Nazi tormentors. 19 against their German conquerors. Once ment in which they identified camp Nazi influence was not limited to an American officer could not under­ spokesman Huenmoerder as the "head terrorizing P.W.s inside the compound. stand why the German P.W.s were Nazi" and charged the American camp Nazi influence was felt in the entire throwing stones at another barracks. commander with antipathy toward the camp, on both sides of the wire. In He was informed by an enlisted inter­ Austrians and anti-Nazis. They request­ American camps the most visible sign preter that they were Belgian soldiers ed transfer to an "Austrian camp."18 of Nazism was use of the Nazi salute. stoning a German barracks.!? The Austrian soldiers worked on the After the attempt on Hitler's life on Belgians quickly requested segrega­ main post, the same as German P.W.s. July 20, 1944, the entire German Army tion from the Nazi Germans. The Veterinary Corps officers at the was Nazified. The traditional army Another fault of the American P.W. K-9 Hospital became acquainted with salute was replaced by the outstretched program was its failure to segregate an Austrian working there. One day he arm. The use of the Nazi salute in the Germans from Austrian P.W.s. came to work, evidently having been camps had to be permitted because of Immediately after they arrived at beaten the night before. He did not the Geneva Convention. The German American camps, the Austrians know who beathim. Inanotherinstance P.W.s received orders through the launched a flood of protest petitions the Austrian did not want to take his Swiss representatives to. use the attesting to their hatred ofthe Nazis. A hat off. The Americans discovered that salute.s? According to military pro­ group of Austrian P.W.s at Fort Robin­ half his head had been shaved by his tocol, the Nazi salute was properly used to acknowledge United States officers. A German sergeant regretted the necessity of giving the Nazi salute to an American officer whom he knew was Jewish. The officer told the sergeant he should not feel badly, because it was his- duty to use the proper salute." Other signs of Nazi influence became evident. Nazi flags were used to drape the coffins ofP.W. burials. At least eleven burials of German P.W.s occurred at Fort Robinson, with the Nazi flag displayed during wartime funeral ceremonies. The American government decided to allow the Ger­ mans to use the national flag desired by fellow prisoners. There was no objec­ tion to P.W.s displaying in the barracks national flags, emblems, or pictures of political leaders. The use of the Nazi salute and the display of Nazi flags, emblems, and pictures, were con­ cessions to the hard-core Nazis. One reason the prisoners received the con­ cessions was to prevent retaliation against German-held American prisoners of war in Europe. There was a degree of arrogance on the part of the German P.W.s toward the American staff at the camp. They

German P.W. on work detail. (NSHS­ R659-2423) 36 Prisoner of War Camp

.refused to believe any American war Camp spokesman Huenmoerder flatly news. When the invasion of Normandy told the Americans the presence of was announced, most P.W.s believed it those publications would cause trouble mere propaganda.F Prisoners on post and dissension among the P.W.s. Short­ work details had the opportunity to ly thereafter he discouraged the cir­ interact with Fort Robinson soldiers. culation of Time, Newsweek, and Lite Discussions on the war were often magazines as "they contained undesir­ held: able propaganda.'?" They really believed they were going to win. You German influence inside the com­ couldn't talk to them and tell them they had no pound left some on the outside wonder­ chance of winning the war. They had it in their minds they was going to win it. And you couldn't ing who was in command. At the same change it. Boy, them people was bull-headed. time there were charges on the national 23 Damn. Talk till you were blue in the face. level that the United States was Along with several Jewish officers, encouraging Nazism rather than John Neumaier, the interpreter for the • eliminating it. At nearby Fort Robinson camp commander, was Jewish. rumors spread among the soldiers. Neumaier had more contact with the There was talk about the' "German Nazi P.W.s than many American per­ prisoners running their own jail and sonnel and recalled the following compound." Others heard talk ofmur­ exchange with one of them: ders in the camp and bodies of mur­ "NowJohn, you're a nice kind of Jew. dered P.W.s being thrown out of the WhenHitler comeshere I'll have a good gate." Butnobody on post actually saw word for [you with] him." I said, "Gee, evidence to substantiate these thanks.">' rumors. In addition to such behavior, some Nationwide, the prison camp prob­ Germans on work details were lem was more apparent. More and uncooperative. At times, the American more Americans believed the Nazis supervisors felt German P.W.s were had full control over the camps.'? In argumentative and ready to sabotage Unteroffizier (sergeant) Wolfgang some P.W. camps, Nazi influence work projects. Prisoners were removed Dorschel, appointed camp spokesman became particularly evident between in mid-1945, taken shortly after the September1943 and April 1944.During from work details for such covert first group of P.W.S arrived at Fort operations. In March 1945 fencing fore­ Robinson. (NSHS-D717-7) that period atleast seven political mur­ man Roscoe Craig requested that P.W. ders, numerous assault's, and a disturb­ laborer Fleischfresser Rudolf be Fort Robinson and found this way of ing number of P.W. suicides removed from his work detail because punishing him for his anti-Nazi occurred.'! As the tide of battle turned Rudolf was sentiments." in favor of the Allies in Europe, some­ argumentative when assigned to duties, and Several months after the Afrikaners thing had to be done to subdue and attempts sabotage in the manner of throwing arrived, movies became a part of camp remove the Nazi influence in nails in the path ofvehicles, turns on the switch of the vehicles and at one time grabbed the gear entertainment. Rented with funds pro­ stateside camps. shift when I [Craig] was trying to drive." vided by the German government and By 1944 the War Department had selected by the camp spokesman, films realized the viciousness of the Nazi The Nazis devised ways to harass were often chosen that showed philosophy in the P.W. camps. A year anti-Nazis, even after some had left the American life in the worst possible earlier General George Marshall camp. One P .W. never was able to work light. A Red Cross representative de­ requested a plan by which "PWs might because of a double hernia. He was an scribed film content as "nothing but be exposed to the facts of American anti-Nazi and cooperated with the whiskey, drinking, gangsters, wild history, workings of a democracy, and Americans. In 1945 he was transferred women, and horse thieves." Many the contributions made to America by to the Scottsbluff P.W. Camp. Shortly P.W.s complained, declaring that the peoples of all national origins." Thus after arrival he was thrown into the selected movies were seventy-five per­ the idea for the intellectual diversion guard house because he would not per­ cent trash.f program Was born." form heavy labor even though his medi­ As part of the process of exposing That fall efforts began to influence cal record carried recommendations P.W.s to American life, national prisoners through books, films, for only light work. Nazi administrators magazines and newspapers were newspapers, lectures, and music. The at Scottsbluff remembered him from brought into compound dayrooms. Americans hoped to introduce P.W.s to 37 Nebraska History - Spring 1992

fidence. Two G.!. intelligence men walked the compounds all night on several occasions. Before this, American personnel did not generally enter the German area after dark. As a resultofthis surveillance, charges were brought against suspected Nazi ringleaders and a number were thrown in the guardhouse. Warning notices against threats or bodily harm were posted in the compounds. Prisoners that mistreated other P.W.s were to be severely punished. According to a Special Projects directive no pro-Nazis were to be retained as camp spokesmen. Harry Huenmoerder was immediately removed from that position and transferred to another camp. A pro­ gressive non-Nazi N.C.O., Wolfgang Dorschel, was selected to be the spokesman. The pro-Nazi spokes­ man's dismissal proved a significant P.W reunion August 21,1987: Alfred Thompson (left), U.S. military, Bismarck, North accomplishment by the Special Pro­ Dakota; Wolfgang Dorschel, P.W, Bad Griesbach, Germany; Karl Deyhle, P.W, Stuttgart, Germany; Dr. Hans Waecker, P.W, Cliff Island, Maine; John Neumaier, jects staff." U.S. military, Poughkeepsie, New York; Wolfgang Loesche, P.W, Limberg, Germany. Prisoner transfer policies were also Courtesy of author. corrected. The policy of transferring anti-Nazis and Nazis out of the camp the resources of the Allies and par­ taneously, the P.W.s received informa­ ceased. What was needed was to con­ ticularly to America and democracy. tion to combat misinformation or vert unreliable P.W.s to democratic This reorientation or reeducation pro­ prejudices instilled in them by Nazi ways. Nazis were removed from gram was directed by the Special Pro­ propaganda." positions of authority, such as that of jects Division of the Office of the Measures for Nazi reeducation camp spokesman. This broke down the Provost Marshal General. About all began at the Fort Robinson camp in existing camp hierarchy. The prison­ most personnel knew about the late 1944. The American guards were ers' fear of speaking out and cooperat­ organization was its address: 50 Broad­ encouraged to represent America to ing with the Americans diminished. way, New York. The inner workings of the P.W.s. One officerand enlisted man As the pressure that had been exert­ Special Projects was kept secret. from the intelligence section were sent ed by Nazi leaders lessened, non-Nazi Because part of the project was to to special training seminars at 50 leaders gained influence over the com­ gather information from P.W.s, it fell Broadway. pounds. The founding of "Arbeits­ outside the Geneva Convention'srules. For reeducation in the camp to work, gemeinschaft Zur Politischen Aufklaer­ On the other hand, if information was the American command had to gain the ung" (Working Association for Political volunteered, there was no violation of confidence of the non-Nazi P.W.s. The Enlightenment) in 1945 proved a mile­ the convention." first breakthrough came from an Aus­ stone. This organization was estab­ The loophole in the Geneva Conven­ trian soldier. He identified Nazi lished and managed by a select group of tion was in Article 17, dealing with troublemakers in the compound and P.W.s, entirely on their own. The goal "intellectual diversion" and sports. pointed outthe camp spokesman as the of the group was the "reeducation and The object of the program was not to main source of internal trouble. For this stabilization of all misguided persons." Americanize the P.W.s, but to instill he was threatened by the Nazis for talk­ By June 30, 1945, ninety-three percent respect for the quality and potency of ing too much with the Americans. With of the camp population signed sworn American institutions. This was done much courage the man stood up to statements that they had forever through a program of education and them, rebuffing their threats." broken with National Socialism." recreation designed to reeducate the After this breakthrough, the Political lectures by P.W. educators P.W. to think democratically. Simul­ Americans did more to gain P.W. con­ were held in packed activity rooms. 38 Prisoner of War Camp

Topics of discussion included recon­ printed by the progressive P.W.s and cal topics. The Special Projects staff struction in Germany, banking and openly displayed throughout the was extremely proud of this effort and money in postwar Germany, and the compounds. considered it the best P.W. camp relationship between the United States Control over P. W. movie selection newspaper in the country.v' and Germany. The American com­ improved. Potential movies were As the reeducation process began, mand provided a mimeograph machine screened by the Special Projects staff. several signs of progress became evi­ and copies of lectures were made and Guidelines directed those screening dent. The camp assistant executive distributed to those unable to movies to "be critical of P.W. tastes in officer, Captain Jason Silverman, who attend." getting low-type feature comedies or also directed the Intellectual Diversion Educational activities had been third rate pictures." While in New York program, was credited with creating organized by the prisoners in the camp City to attend an orientation, Fort good will and cooperation with the from the earliest days. With the crea­ Robinson camp staff members P.W.s. An inspecting officer comment­ tion of the reeducation program, the purchased "The Defeat of Germany" ed, "Prisoners constantly come to him American command made careful and "Why We Fight" atMacy's Depart­ for advice and requests, the fact thathe plans to assume control over the ment Store for viewing at the camp." is Jewish notwithstanding."45 classroom. Classes in American history On the morning of May 8, 1945, the The stockade library grew to over and government were eased into memorandum from the War Depart­ 1,300 volumes. Most of the titles were curriculums that included engineering, ment announcing the surrender of Ger­ in German, which encouraged more physics, and languages. many was read to all P.W. companies. reading. All books were checked for As part of the national reeducation Immediate prisoner reaction was undesirable literature and against program, a bimonthly newspaper­ mixed. The Nazi die-hards were sad; approved and disapproved book lists. magazine Der Rut (The Call) was other prisoners were glad and relieved. P.W.s were also allowed to subscribe to initiated in early 1945 for the P.W.s in One P.W. recalled, "A few stupid peo­ American newspapers and magazines. camps across the United States. It was ple were not happy." One Nazi wanted Additional recreational activities an illustrated publication, designed to to commit suicide and attempted to get were organized to occupy the present realistic war news, entertain­ poison from a medical assistant. He felt prisoners' time. An entertainment club ment, and views of American life. Nazis "no Fuhrer, no Fatherland." For­ provided theatrical and musical per­ in the Fort Robinson compound object­ tunately he was talked out of the formances. Under reeducation, music ed to the magazine. They purchased attempt." was not censored. The American com­ the entire first issue and destroyed it. The end of the war in Europe mand wanted to impress on the Ger­ At the time Der Rut was published, the brought other changes. With the sur­ mans that music was international. pro-Nazi spokesman suggested that render, all rank in the German army Athletic competitions were popular the P.W.s not buy it. Orders quickly was abolished. In addition the use of and attracted many participants. As a limited purchases of the magazine to the hated Nazi salute was strictly pro­ result, the Americans found it benefi­ one copy per prisoner. Additional hibited. Several weeks later Nazi cial to provide and encourage outside orders provided punishment for any atrocity films were shown. All P.W.s activities for the P.W.s. who interfered with its distribution or were required to view the horror of The process of repatriating German reading.'? European death camps. Progressive P.W.s did not begin until months after A large number of books and other P.W.s had awaited the films to further the war ended. However, during the publications had been sent to the camp prove to their counterparts the evils of spring and summer of 1945 hundreds of by the German government. Directives Nazism. Reaction to the films was also P.W.s were transferred from Fort received from 50 Broadway outlined mixed. Some die-hard Nazis believed Robinson to other camps. In Septem­ the removal of disapproved books from the bodies of Jews killed by the Nazis ber, Fort Robinson became a branch compound libraries. Lists of disap­ were really natives massacred by the camp of Scottsbluff and later Camp proved and approved books were British in India." Carson, Colorado. Between February received by the American command. Freedom of speech in the com­ 1945 and February 1946, camp popula­ Book selectors were told to avoid pounds was encouraged by the tion dropped from 3,044 to 305. In May cheap, sensational, pulp-type publi­ introduction of a camp newspaper on 1946 the lastfew GermanP.W.s depart­ cations for the P.W.S.40 July 12, 1945. The paper, aptly named ed and the camp was closed. Freedom of expression in the com­ Neuer Horizont (New Horizon), was By the end of the war the mission of pounds slowly developed. The camp produced and edited by a talented staff the American P.W. camp had changed. Special Projects staff secured a blue­ of educated P.W.s. Political essays During 1943 and most of 1944 the print machine for use by the P.W.s. were the usual fare, with additional philosophy was mainly to hold Anti- Nazi and democratic posters were articles on social, cultural, and histori­ prisoners of war until repatriation. 39 Nebraska History - Spring 1992

However, the internal struggle with Another measure might be how the The Fort Robinson camp had a larger Nazi ideology led to redefinition of the Germans felt about their period of percentage of men selected per capita camp's mission. The War Department internment. Most P.W.s made the best than any other camp in America. At the issued orders and guidelines for policy of a difficult situation." They had the time the camp was closed, most of the changes. It was up to the American opportunity to learn new ideas and prisoners remaining were the original command in each camp to properly beliefs when not under the restraints of Afrika Korps contingent. About implement those changes. Nazi ideology. New freedoms, even twenty-five percent of the Fort Robin­ Although today it is difficult to behind the wire ofthe compounds, pre­ son P.W.s were sent for further demo­ accurately measure the success of their pared them for repatriation. Most cratic training. Many of the Afrikan efforts, some conclusions can be P.W.s were satisfied with their treat­ P.W.s had changed their political senti­ drawn. One measure of the successful ment, and hold pleasant memories of ment. The camp was successful in the operation of the Fort Robinson camp their forced stay in America."? reeducation of those prisoners." can be seen in the attitudes of the A third measure of success at the The campaign against Nazi influence American personnel, especially those camp came in the spring of 1946. As at the Fort Robinson camp was highly involved with Special Projects. They part of the repatriation process, an successful. The camp did not were proud of the reeducation pro­ advanced program of democracy train­ experience the severe violence gram. They believed worthwhile work ing was organized at Fort Eustis, associated with Nazi harassment as had been accomplished and that Virginia. This school was for reliable happened at other sites. Although the aspects of the Fort Robinson camp pro­ P.W.s, selected from camps across the specter of Nazism did exist at the gram were superior to those implement­ United States. About five percent of camp, with American support, non­ ed at other camps. In their opinion the the total P.W. population was sent to Nazi P.W.s successfully endured its camp was one of the best run P.W. this school to prepare for possible threats. camps in the country. leadership roles in postwar Germany.

40 Prisoner of War Camp

15Alfred A. Thompson U.S. Army interpreter Baum, "Land of the Free," Collier's, August NOTES letter dated Febr. 19, 1946, "Special Projects & 19, 1944. Camp Education" file, FRM. 3I Krammer, Nazi Prisoners of War, 169-73;Fay, This article was prepared as a graduate 16The problem of Nazi P.W.s threatening "German P.W.s," 196-97 research paper for Dr. William Roweton, Chad­ others began long before German prisoners 32Gansberg, Stalag: USA, 59. ron State College. The author extends apprecia­ landed in America. One former P.W. recalled that 33Alfred Thompson interview, Aug. 20, 1987, tion for reviewing the article to Alfred A. he and a friend were removed from a compound FRM. Thompson of Bismarck, North Dakota, and to in North Africa for protection. Both were 34Krammer, Nazi Prisoners of War, 195. German veterans Wolfgang Dorschel, Bad Gries­ musicians and were threatened because they 35Alfred Thompson and Wolfgang Dorschel bach, Germany, and Dr. Hans Waecker, Cliff played American tunes in the compound. Dr. joint interview, July 7, 1989, FRM. Island, Maine. Hans Waecker, personal correspondence, Oct. 36"P.W. Special Projects Letter No. 16," July 'Sidney Fay, "German P.W.s," Current His­ 5, 1991. 28, 1945, FRM; Alfred Thompson letter dated tory 8:43 (March 1, 1943), 193-94. 17Neumaier interview, FRM. June 30, 1945, copy on file at FRM. 2John Neumaier, camp staffinterview, Aug. 20, 18Evidently this letter was never sent. It was 37 Alfred Thompson letter dated July 27, 1945, 1987, Fort Robinson Museum (hereafter referred found with miscellaneous camp papers donated copy on file at FRM. to as FRM). by Alfred Thompsonin 1987.A translated copy of 38Copies of political lectures are on file at 3Arnold Krammer, Nazi Prisoners of War in the letter is on file at FRM. FRM. America (New York: Stein & Day, 1979), 149; Fay, 19Meranda interview, FRM. 39Inspection report by Rudolph Fischer, Lega­ "German P.W.s," 196. 2°Krammer, Nazi Prisoners of War, 148. tionof Switzerland, datedMarch 31,1945, NARS 4Krammer, Nazi Prisoners of War, 149. 21Wolfgang Dorschel (former GermanP.W.and RG 389; "Special Projects Letter No. 16," 5Neumaier interview, FRM. camp spokesman) interview, Aug. 20, 1987, FRM. 6Joseph Meranda (Fort Robinson veteran) FRM. 4°Special Projects directives dated May 15 and interview, Oct. 10, 1989, FRM. 22Samuel Mitchell (U.S. Army camp first July 25, 1945, copies on file at FRM. "Karl Deyhle (former German P .W.) interview, sergeant) narrative, copy on file at FRM. 41"Checklist for Special Projects Officers," Aug. 20, 1987, FRM. 23CarlStill (Fort Robinson veteran) interview, dated May 15, 1945, copy on file at FRM; Alfred 8Krammer, Nazi Prisoners of War, 161; Fay, July 11, 1978, FRM. Thompson letter, June 30, 1945, FRM. "German P.W.s," 195. 24Neumaier interview, FRM. 42Dorschel interview, FRM. 9"Field Service Camp Survey, 15 February 25Report of Roscoe Craig to the post engineer, 43Neumaier interview, FRM. 1945 - Report on Camp Spokesman," National dated March 30, 1945, copy on file at FRM. 44Copies of all issues of Neuer Horizont are at Archives & Records Service Record Group 389, 26AlfredThompson letter dated Mar. 5, 1946, FRM. Records of the Provost Marshal General (here­ from "Special Projects & Camp Education" 45"Report on Intellectual Diversion Program," after referred to as NARS RG 389). Copies of all file, FRM. copy on file at FRM. Fort Robinson reports from this record group are 27Report of Howard Hong, Red Cross rep­ 46"The most difficult part of being a P.W. (as on file at FRM. resentative, July 31, 1944, NARS RG 389. compared to a prisoner in a jail) was the uncer­ lOInspection report of Charles Eberhardt, 28"Report on Intellectual Diversion Program," tainty about the length of internment (no reduc­ Special War Problems Division, June 21, 1944, dated Jan. 27, 1945, NARS RG 389. tion in time for good behavior)." Dr. Hans NARS RG389. 29Ralph Knepper (Fort Robinson veteran) Waecker, personal correspondence, Oct. 5, IlJudith Gansberg, Stalag: USA (New York: interview, n.d., and Thomas McMahon (Fort 1991. Thomas Crowell Co., 1977), 47; Fay, "German Robinson veteran) veteran questionnaire, FRM. 470n his time at Fort Robinson, Dr. Waecker P.W.s," 196. On the other side of the wire, former P.W. Hans remarked, "We had good food, hot showers, 12"Prisoner Transfer Requests," Enemy Infor­ Waeckerhad heard of anti-Nazis being murdered decent clothes, work, entertainment - the only mation Bureau, Sub-Post File, Fort Robinson, and their bodies thrown into the latrines in the thing missing was the lack of opportunity to deal NARS RG389. North Africa camps. Dr. Hans Waecker, personal with the male hormones." Dr. Hans Waecker, 130tto Ludwig (former German P.W.) inter­ correspondence, Oct. 5, 1991. personal correspondence, Oct. 5, 1991. view, Sept. 17, 1987, FRM. "There are a number of contemporary articles 48AlfredThompson letter dated Febr. 9, 1946, 14"Prisoner Transfer Requests," NARS RG on Nazi P.W. camp control. For example, see "Special Projects & Camp Education" file, 389. "Nazis in the U.S.," Time, May 1, 1944, and Vicki FRM.

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