German Prisoners of War in Mississippi

GERMAN PRISONERS OF WAR IN MISSISSIPPI Donald R. Fox

It’s been some time ago that I read about German POW’s returning to Mississippi to say, “thank you” concerning the way Americans treated former WW 2 enemies. Camp Shelby a few miles from Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

What struck me was the old POW’s that visited Camp Shelby, they appreciated the care, we Americans gave to German military men. They realized if Americans were in Germany POW Camps they would not have such care.

WHY DID WE AMERICANS TREAT OUR ENEMIES WITH COMPASSION?

Basically, many Americans have the character that is directed by our Christian upbringing. Sadly, many have lost the Christian tendency for a worldly inclination. With that said, still many and I say many still are guided by Biblical teachings. I pray this factor will always be known and carried out to our fellow man.

“The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.” (Proverbs 11:17-20 KJV)

“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,” (Titus 3:1-4 KJV)

For some interesting German POW studies/reading regarding this subject see the following: http://www.mshistorynow.mdah.ms.gov/articles/233/german-prisoners-of-war-in- mississippi-1943-1946 http://www.kilroywashere.org/004-Pages/JAN-Area/04-D-Jackson-POW.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Shelby

End Note: I am very familiar with Camp Shelby since I was in the Mississippi Army National Guard. I spent twelve years on active duty, Regular Army, 1951- 1963. Enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard with service, 1963-1987. Yes, many, many trips to Camp Shelby along with other military adventures. I am now a retired as a Command Sergeant Major.