EX-POW BULLETIN the official voice of the American Ex-Prisoners of War Volume 67 www .axpo w .or g Number 1/2

January/February 2010

We exist to help those who cannot help themselves Quincy, Massachusetts Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2009 table of contents January/February 2010 officers/directors 4 Is Quincy, Massachusetts “Veterans City USA”? commander/HQ 5 outreach/success 6 It seemed like it on Halloween weekend when more than 400 residents medsearch 9 attended the monument dedication in McIntyre Mall (across the street from andersonville 15 the resting place of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams). namPOW 16 Larry Norton and Ed Murphy, former (if there is such a thing) Marines, had pow-mia/civilian 17 put together a weekend to remember in honor of Ex-POWs CAPT Richard tiger survivors 18 Stratton and in memory of AF CAPT E Alan Brudno, two of Quincy’s own. It news 19 started with a trolley-bus trip with Quincy police escort to the homestead events, info, looking for 20 of President John Adams. It included visits to the Church of the Presidents voluntary funding 22 where wreaths were placed on the crypts of John & John Quincy Adams, Stories 23 the Memorial Clock Tower honoring Quincy residents who died in Viet- fan mail 26 nam, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. This was followed up by a new members 29 terrific seafood dinner most enjoyed by the “Inlanders” who sadly don’t members forum 30 have the opportunity for New England seafood. On Saturday, the monu- contributions 32 ment was dedicated, with much fanfare. And finally, we all were trollied to taps 33 lunch. You can read Paul Galanti’s take on the weekend on page 16. raffle/Ads 39 quartermaster 41 Thank you to the Vietnam Combat Veterans Combined Armed Forces (Quincy Chapter), Larry & Ed, former Quincy police Lt. Tom Bolinder and the Quincy police who were our escorts for the weekend. You guys sure know how to put on a show.

Now let’s see what the other states can do! :—)

Publisher Cover: Standing, L/R: Robert Noble, WWII POW; Vietnam POWs Mo Baker, PNC Maurice Sharp Gary Thornton, Dick Stratton, Jim Warner and Paul Galanti. In Uniform: 9716 54th Street CT West Quincy’s Finest. University Place, WA 98467-1118 (253) 565-0444 NOTICE ABOUT AXPOW’s CREDIT CARD: Our AXPOW Credit Card [email protected] through Bank of America is getting a new profile. We’ll be receiving new ads which have a different phone number and a different priority Editor code, but won’t have them until February. The new information will Cheryl Cerbone be published as soon as we get it, so be patient. We appreciate your 23 Cove View Drive using the AXPOW card; we make money every time you make a South Yarmouth, MA 02664 purchase! (508) 394-5250 (508) 760-2008 fax [email protected] Bring your grandkids! National Convention Deadline for the March/April 2010 issue is February 1, 2010. September 21-26, 2010 Albany, Georgia Please send all materials to the editor at the above address. Opening Ceremonies will be held at Andersonville National Historic Site

EX-POW Bulletin (ISSN 0161-7451) is published bi-monthly (six times annually) by the American Ex-Prisoners of War, 3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, Arlington, TX 76010. Periodical postage paid at Arlington, TX and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to EX-POW Bulletin, AXPOW Headquarters, 3201 E. Pioneer Pkwy. Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010-5396. Founded April 14, 1942, in Albuquerque, NM, then known as Bataan Relief Organization, Washington State non- profit corporation, “American Ex-Prisoners of War”, October 11, 1949, recorded as Document No. 133762, Roll 1, Page 386-392. NONPROFIT CORPORATION. Nationally Chartered August 10, 1982. Appearance in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the American Ex-Prisoners of War of the product or service advertised. The publisher reserves the right to decline or discontinue any such advertisement. © 2010 American Ex-Prisoners of War

Ex-POW Bulletin Jan/Feb 2010 3 axpow officers & directors 2009-2010 National Headquarters - Clydie J. Morgan, Adjutant 3201 E. Pioneer Pkwy, #40, Arlington, TX 76010 (817) 649-2979 (817) 649-0109 fax [email protected] Officers North East Region Directors Mid-Central Region Franklin R. Koehler National Commander Grover L. Swearingen 243 Torrey Pines Dr. 408 Fair Park Avenue Kenny H Hanson Toms River, NJ 08757 West Union, OH 45693 9401 Lyndale Ave S #228 (732) 244-4629; (732) 505-8702 fax (937) 544-2459 Bloomington MN 55420 [email protected] [email protected] (952) 888-2703 – Voice [email protected] Laura McIntyre Deanie Schmidt PO Box 475 1001 Parkview Blvd. #316 National Senior Vice Commander Hardwick, MA 01037 Columbus, OH 43219 Morris Barker (413) 477-8260 (413) 477-0172 fax (614) 372-0788 710 Chapel View [email protected] [email protected] Waco, Tx 76712 (254) 732-5640 East Central Region South Central Region [email protected] Judy Lee James L. Lollar PO Box 248 292 VZ CR 3727 Madisonville, TN 37354 Wills Point, TX 75169 National Treasurer (423) 442-3223; (423) 442-4702 fax (903) 560-1734; (903) 560-1705 fax Sonnie Bill Mottern [email protected] [email protected] 279 Huckleberry Road Bluff City, Tenn. 37618 Paul E. Galanti Pam Warner Eslinger (423) 542-1824; (423) 542-3469 fax 21 Maxwell Road PO Box 117 [email protected] Richmond, VA 23226 Hammon, OK 73650 (804)389-1668 (580) 473-2783 National Judge Advocate [email protected] [email protected] Dave Drummond 1 Crane Court Southeast Region Northwest Region Manalapan, NJ 07726 Wm “Bill” Jeffers Bonnie Sharp (732) 446-4198 3522 Millbrook way Cr 9716 54th Street CT West [email protected] Greenacres, FL 33463 University Place, WA 98467-1118 (561) 969-6036 (253) 565-0444 National Chaplain [email protected] [email protected] James H. Beaver PO Box 2103 Sid Hecker Southwest Region Abingdon, VA 24212 7730 Laie Place Milton “Skip” Moore (276) 623-0875 Diamondhead, MS 39525 2965 Sierra Bermeja [email protected] (228) 493-7605 Sierra Vista, AZ 85650 [email protected] (520) 459-7295; (520) 533-3757 fax Jr. Vice Commanders [email protected] Charles Susino - Eastern Zone North Central Region 136 Jefferson Street John W Clark Lewis “Lew” Sleeper Metuchen, NJ 08840 1201 S Johnmeyer Ln 6636 E VillaDoradoTucson, AZ 85715 Columbia MO 65203 (732) 549-5775 phone & fax (520) 751-9628 Voice (573) 445-3621 (520) 490-1082 Cell [email protected] Carroll Bogard - Central Zone [email protected] 726 N. Carolina Place Larry Dwyer Mason City, IA 50401 814 Woodlawn Ave. (641) 424-4870 Muscatine, IA 52761 (563) 263-5249 PNC James Cooper - Western Zone Senior Director PO Box 65 PNC Jim Clark Douglas, AZ 85608 Committee addresses appear 214 Oakdale (520) 364-8582; (520) 805-9401 fax with their columns Bastrop, LA 71220-2330 [email protected] (318) 281-5505 phone & fax [email protected] of my life. Just to meet and shake hands with the President and Vice news President was a thrill of a lifetime. The ceremonies at Arlington Cem- from etery were equally impressive. Then, the reception at the May- flower Hotel, hosted by the Para- hq lyzed Veterans of America was out of this world. You remember, AX- The National Midyear Board meet- POW hosted this program in 1997. ing will be in Arlington, Texas on March 20, 2010. It will be held at Remember to make plans for the the Hilton on 2401 Lamar Boule- very special National Convention vard. If you wish to attend, you can National Commander we have planned for 2010 in Al- make reservations directly with the Kenny H Hanson bany, GA and Andersonville. If you hotel by calling 817-640-3322. Tell have been to Andersonville before, them you are attending the AXPOW you know what an exciting experi- meeting. The rates are $99 per ence it is. Those who have never night and includes breakfast. We Well, in my first few months as your been there will be in for a moving are having a dinner on Saturday National Commander, I have cer- and uplifting treat when they come night at the hotel. The cost for that tainly found out that “the thought- this year. is $25 per person. Please contact less are rarely wordless”. National Headquarters for more Speaking of Andersonville, I would information. It seems there is a segment of our use you to support the Anderson- organization that is bent on de- ville Traveling Exhibit. The hat was Attention Annual Members, this stroying it. My question is “Why?” passed at our convention in Boise will be the last issue you receive if The continuing threat of lawsuits for this project and more than you have not sent in your dues. really boggles my mind. $3,000 was raised. WOW! Past Di- Please do that now. rector Ed DeMent is heading up this I am very hopeful that we can have project for AXPOW in cooperation our 501(c) 3 classification by the with The Friends of Andersonville. Happy Valentine’s Day! end of 2009. With that classifica- Clydie, Marsha, Sally & Donna tion, we can put other fundraising Happy New Year! Your National Headquarters programs into effect. In the mean- time, we need to depend on the gen- Kenny erosity of our wonderful member- ship. Those members who keep the organization going with their much- need and generous donations are From the Whereas, (ETC); and the real heroes of AXPOW. Always ByLaws Committee: Whereas (ETC); therefore, be it remember our programs such as All requested changes to the Na- Resolved, that ______direct mail, voluntary funding, 50/ tional Bylaws are to be submitted 50 and credit card (where we get a as follows: One signature is required on reso- percentage of every purchase) are lutions and amendments. Members how we keep solvent. You may al- Resolutions have two major parts: are reminded that resolutions must ways make a memorial or hono- a preamble and a resolution. The be submitted to the committee be- rarium to these programs. preamble gives the reason for the fore Feb. 1, 2009. Those request- resolution. The resolution gives the ing changes should include a tele- I really enjoy receiving the newslet- intent. Each can contain one or phone number where they can be ters from our Chapters and Depart- more paragraphs and the whole is reached if more information is ments. They give me a feel for the read in its entirety, beginning with needed. Send requested changes to: activities and programs that are the preamble. Each preamble para- Clydie Morgan, Chairman, 3201 E. ongoing on local and regional lev- graph begins with “Whereas” and Pioneer Pkway, Suite 40, Arlington, els. I also enjoyed receiving Christ- ends with “and” to connect it to the TX 76010. mas cards from many of you. next paragraph. The final paragraph is joined to the resolution with a This year, I was part of a Veterans semicolon and followed by the Ex-POW Bulletin Day that I will remember the rest phrase “Therefore, be it” Jan/Feb 2010 5 for Carl’s mother…congestive heart NSO Betty Harlan reports from VA Outreach disease…if they can find that doctor. Sudan, TX: “Just got notice a Lubbock We shall see. widow got her DIC because her hus- S*O*O*N band died from ALS in 1981. She had More Dear Abby: “Dear Mr. Campbell. remarried, but her second husband Before it’s too late My mother wants to thank you and died and she filed on her first Dear Abby for getting the word out husband’s ALS death record, and it about ALS pension (compensation). was approved very quickly. It was Her claim was approved and she is filed in late August, so action came now able to quit work (at the age of quickly on this one. Betty”. 80), and enjoy life at a more relaxed pace. Truly, this is a life-changing And a great letter from Phyllis in event for her, and she as well as the Delaware: “Dear Mr. C. I want to per- whole family are so grateful for the sonally commend Charles Susino work you do! Most sincerely, Keith from Metuchen, New Jersey. He has G”. been instrumental in working on my husband’s file for me to receive my NSO Fred Campbell, Chairman From Macon, GA, Flo writes: “Dear DIC. He has uncovered many factors 3312 Chatterton Dr. Rev. C: There are literally no words in my husband’s case that were medi- San Angelo, TX 76904 that sum up your thoughtfulness for cally incorrect. He was able to sort 325-944-4002; [email protected] notifying widows of ALS victims of out what was not right. I have been the VA benefits. How would we ever seeking my DIC since my husband’s have known? I was your 6th caller the death in 1995. I tried through the VA, VA Outreach Soon! day Dear Abby ran your article in her DAV and VFW. Mr. Koehler recom- Before it’s too late! column. I called you that Saturday mended Mr. Susino to look into my morning and you told me what to do. husband’s file I have just received my First the Good News! On Wednesday, I went to our local first check for the DIC. IT’S A SHOCK! “Think Positive” VA and by noon all papers were filed. I can’t believe someone is really lis- My husband’s diagnosis was on his tening to my pleas. Thanks again to The good news is…there may be a death certificate. My retroactive ben- Mr. Susino for uncovering what I possibility for a VA benefit. Carl efits were deposited 8 weeks later. knew to be true. And thanks to our called from Chicago. “I’m calling to What a wonderful service you per- magazine with all the updated infor- see if my mother might be eligible formed. Please accept my heartfelt mation. Very truly yours, Phyllis”. for a VA widow’s benefit.” When did thanks. Flo”. (Thanks to persistent AXPOW JVC/ your father die? “He died Aug. 29, NSO Charlie Susino who won’t quit 2009.” What did he die of? “The ER And from Sarah Jane: “Thank you so till it’s right.) doctor said he had congestive heart much for the information. I acted on failure.” Is that what they put on the it immediately with the help of the The Dept. of Veterans Affairs has death certificate? “No, they put co- VA office in Galveston and began re- been criticized greatly in past years. lon cancer as the cause of death.” ceiving payments this month. I am Now, with the pressure of claims That won’t do. If you can get the doc- sharing my benefits with my children mounting in unbelievable numbers, tor to write a statement that conges- and grandchildren”. Great, as whole the VA is making every effort to meet tive heart failure contributed to your families benefit! the challenge of veterans and their father’s death, you may have a pos- families. They have hired much sibility to validate your mother’s Here’s a fine accolade to the VA: “Hi needed additional personnel to claim. Mr. C. I want to thank you so much handle the influx of claims. Still, long for informing the public about the waits for claim results happens. And The sad thing is that Carl’s father had veterans benefits for spouses who newly trained personnel are helping, been a Japanese POW for 42 months have lost a spouse to ALS. I just re- but also human error can be a fac- in WWII, in the Philippines, Taiwan ceived my first check and was abso- tor. Here are examples of issues mis- and Japan. His father did not have lutely amazed at the efficiency of the interpreted that I know of: 100% disability rating, only 30%. VA. They were wonderful to deal About 25 years ago, he was so frus- with. They kept me informed of the Issue REMARRIAGE. Ms. Doe in trated by the VA treatment, that he status of my claim and any phone Florida is denied her DIC, as VA rat- quit trying. Now it’s a different story conversations were handled with ing specialist tells her since her hus- with our treatment by the VA. But immediate answers. I appreciate your band died of ALS, and she remarried there still may be some good news efforts and help. Sincerely, Bernice at age 61, she was not eligible. NSO (Ewing Township, NJ). I also let Dear Doris Jenks questions it, and calls Ex-POW Bulletin Abby know my positive attitude to- Philadelphia VA (where all Atlantic ward the VA”. coast death claims now go for pro- Jan/Feb 2010 cessing) and talks with the rater, ask- 6 Issue NO RETROACTIVE COMPEN- Dear Abby letter) came into my life. outreach cont’d... SATION. Ms. Doe 3 calls from Roch- Please know what a blessing the two ester, NY (friend of Ms. Doe 2) to say of you are. The VA started benefits ing her to review the decision in her shee has gotten her DIC effective within six weeks. I was not covered case. The sticky problem is that if a Sept. 1, 2009. I told her it should have in paperwork, but was sent a kind widow receives her DIC on the death been effective Oct. 1, 2008 since her and respectful letter when notified of her first husband and she remar- claim had gone to the VA in July. I that benefits would start. It helped. ries, she loses her widow’s DIC ben- call Brian in Philadelphia again and My thanks come with love and grati- efit. However, in 2003, the VA pro- told him the claim problem. He re- tude for the difference you have vided a 12/16/2003-2004 one year views the file and apologizes, an- made in my life. You & Linda have “window” to get her DIC back if she other wrong denial. He says, “Give me set an example for me to follow. Y’all remarried at age 57 or later. With her this lady’s phone number.” He calls are special, Lois L”. present husband still living, the only Ms. Doe 3 and now shee will get her time she could reclaim her previous DIC effective Oct. 1, 2008, which Nov. 10, 2009 from Phyllis in Michi- DIC was during that year “window”. means her first check will be about gan: “Dear Fred, I read the Dear Abby The VA rated evidently based Ms. $13,000. And Brian has also cor- column on July 18, 2009 and I am so Doe’s original denial on this ruling. rected a similar one for widow Bar- happy and grateful for the informa- This calls for review and correction bara in Florida, and another lady in tion; shortly after I went to the VA because Ms. Doe had remarried at age New York, calling both of them. office here, armed with my late 61, and had never had the widow’s husband’s DD214, our marriage li- DIC benefit before. The VA Travel Issue VETERAN HAD 100% RATING cense and his death certificate. A Board from Washington DC was in EIGHT YEARS+. Sometimes a VA young lady helped me fill out the pa- Waco TX VARO recently and re- rater will not note that a veteran has perwork and I was done! Early Oct. I viewed a similar case, and deter- had the 100% disability rating for at received a large envelope from the mined after consulting the judge, least eight year, and gives the widow VA, and in the rest of the mail was a that this Reinstatement of Benefits only the standard widow’s benefit, check. My daughter asked if I was section 38CFR 3.55 does not apply now $1,154, when it should be en- expecting an extra check and I said to those who have never had DIC hanced to about $1,400 a month. no. I opened it and there was a check before, and if they marry at age 57 Once again, Brian in Philadelphia to for me paying me back to Sept. 2008! or later they are eligible for the DIC. the rescue, to correct such a recent We cried because my girls were 16 Now this Florida lady should qualify, ruling. and 14 when we lost their father to thanks to AXPOW NSO Doris Jenks. ALS in 1987. I work for my Ottawa/ Brian in the Philadelphia VA office Chippewa Indian Tribe and asked the Issue MEDICAL EVIDENCE DURING is a gem, caring to get things right. editor of our monthly newsletter to MILITARY SERVICE. Ms. Doe 2 calls print your letter to Abby”. More grati- from suburb of Rochester, NY. Hus- Issue COMBAT. Some widows have tude, and more Outreach! band died of ALS, but she has been been told they were not eligible for denied her widow’s VA benefit be- the VA widow’s benefit because their Nov/Dec EX-POW Bulletin TAPS con- cause the VA rater says there is no husband was not in combat. Wrong. tacts by: AL, Fred Liddell; OH, Doc medical record of husband’s having If the veteran servced at least 90 con- Unger; MI, Robert Fletcher; WA, Mau- ALS during his time of military ser- secutive days on active military duty rice Sharp; MS Nancy Mullins; IL, Bill vice. A misinterpretation of rule! The and dies of ALS, the widow should Smith; NY, Melanie Bussel; IA, Betty medical evidence is validated if ALS qualify for the VA benefit. Grinstead; MO, Marion Rippee; SC, is noted as cause of death on death Lawrence King; CA/CO/TX/GA/LA/ certificate. Please note: It is my experience in our OK, Fred Campbell. VA Outreach effort that VA person- Issue TOO MUCH INCOME. Ms. Doe 2 nel are generally doing their best to again. The VA rater also denied her get our veterans’ widows their cor- Make a because she had too much income. rect VA benefits. Yes, there are er- Wrong again! There is no means test rors, but not everyone is Contribution to your for DIC! It does not matter what your perfect…like you and I are. J Grandkids’ Education! financial resources are for COMPEN- SATION. It does for Pension. I call More gratitude: Nov. 1, 2009, from Brian, Rating Supervisor in Philadel- Lois L in Birmingham, AL. “Dear Mr. Bring them to phia VA who pulls file for review, C, Thank you from my heart. My hus- Andersonville calls me back to say, “We rated the band and I never needed help in our claim incorrectly.” I said, Brian, this 40 years of marriage. ALS changed September 21-26, 2010! lady is really upset, would you call that. I had nowhere to turn, no one her? “Sure, I’ll be glad to.” I give him to understand. Then Linda Hodges (a Ex-POW Bulletin her phone number and he calls with member of Concho Valley AXPOW the good news. who called many who responded to Jan/Feb 2010 7 pow medsearch 3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, Suite 40 Marsha Coke, Chairman Arlington, TX 76010 e-mail: [email protected] (817) 649-2979

varying amounts of POWs were held many POWs captured in 1952 American POWs held. The majority were held at the and ’53, especially aircrew. locations labeled as 2-1 and 2-2 on in Korea the maps. Camp 2-1 was the pri- The US Air Force photo on this page by John N. Powers mary camp and the interrogation shows Camp 2 Company 1. The center for the other three. long school building/barracks, the exercise yard, and the fence sur- Part II In October 1952 2-1 was split and rounding them can be seen next to 2-2 formed in a village less than a the circle marking Camp 2. mile away. Camps 2-3 and 2-4 were held in smaller, more remote vil- The 2009 Google Earth picture on Camp 2 lages, farther east. Camp 2-3 was page 11 clearly shows the same where the hard core reactionary building and exercise yard more Location enlisted men were sent. Camp 2-4 than fifty years later. Camp 2 is described in various debriefs as south, east, and north of Camp 5. The actual location of the main camp is only a few miles east of Camp 5 as the crow flies. Some POWs apparently marched di- rectly over the mountains from Camp 5 on foot trails while others went by truck. The village names of Po-chang- ni, Chang-ni, Pi-chong-ni, and Obul are commonly found in debriefs.

The initial camp, formed in Oc- tober 1951, held about 325 officers and 25 enlisted. The numbers included 150 US Army, 100 US Air Force, 22 US Marine Corps, 10 US Navy, 35 British, 20 Turk, 5 South Afri- can, 5 Australian, and 3 Fili- pino. These figures include only those POWs held at Camps 2-1 and 2-2. In Decem- ber 1951 officers who had been on the Tiger Death March and then held at the Apex camps arrived at 2-1.

Camp 2 actually consisted of four separate villages in which

Camp 2-1 40-38-42N 125-31-35E Ex-POW Bulletin Camp 2-2 40-38-54N 125-30-59E Jan/Feb 2010 Camp 2-3 40-39-29N 125-41-23E 8 Camp 2-4 40-41-47N 125-36-16E both for warmth and because of wooden fence around the com- medsearch continued... lack of space. Each squad had a pound. bucket for water and a wash basin. Camp 2-3 at Parun-dong, eight Description The 2-1 compound was in the east- miles due west of 2-1, was estab- On arrival in October 1951 the ern section of the village. It was lished in August 1952. It held 130 POWs were held in one large school about 110 by 80 yards, surrounded to 140 enlisted ranks from other building and and a few small huts. at first by one barbed wire fence camps that the Chinese considered On the accompanying maps this is and about mid 1952 by a twelve extremely “reactionary”. They were labeled Camp 2-1. The large build- foot high double fence of barbed held in about four different groups ing was a former schoolhouse of wire and saplings. These fences of varying sizes in and around a wood and mud construction di- were separated by a three foot small village. Individual prisoners vided into ten rooms which held 24- space. Some sources say this would often be forced to stand at 30 men per room. The village out- double fence was not erected until attention, sometimes for 24 hours side the camp area was called Pi- the spring of 1953. or longer, and were beaten when chong-ni. In October 1952 about they would relax. Many were forced half the group was moved to two The schoolhouse building had a to perform hard labor. At times newly constructed mud barracks in series of classrooms in which the doors would be removed from huts a village one half mile west. This POWs lived. One classroom was and no fires allowed. It wasn’t un- was Camp 2-2. Company 1 re- used as a library and stocked with til the spring of 1953 that this kind mained at the original location and numerous communist oriented of treatment eased up. (The British Company 2 went to the village newspapers and books. The doors referred to camp 2-3 as Son-Yi.) down the road. POWs were con- leading out of the building had been stantly separated from the main removed. In the hallway outside Camp 2-4 at Chang-ni (or Osang- area at Camp 2 and its sub-camps each room was a small stove used dong or Obul), was five and a half and held in solitary confinement or to heat water. During the last win- miles northwest of 2-1. It held small groups. This led to areas that ter these stoves were moved into mostly US Air Force officers, appar- were sometimes referred to as the rooms. The building was set ently captured later in the war. Camp 2 ½ , Camp 2 ¼ , the Annex, on raised ground above what had Many debriefs say it was at a vil- and No Name Valley. There were been the playground and was now lage of about two hundred people at least four areas within a seven the assembly area and exercise called Obul. What may have been to fifteen miles of each other that yard. Behind the school and raised the first POWs at Camp 2-4 arrived were used to house the prisoners. even further were the huts that had in July or August 1952 and num- The villages of Parun-dong and been housing for the school staff. bered about seventeen aircrew. Chang-ni to the east were part of POWs housed in these huts referred They were held in the standard hut this system. Company 1 and Com- to the area as Snob Hill as it was with mud floors covered with old pany 2 were at the two main loca- above all the other camp buildings. straw mats. The room was small. tions, with Company 3 at Parun- On the east end of the school and Each POW had a small blanket dong, and Company 4 at Chang-ni. down a few steps was the kitchen. which they stitched together with Annex, No Name Valley, and Camp On the other end of the barracks other POWs to form a bag to sleep 2 ½ apparently referred to 2-4. was a lean-to latrine. In the village in. The room was hot during the Camp 2 ¼ seems to have been a itself was a jail with barred cells day and chilly at night. Some were reference to Camp 2-3. used to hold POWs who had been in leg irons and handcuffs. By No- sentenced for various “crimes.” vember 1952 their numbers had The first village at Camp 2, Pi- risen to thirty-four and they were chong-ni or P’yongjang-ni, con- In October of 1952 Camp 2-2 was held in an old school building. The sisted of 40-50 Korean homes. A formed just to the west of the origi- room was 30' by 20' and they slept small stream ran through the vil- nal camp. It was in a village in a on bamboo mats. By December lage. Until March or April of 1953 small valley just a half mile west of thirty more prisoners had joined the prisoners slept on rice straw the main camp. The building the group and they had the use of mats, twelve men on each side of formed a U shape. One arm was a second room which they called the room. At that time double deck prisoner housing, the middle was the rec room/kitchen. Their com- wooden bunks were built but they the kitchen, and the other arm was pound was fenced. By June 1953 still had no mattresses. On their a library. The prisoners slept on the prisoners at 2-4 were divided arrival at Camp 2 each individual raised platforms in heated rooms. into one group of 55 to 70, one In the middle of the U was their was issued a light padded com- Ex-POW Bulletin assembly area. Camp 2-2 had a forter, a blanket, and an overcoat. Jan/Feb 2010 They slept shoulder to shoulder 9 by the POWs in the small kitchen In December of 1952 at Camp 2-3 medsearch continued... that held nine large pots and stan- the food was of lesser quality than group of 30, one group of 14, an- dard Korean ovens. At meal time that at other camps and varied other of 11, and the rest in smaller each squad sent men to the kitchen within the camp from group to groups or solitary confinement. to carry food back to the squad group. Some were fed boiled sor- Other sources say the number was room in wooden boxes to be doled ghum which was frequently only closer to 200, about 40 of them out in set amounts into the squad half cooked and usually included enlisted men. A few POWs who ar- members rice bowl and cup. POWs lots of stones and dirt. Another rived there in late January 1953 were the cooks at Camp 2-1, 2-3, source says they received one bowl were held in a hut outside the com- and 2-4, it can be assumed that was of rice twice a day. That same pound until just prior to the release the same for Camp 2-2. Initially source stated those in solitary were in August. It was only then they they were fed two meals a day, fed only barley, not rice. By the were allowed to mix with their fel- mostly rice and soya beans. Once summer of 1953 the diet was much low POWs. a week a small pig was butchered better, consisting of steamed rice, for the entire group of 370 POWs bread, vegetables, and sometimes In August 1953 about 130 POWs at Camp 2-1. meat and eggs. Sugar was also part were held together in an old stor- of their ration. age building. This was probably the By the summer of 1953 the food bulk of POWs at Camp 2-4. The ration differed by day of the week At one point meals at Camp 2-4 prisoners here were mostly US but at Camps 2-1 and 2-2. Monday, consisted of string bean soup and included some South African, Brit- Wednesday, and Friday they got rice in the morning and potatoes ish, and Canadian. The camp was two meals a day of rice and daikon and rice in the evening. Every third a seven mile hike from Camp 2 soup (daikon is a large white rad- day they got some steamed bread. main. Individuals were frequently ish). On Tuesday it was rice and One POW recorded a diet of rice, taken from Camp 2-4 back to Camp daikon soup in the morning and potatoes, and cabbage. Soya beans 2-1 or Pyoktong for questioning. At rice and soya-beans in the after- were added and in March of 1953 least one POW may have been shot noon with two small buns of bread. they were given tomato seeds to and killed during an escape attempt On Saturday rice and soya-beans plant. A POW arriving there in May in July 1953 at Camp 2-4. (docu- again in the afternoon but no bread. 1953 was fed twice a day on rice, ments G) On Thursday and Sunday the meal corn, and beans. In August of 1953 was rice and pork soup in the morn- the food improved and the meals In all four of these camp areas were ing and pork stew and bread in the even included hot tea. Prior to this huts used to isolate those POWs, afternoon. time they usually had enough rice usually senior officers, who failed but it was often cold. to demonstrate the correct attitude. Meals were at eight-thirty in the Some of these huts were more like morning and half past four in the Medical cages. POWs were kept in cells in afternoon. What they ate depended At 2-1 and probably 2-2 sick call the village jail, in woodsheds, store- on the season, the mood of the was held every two days. In most rooms - any isolated spot that could guards, and how well peace talks cases medical care was an improve- be found in the villages or the area were going at Panmunjom. The ment over that provided at Camp 5 around them. The senior POW was closer to the end the better they but still at minimal levels. There held for a year and a half in an iso- were fed. The POWs agreed the was a “little makeshift camp hos- lated Korean house just east of food was better than at Camp 5, but pital” in the village about fifty yards Camp 2-1. the staple was still rice and soya- outside the compound at 2-1. beans. Those who caused problems for the The guard population was such that Chinese in any of the Camp 2 com- there was one guard for every two Every ten days the prisoners got a pounds had medical care withheld. POWs. sugar and tobacco ration. Also is- sued at this time was the equiva- At 2-1 and 2-2 the camp doctor was Food lent of about ten regular sheets of called “Dirty Doctor” due to his paper. Half was for rolling ciga- dirty hands and constant spitting At the main camp water for cook- rettes and half was for toilet paper. ing and washing was carried by the on the floor. He either had little or no medical knowledge or did not prisoners from a stream a short POWs held in solitary were fed one, distance away. Food was cooked want to help sick POWs. Once a two, or maybe no meals a day. That POW was used in a photo op with Ex-POW Bulletin meal was commonly a watery soup clean gowns, rubber gloves, and of kaoling (sorghum) and a bowl of Jan/Feb 2010 medical instruments. After the eggplant. 10 photo was taken of his supposed groups. Every evening the entire ball, volleyball, and soccer. By the medsearch continued... camp was assembled to hear a time of the first prisoner exchange treatment the gowns and equip- speech by the camp commander. in 1953 prisoners at Camp 2-1 were ment disappeared, never to be seen Even in the winter this all took place allowed to listen to English news again. Eventually another doctor in unheated rooms or in the out- broadcasts from Peking. Just before was assigned along with some door assembly area. Guards were the final release they were given Red nurses. The worst health problem present and the prisoners were Cross supplies. was pneumonia and drugs were made to sit still and “not make the avalaible for treatment. jokes or rude noises.” In the fall Treatment of 1951 there were nine and a half Use of “the hole” and extended pe- There was a dispensary at 2-3 at hours of lectures and study each riods of solitary confinement were which a POW medic was allowed to day. By April of 1952 this had been common in all the Camp 2 villages. help. cut down to about four hours a day. Senior officers were punished for After April 1952 the lecture/study trying to maintain military order. Some POWs at Camp 2-4 rated the program ceased. The three harshest sentences to soli- medical treatment as good but said tary confinement stretched for four medical supplies were inadequate. months, one year, and eighteen Others said there were no medical facilities except for a “quack” who gave out pills for every medical problem. Since individuals or small groups were often held apart from other POWs and placed in catego- ries according to their “behavior”, both statements are probably accu- rate. There were only two deaths at the Camp 2 compounds and they were accidental. It is unclear whether a POW was killed during an escape attempt at 2-4.

Daily Activities Initially the prisoners at Camp 2-1 dug latrines and food pits and car- ried rocks to build areas in the camp. They hauled wood and wa- ter as in other camps. In the sum- mer of 1952 they helped build Camp 2-2. It was common for a After the group lectures were group to be marched to the Yalu to months. These sentences were for ended the prisoners were allowed the three senior officers in the camp. unload barges. Some times they to play baseball, volleyball, and soc- were allowed to swim. One of the charges against them was cer. Camp 2-4 was supplied with their failure to send Christmas reading material, which was gener- greetings to the camp commander, In the first months at Camp 2-1 ally communist books and newspa- each day the POWs would be roused Ding, and the general leading Chi- pers. They were also issued play- nese forces in Korea. The hole var- at dawn for roll-call and some type ing cards. Some played chess with of exercise on the assembly area. ied from a single hut, a jail cell in a home-made pieces. In the late fall local police station, storage sheds, They would return to their quarters of 1952 Camp 2-3 was allowed to where the squad leaders had to an outhouse, or an actual hole in the construct a small bathhouse for ground covered with a door. read out loud for an hour from their own use. Basketball and vol- Communist material. Breakfast leyball equipment was provided for At Camp 2-1 one of the “holes” used was at eight-thirty followed by two their use. hours of lecture with guards in the was a rat-infested latrine in the vil- lage, still used by the villagers. In- room. After a break they would Around Easter of 1953 some POWs have more political study from two from Camp 2-3 were allowed to visit Ex-POW Bulletin until four. At four thirty they re- 2-1 and 2-2 for a short time of ceived their evening meal followed sports contests in softball, basket- Jan/Feb 2010 by more political study in small 11 was tied to an overhead beam from read – from a typed sheet which had medsearch continued... his wrists which were tied behind been on the table all the while the dividuals were kept under the la- his back. The rope was then pulled “court” had been in adjournment trine for as many as two weeks at a tight so he had to stand on his tip- to determine those sentences. The time, even in the winter. There were toes. He was kept in this position more serious offenses meant being POWs held in these various loca- all night. The next day he was confined in very small spaces. tions who were never allowed con- stripped to his waist and made to tact with other prisoners. In Au- stand outside for the entire Decem- Prisoners being punished for vari- gust and September of 1952 pris- ber day. That night he was tied to ous offenses were grouped in five oners from 2-1 held in actual cells the beam again. Two POWs were classes. First class meant time in in the village jail noticed POWs they confined to a small stone hut at one jail in groups of no more than 30 did not recognize being held in a of the camps for one month. The with no contact allowed with POWs hole covered with logs. The men floor had been flooded and was outside the group you were housed were kept in this hole one at a time solid ice. with. Sugar, tobacco, and soup and then disappeared. A few weeks were given. Second class meant you later the hole was filled in and the In February 1953 a POW was sen- were held in groups of 4 or less and mystery POWs never seen again. tenced to 77 days solitary confine- you received occasional sugar and ment for not cooperating properly. tobacco. Third class were given no Debriefs of POWs held at Camp 2-4 He was placed in a store room in a sugar, tobacco, or soup and only al- tell of being sent to main Camp 2-1 Korean hut with two blankets. The lowed to bathe occasionally. Fourth in September 1952 for interroga- temperature would drop as low as class were held in solitary in a tion. They were held in bomb shel- 30 below zero during which time house or shed. There was no sugar, ters dug in the ground in the vil- he slept on the dirt floor. tobacco, soup, or washing. Fifth lage near the POW compound. The class were held in solitary in a place holes were about five feet wide and Another prisoner was placed in the that was both physically and men- six feet high. There was a wooden hole from Easter 53 to July 53. tally uncomfortable. The POW was door which had logs piled over it. During that time he was deprived cold, cramped, and received no Food was simply passed to them of bathing, exercise, medical care, food. through the door. Once the inter- and light. He was constantly threat- rogations were finished they were ened by guards pointing their weap- At times confinement to the hole sent back to 2-4. ons at him and pulling the trigger. meant using your cell as your la- trine. Many of the prisoners who Treatment at the four camps var- In September of 1952 a POW at was were put in these classifications ied depending on the alleged of- placed in a hole of five square feet were pilots who would not admit fense. When held in the jail cells in for six days. Once a day a bowl of to germ warfare. Those who at- the town a prisoner was to sit on rice and maybe some bread was tempted escapes were usually pun- the ground in the middle of the cell passed through the door. He was ished by solitary confinement. A all day. Depending on the guard, then taken out for questioning. He version of this method of assign- this rule was enforced with beat- gave no answers and was placed ing offenses by class seemed to ings. back in the hole for two more days. exist at some level in some of the These were not the only POWS sub- other camps along the Yalu, maybe One prisoner was stripped naked jected to this treatment but ex- all of them. and forced to stand at attention for amples of treatment frequently en- twenty four hours. His legs were dured. Prisoners were constantly pulled beat with an ax handle when he wa- from the group, frequently at night, vered. Others had food and water Prisoners would be sentenced to for extensive questioning about al- withheld for five or six days. Some the hole for talking back to guards leged offenses. Written confes- were strung up by their hands or or even for singing. One was sions were demanded and often feet. Some were placed before fir- charged with attempting to con- dictated. POWs had to guess how ing squads. Another was tied to a vince a fellow POW to sleep past long they could refuse to sign these telephone pole during a February morning wake-up. Any show of statements before they were night wearing only a cotton shirt leadership would get a POW “ar- thrown into solitary confinement. and pants. Soon after this he rested”, “tried”, and “sentenced” to Crossing a very fine line led to signed a confession. Another POW a period of time in isolation. At one harsh treatment. “trial” after the charges were read Ex-POW Bulletin the “court” adjourned for approxi- In 1952 there were forty-one es- Jan/Feb 2010 mately three minutes. On return- capes from Camp 2-1 (Camp 2-2 is 12 ing to the room the sentences were probably included in this figure). a separate building about one hun- ance with camp regulations and medsearch continued... dred yards from the bulk of the their attitude towards the guards. Some of the escapees managed to men at Camp 2-3. The only door The common excuse for no mail stay free for a few days, others were was kept locked at all times by the arriving in camp was that US planes caught in the act. When drying cab- guards. Permission had to be were constantly bombing supply bage leaves on the roof of the granted even to use the latrine. In routes. At one point at Camp 2-1 schoolhouse the prisoners would April of 1953 this group was moved they were shown mostly burned en- spell out P O W in attempt to signal to another building which was sur- velopes as proof. On further inves- friendly aircraft. They stamped out rounded by a ten foot high brush tigation the POWs noted that some P O W in the snow. Just as in the fence. They were allowed to move of the letters were ones they had escapes, they were always caught in and out of this house at will, but written the day before. One POW and someone spent time in solitary had to remain inside the fence. A received one letter fourteen months for their efforts. Around Easter of sentry box, manned twenty four after he was captured. His family 1953 at least three POWs escaped hours a day, stood at the only open- had sent over three hundred letters from Camp 2-4 and were caught ing in the fence. After the move to to him during the same time period. that same day. Various debriefs say this location they received a to- By January 1953 mail at 2-1 was a POW was killed during this at- bacco ration and were given books delivered every two or three weeks. tempt. Some day he was an Ameri- to read. In general this group was Some got mail from home, others can and others say he was British treated much more harshly than did not but that name appears on listings others in the camp. In February of British survivors. It may well be they spent two weeks with their The prisoners held in isolation at there was no death. One prisoner firewood supply cut off. 2-3 were finally allowed to send let- was wounded in an escape attempt ters home in April of 1953. from Camp 2-3. This was a throwback to the treat- ment during the first winter of Release At Camp 2-3 the prisoners received 1950-51 when most of the POW The first POWs left the main camp Chinese uniforms including the deaths occurred. Any perceived at 2-1 on 5 August 1953 with the standard rubber/canvas tennis misbehavior led to a beating or soli- last group leaving on 19 August. shoe which was not adequate pro- tary confinement. A bucket of sor- They traveled by truck to Manpo tection for the winter temperatures. ghum was brought to them twice a and then south by train. Even at They were fed one bowl of rice twice day. If the guard commander was the end the Chinese were trying to a day and went each day into the in a good mood they got rice for get signed confessions from POWs woods to gather firewood. The one of the daily meals. Anything still held in isolation with threats larger number of POWs here tended to sour his mood meant only sor- they would be left behind. In May to be mostly left alone by the Chi- ghum for the prisoners, so they ate and June 1953 Camp 2-3 was bro- nese. An American was put in sorghum for weeks at a stretch. ken up and the POWs sent to the charge of cooking. A small bath- After the move in April they re- various enlisted camps. The group house was built using a fifty-five ceived the same meals as the rest of hard-core reactionaries held gallon drum to heat water for bath- of the camp. They also received separately were sent to Camp 2-4 ing Japanese style. By spring of new uniforms, soap, razors, and in May and held there until late 1953 the food for most of the pris- were allowed to bathe in the river. June. At Camp 2-4 they were still oners was greatly improved, as it However, they remained isolated held separately at a farm house a was at most camps. from others in the camp. few hundred yards from the main POW area. A machine-gun was set A small group of about fifteen hard- Clothing up to cover the house. After six core reactionaries was first held in Standard summer and winter issue. weeks they were sent on a few at a Prisoners were also issued a blan- time to Camps 1, 3, or 5 to be re- ket, a light cotton comforter, and leased after the Armistice. September an overcoat. In December of 1951 21-26, 2010 each POW at 2-1 was issued a heavy Part III will be in the March/ National Convention blanket and a padded winter uni- April issue of the EX-POW form. Periodically there were issues of underwear, towels, and soap. Bulletin. Index and Credits can Make your plans now! be found in the Sept/Oct issue. Meet your friends! Mail Bring your grandkids! Prisoners were allowed to write let- Ex-POW Bulletin Andersonville! ters. Whether they received any Jan/Feb 2010 depended partly on their compli- 13 JAPANESE CAMPS DONATIONS AXPOW MEDSEARCH Southeast Asia-Saigon, Port Area .50 SS Oryuku Maru (Hellship) .90 CAMP DESCRIPTIONS Sumatra .90 Thailand (Siam) .50 Tientsin, China .40 Camp descriptions available from AXPOW. All are from the National Archives. If your camp is not listed, it is be- Umeda Bonshu .70 cause the National Archives does not have it available. Utashinai, Hokkaido .50 War Road Jail, China .50 JAPANESE CAMPS DONATIONS Woosung .50 Akenobe #6 $.70 Zentsuji Headquarters 1.10 Batavia, Java .90 Taiwan Formosa, includes Camps 31, Beppa .50 Taihoku: Camp V, Taihoku: Camp VI, Bilibid Prison 1.30 Taihoku, Kinkaseki: Camp II, Taichu: Bridge House Jail, China .50 Camp III, Heito: Camp IV, Kagi & Burma .40 Tako 2.10 Cabanatuan #1 .50 Cabanatuan #3 2.10 Camp O’Donnell .60 GERMAN CAMPS DONATIONS Changi, Singapore .70 Camp Conditions (general) .70 D 12, Hitachi .90 Dulag Luft .40 Davao Penal Colony .70 Hohemark Hospital & Luckenwalde .90 Fengtai, China .50 Marlag und Milag Nord .90 Fukuoka #1 .90 Oflag 13-B 1.50 Fukuoka #2 .90 Oflag 64 Fukuoka #3 .90 Reserve-Lazaret Obermassfeld .70 Fukuoka #10 .70 (the orthopedic hospital) Fukuoka #11 .50 Rumania .50 Fukuoka #17 .70 Stalag 2-B 1.50 Fukuoka #22 .70 Stalag 3-B 1.70 Hakodate Branch Camp #2 .70 Stalag 7-A 1.50 Hoten, Juken, Manchuria .70 Stalag 9-B 1.10 Initial Phase – Philippines 1.10 Stalag 17-B 1.50 Jinsen, Korea .50 Stalag Luft 1 1.50 Kiangwan, China .70 Stalag Luft 3 1.50 Manila, Port Area .40 Stalag Luft 4 .40 Mitushima, Tokyo Camp #2-D .70 Stalag Luft 6 .40 Makaishima, Honshu .70 Transit Camp - Section of Dulag Luft 1.10 Mukden, Manchuria (temporary) .50 German Orders Governing Prisoners Nakhon Pathom, Thailand .50 of War in Europe 2.30 Naval POW Camp, Shanghai .40 Notogawa #9-B .50 *Shipping / Handling fees: For orders up to 4.00, add October Ship (Hellship) .90 $3.00; For orders 4.01 to 7.99, add $4.00; For orders Omine .50 8.00 to 25.00, add $8.00, For orders 25.01 to 49.99, add $13.00; For orders 50.00 to 99.99, add $15.00 For orders Osaka #3, Oeyama .70 over 100.00, add $20.00. Osaka #5-B .70 Checks/Money Order/Credit Card Accepted. Osaka #12-B .70 .70 Osaka Group, Sakurajima, Osaka Check packets you wish to order and send with payment .90 Palawan Barracks to: MEDSEARCH, 3201 East Pioneer Parkway .90 Rangoon Prison, Burma #40, Arlington, TX 76010 Roku Poshi .70 .50 Name Saigon POW Camp, Phone .70 French Indo-China Address .50 Sendai Camp #6, Hanawa City, State, Zip Sendai Camp #11 .50 Amount enclosed $ ______(includes shipping/han- dling*) MasterCard and Visa accepted (circle one) Ex-POW Bulletin ($5.00 minimum charge) Jan/Feb 2010 Card Number: 14 Expiration Date: presenting “Andersonville Revis- the National Park Service’s Harpers andersonville ited.” This annual special event in- Ferry Center, also participated in the terprets the Civil War history of design review. The team was pleased Camp Sumter (Andersonville Prison) with the exhibit plans and offered and features living history displays, suggestions that will be incorporated Confederate Camp and Guard Sta- by the designers. Currently, MDA is tions, Union Shelters, Live Artillery working with Andersonville staff to and 19th Century Musket Firings, and select artifacts and additional pho- a Torchlight Tour of the Prison Stock- tographs for the exhibit. Exhibit plan- ade. Plans are also underway for our ning information will be posted on annual observance of Memorial Day, the Andersonville website, which will see large numbers of vol- www.nps.gov/ande, under unteers paying tribute to fallen mem- “Quicklinks.” Any and all members bers of the armed forces by gracing of AXPOW may download and use the national cemetery with American this information to share the vision Andersonville NHS flags. and educate others about the project. 496 Cemetery Road For those of you whom I met in Boise Andersonville, GA 31711 In September, of course, is National who wanted printed copies and/or a (229) 924-0343 POW/MIA Recognition Day. In addi- CD, I hope this web-based informa- tion to the special coordination we tion will meet your needs. If not, will enjoy with the National Conven- please contact me and we’ll figure out tion of American Ex-Prisoners of an alternative. News from the Park War, we will also be hosting the Trav- eling Vietnam Memorial Wall! We are At this writing, more than $17,000 indebted to Rolling Thunder, Inc. and has been donated – largely from AX- by Brad Bennett, Superintendent to the Friends of Andersonville for POW members – to the “POW Travel- with contributions from arranging and supporting this mo- ing Legacy” account managed by the Ed Dement and Alan Marsh mentous opportunity. Friends of Andersonville, which will see us through the final design phase. Happy New Year! When we are not planning and con- The last push for funds will be for ducting these major events, we con- the actual production costs. Fabrica- By the time you are reading this, tinue to work tirelessly on the Pris- tion of the POW Traveling Exhibition Andersonville will have witnessed its oner of War Traveling Exhibition Production is estimated at $240,000. greatest participation yet in the na- project. Kurt Wiedman and Sean The National Park Service is request- tional Wreaths Across America pro- Hooley, exhibit planners with Mu- ing half of that amount, $120,000, gram. Thanks to the enthusiasm and seum Design Associates (MDA), vis- through its budget channels with the organizational skill of Chief of Ad- ited Andersonville NHS on Novem- expectation that matching funds will ministration Lindsey Phillips, many ber 12, 2009 and presented the lat- be provided by the American Ex-Pris- individuals, families, businesses, and est design plans. The 55-page Design oners of War and the Friends of organizations sponsored wreaths Development document presented Andersonville. The great news from which were delivered to our national the first detailed look at proposed the Friends of Andersonville is that cemetery on December 11th. Dozens exhibit panels, text, and photos. AX- they have committed a recent be- of volunteers donated their time to POW members Bill and Maxine Price quest of $62,000 to the project! help place the wreaths at individual joined park staff for the review. Ed Which means the partner match to gravesites on December 12th after a Dement sent his regrets, but will be park funds is already more than half- service conducted by the Civil Air hitting the road in the early months way achieved. We are deeply grateful Patrol. This was a great opportunity of 2010 to update 17 AXPOW chap- for the continued generosity of indi- to honor the sacrifice and memory ters throughout the state of Florida viduals who share our commitment of our fallen veterans, whom we can- about the project. The project advi- to telling the Prisoner of War story not thank enough. sory committee has been expanded throughout America. to include a representative from Viet- 2010 will be a special year for Ander- nam, AXPOW member Bill Robinson, All donations are tax deductable. sonville National Historic Site, as it who was able to join us for the No- Please make checks payable to: POW is the 40th Anniversary of its addi- vember review meeting. Bill Traveling Legacy and send to: tion to the National Park System in Norwood, AXPOW member and Friends of Andersonville, PO Box 1970. We are excited about the many founder of the Korean War Ex-POW 186, Andersonville, GA 31711. projects, programs, and special Association, has also agreed to of- events that we have planned for the fer his insights as the project moves year. forward. Kevin Frye, Vice President of the Friends of Andersonville, and Ex-POW Bulletin On the second weekend of March, as Mitch Zetlin, exhibit designer from Jan/Feb 2010 has been the tradition, we will be 15 bler by looking up from the lectern on their Harley-Davidson motor- namPOW news at the United First Parish Church cycles with sirens blaring and lights where Presidents John and John flashing. Quincy Adams and their wives are buried. Coincidentally, Friday was Saturday’s ceremony was very well- the birthdate of John Adams and attended and the crowd was in a part of our escorted trip around festive mood. The gloom and doom Quincy included placing wreaths on of the national media was notably the tombs of John and John Quincy. absent in this village, one of the founding cornerstones of our coun- In addition to praising my long- try. The people from Quincy kept term cellmate, Al Brudno, one of us at the site for nearly an hour af- Paul E. Galanti the smartest men I’ve ever known ter the ceremony had concluded National Director, East Central and Dick Stratton, one of the tough- asking questions and posing for 804.389.1668 (cell) est resisters in the Hanoi Hilton, I photos with the monument and the [email protected] asked the assemblage how one former POWs. Special thanks go to small town could have contributed Larry Norton, Ed Murphy and Tom so much to America’s longest war. Bolinder, still Marines, for all they The Boys did to make this such a grand, mov- ing experience for all who were from Quincy As I looked around, my question answered itself. The entire town there. square had been transferred into a I’m not referring to the Adams red, white & blue spectacle that The weekend wound down quickly boys, John and John Quincy, who would have made a George M. and anti-climatically as the kaleido- are notable for other achievements Cohan-type Yankee Doodle Dandy scopic event flashed in retrospect. as documented by David sing its praises. The “official” holi- What a wonderful three days to de- McCullough is his historical works. day on October 31 is Halloween but liberate two fine men and, more Quincy, Massachusetts had turned importantly, a town that truly cares On Saturday, October 31, 2009, the it into the Fourth of July. about its veterans. As I boarded the good citizens of Quincy honored airplane to fly home, I couldn’t help former CAPT Alan Brudno, USAF The event was put together by the but reflect on a scene from my fa- and CAPT Richard Stratton, USN Quincy Veterans - including many vorite movie, “The Bridges at Toko- (Ret), two other Quincy natives, for Marines who had served in Viet- Ri” when Frederic March playing their service as prisoners of war nam. We were escorted everywhere Admiral George Tarrant looks out during the Vietnam war. in Quincy - from a private tour of across the horizon from the flag the Adams’ “Old House” and the bridge of the aircraft carrier and Representing Alan who died shortly burial sites of John & John Quincy rhetorically asks, “Where do we get after returning to the United States Adams to the Vietnam and Korea such men?”That rhetoric applies to was his his widow, Deborah Brudno emorials and finally to a wonder- Al Brudno, Dick Stratton and the and his brother, Bob. It was a mov- ful dinner at a seaside restaurant - warrior veterans of Quincy, Massa- ing tribute and the pleasant by an mostly veteran entourage chusetts who caused something to weather and warm demeanor of from the Quincy Police Department happen that I, frankly, thought was those in attendance added to the dead in this country. patriotic aura. Make Your Plans Now! Several other Vietnam POWs who had known Brudno and Stratton at- The 2010 National Convention is being held in Albany, tended. In addition to CAPT Georgia on Sept. 21-26, 2010. Stratton, Nam-POW attendees were Albany is about 40 miles south of Andersonville...you COL Elmo Baker, USAF (Ret), Past President of Nam-POWs; CDR Gary can get there from Thornton, USN (Ret), The Honorable anywhere! Jim Warner and the guest speaker Drive was your humble scribe made hum- Fly (3 fights daily into Albany) Train (to Atlanta, then rent a car) Ex-POW Bulletin Here’s a great idea: Grab your grandkids and have Jan/Feb 2010 them bring you to the most wonderful convention! 16 ruary 19, 1968. The remains of Mr. Laboratory (CIL) identify at least 200 pow-mia Ackley and Mr. Driver were recovered remains per year by 2015. September 2, 1994 and identified That is a significant increase in the September 21, 2003; both were listed number of IDs and establishing such as missing in Laos on March 7, 1973. a quota could adversely impact the The number of Americans accounted scientific process. Without increases for since the end of the Vietnam War in budget and personnel, it could in 1975 is now 859, though another mean diverting attention and prior- 63 US personnel were recovered post- ity to easier to identify, large crew incident and identified before the WWII sites in order to reach that nu- end of the war, bringing the total to merical mandate. 922. Reaching that goal could also mean PNC John Edwards JPAC ACTIVITIES & OPERATIONS: reducing investigations, surveys and JPAC teams recently concluded Joint excavations that are Vietnam War-re- Chairman Field Activities (JFAs) in Laos and lated, the original reason for forma- 889 Randall Road Vietnam, and operations in India that tion of JPAC and its predecessor or- Niskayuna, NY 12309-4815 have been hampered by weather will ganizations. For these reasons and (518) 393-3907 phone & fax be completed before Christmas. more, it is critical that funding and JPAC Detachment Commanders from personnel be increased to meet the Bangkok, Vientiane and Hanoi have Congressional quota now passed, AMERICANS RECOVERED: spent one week in Hawaii for their without sacrificing the accounting 1,724 Americans are now listed by regularly scheduled Commanders’ principles. Defense POW/MIA Office (DPMO) as Conference. missing and unaccounted for from MISSING/CAPTURED: the Vietnam War. DPMO recently Operations around the world con- posted the names of Staff Sergeant tinue to improve in quality; however, US Service members reported miss- (SSG) Robert Griffith, USA, of GA, there is urgent need for increased ing or captured while supporting and civilians James Ackley and funding and personnel to meet re- combat operations. Clarence Driver, both of CA, as no quirements mandated by the De- Army PFC Bowe R. Bargdahi, 23, June longer missing. SSG Griffith’s re- fense Authorization Act for FY2010. 30, 2009,Afghanistan. mains were recovered November 21, Unfortunately, Congress is mandat- Army Staff Sgt. Ahmed K. Altaie, 44 2007 and identified October 2, 2008; ing that JPAC’s Central Identification Oct 23, 2006, Baghdad he was listed as MIA in Laos on Feb- . We’ve received a lot of input from Where better to be treated than at civilians our committee members, Civilian the Veterans Administration, where members of AXPOW and others. they treat military POWs every day. We’re still working to refine exactly VA knows our disabilities. They are what we would like…others are pur- experts in the area of POWs. suing other avenues with the Japa- nese government. It has been an in- And there is precedence for includ- teresting journey thus far. ing us in VA treatment. At last count, there were 32 “Special Groups Rec- The dictionary defines prisoner of ognized By Law As Veterans’, direct- war (POW) as “a person who surren- ing VA to treat as Veterans certain ders to (or is taken by) the enemy in persons previously considered civil- Walter H. Riley, Chairman time of war. Congress has long used ians. Section 401 of PL 95-202 cov- 14521 Cyprus Point Drive the term Civilian Prisoner of War ers these groups. Currently, the US Dallas, TX 75234 when talking about us, or writing leg- Cadet Nurse Corps has bill in Con- islation for our benefit. We had much gress that would recognize their ser- (972)247-6069 the same experiences and suffer the vice under administration by the Sec- [email protected] same ailments as our military com- retary of Veterans Affairs. If you served in the military after patriots. In Vietnam, there were a prison camp, please write and let number of civilian POWs held in the We’ll keep you up to date as we move same conditions as their military along. We expect to have more to me know. We’re compiling number counterparts. The biggest difference present to the Board of Directors of Civilian POWs who then served we see is that most of us from WWII when they meet in Texas in March, in the military. Thanks! were children at the time of capture. 2010. Our parents, if they were captured Ex-POW Bulletin with us, have since died. Jan/Feb 2010 Walter 17 hill. The clothing was for the living. The Chinese took us to a parade field tiger survivors We had no other choice. We were not of sorts and brought out huge allowed to dig a grave nor did we amounts of rice and steamed bread. have the energy or tools with which We couldn’t believe our eyes. What a to dig. meal! We were in the “tall cotton,” so to speak. The next day was the We all weighed less than 100 pounds same. More food! We were given new by now and were sick and consumed clothing ... the first since our capture. by lice. We were mental basket cases. Some tobacco was also issued, along The dead were left in shallow inden- with sugar. From then on, we started tations in the earth. “God, please take to gain weight. care of our brothers,” we would say. Shorty Estabrook Soon all the Officers were moved to 37645 Flora Court One day a group of well dressed Rus- the Officer’s camp and the NCO’s were moved as well but the NCO’s Murrieta, CA 92563-2726 sian Officers came to our camp and were brought back and a special [email protected] met with Major Dunn. The Tiger was not invited. Major Dunn took a cal- camp was established for them just culated risk and told them about one corn field away from us. The Tiger what the Tiger had been doing. The risk paid off and the Tiger was re- Ten more of our brothers died at Survivors Story lieved a short time later. Great Chang-Song. They died as a result of Capture and Beyond, Part II credit should be given to Major the treatment under the North Kore- Dunn. He could have been shot for ans. All of them were returned to our At Chung-Gang-jin, we could see the what he did. side and sent home to their loved war across a field just to the south. ones during operation Glory. We were hoping to be rescued but Spring came even to that ungodly that was as far north as the United place and the warm sunshine was Life became boring and the Chinese Nations forces came. I really think most welcome. And things were re- tried to make Communists out of us that if they had come across that ally going to get better now that the by using the so-called brain-washing field, we would have all been shot. Tiger was replaced by a kinder North method but they did not have much Korean Major from the North Korean luck. On 16 November 1950, we were sud- Army. But we were still starving to denly ordered to move out in the death and there was little food even In August 1953, we came to freedom middle of the night. It was here that for the North Koreans. We would but it was not a quick plane ride to my best buddy, Jack Samms, was bru- catch frogs to eat as well as other the states for most of us. We were tally beaten to death. I was power- things that I won’t mention. put on ships that took 16 days to get less to do anything about it and had to San Francisco, and we were treated a terrible sinking feeling in my gut. On 29 March 1951, we moved from on-ship as if we were still in prison. Hanjang-ni to Andong to an old Japa- The next morning, we came to a place nese Army Camp. As we approached Then, we were sent home which was that was to become our home until ChungGang-jin, the sky became full a mistake. We should have been 29 March 1951. It was a small place of B-29 bombers ... the first we had taken to hospitals and given thor- called Hanjang-ni, North Korea. seen since Pyongyang. We were ough mental and physical examina- There was a large school building of happy to see them when suddenly tions such as having the worms re- one story with several outbuildings their bellies opened up and the moved from our systems. The rest is and a central well. We thought that bombs started to fall. Now, we were history and I hope that I have ex- things would improve now but we not so happy. Miraculously, only one plained how it really was. were dead wrong again. POW was wounded. 58 % of the Tiger Survivors group I won’t go into the terrible descrip- Summer passed at Andong and 50 died in captivity. It was a terrible tion of life there. Suffice it to say that more died there. In October of 1951, price to pay when a simple medica- 222 brave people were promoted to we were ordered to move again. The tion could have saved many of our Glory at that hell hole of all hell civilians went to a different place and brothers and sisters. holes. we did not see them again. In memory of all the people who did The dead were stripped of clothing, We were put on river barges and not make it out of that terrible place, such as it was, and carried to a nearby moved down river to Chang-Song, I dedicate my life and the ongoing North Korea and turned over to the work that I do. Ex-POW Bulletin Chinese Army Prisoner of War Camp Jan/Feb 2010 system. Our camp was known as May God Bless America! 18 Camp 3. Obama, Congress members and 2004 law entitled widows who re- their senators urging them to pass marry after age 57 to receive both News a bill that would recognize the ser- Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities vice of the Corps members as ac- from DoD and VA Dependency and Briefs tive military service for purposes of Indemnity Compensation (DIC), laws administered by the Secretary without any offset between the two. of Veterans Affairs. A bill for the AXPOW member Corps 116,717 members to receive Leo K Thorsness veteran status has been introduced US Navy Members several times to Congress by Nita Elected President, M. Lowey (D-NY) starting in 1996. on Stamps Congressional Testimony for the newest bill, The Medal of Honor Society United States Cadet Nurse Corps Four members of the U.S. Navy will Equity Act (H.R.1522), was pre- be immortalized on stamps: Will- sented to the Veterans Affairs sub- iam S. Sims, Arleigh A. Burke, John Leo Thorsness joined the U.S. Air committee in March, 2009. McCloy and Doris Miller. The First- Force in 1951 at age 18 and became Day-of-Issue dedication ceremony a jet pilot during the Vietnam War. for the four 44-cent First-Class col- During an 1967 mission he was President Signs VA lectible “Distinguished Sailors” shot down over North Vietnam. In- stamps takes place in Washington, jured and captured, he spent six Health Care Advance DC, Feb. 4, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. in years in the Hanoi Hilton. When the Funding into Law the Arleigh and Roberta Burke The- war ended in 1973, Thorsness ac- ater of the United States Navy Me- cepted the Congressional Medal of On Oct. 22, 2009, President Barack morial www.navymemorial.org at Honor, which had been awarded 701 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. The during his incarceration. Obama signed the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transpar- event open to the public. Col. Thorsness and his wife, Gaylee, ency Act of 2009 into law. The new law will provide timely, predictable currently live in Madison, AL. funding for the Veterans Health Ad- VA To Survey ministration, the nation’s largest Veteran Households About the Medal of Honor health care system, one-year ahead The Medal of Honor was created by of the regular appropriations pro- On Dec. 3, 2009, Secretary of Vet- Abraham Lincoln in 1861. It’s the cess. Senate Veterans Affairs Com- erans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki an- highest award for valor in action mittee Chairman Akaka sponsored nounced the Department of Veter- against an enemy force that can be the legislation in the Senate with ans Affairs (VA) has launched a bestowed upon an individual serv- the backing of leading veterans ser- national survey of Veterans, active ing in the Army, Navy, Marine vice organizations. duty service members, activated Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. National Guard and reserve mem- Since the birth of America, over 40 bers, and family members and sur- million Americans have faced com- SBP/VA Ruling will vivors to learn if they are aware of bat, yet fewer than 3,500 have re- VA services. ceived the Medal of Honor. not be appealed In addition to assessing awareness The six cornerstones of the award On Oct. 22, 2009, the Defense De- levels, the National Survey of Vet- are courage, integrity, sacrifice, partment announced it will not ap- erans will collect important health commitment, citizenship and pa- peal the ruling of the U.S. Court of care, benefits, employment, and triotism. It is awarded for “con- Appeals in the case of three wid- demographic information that VA spicuous gallantry and intrepidity ows who sued the government to will use to inform policy decisions at the risk of one’s life above and keep both their VA survivor ben- and improve benefits. Recognizing beyond the call of duty while en- efits and their military Survivor a broader client base than just Vet- gaged in an action against an en- Benefit Plan annuities. At issue is a erans, this is the first time VA has emy of the United States.” 2004 law that restored DIC pay- included others, such as Veteran ments to veterans’ surviving family members, in its survey popu- spouses who remarry after their lation. Nurse Corps Bill 57th birthday. Before the law change, survivors lost DIC upon Ex-POW Bulletin Many surviving Nurse Corps mem- remarriage at any age. In JUL 07 Jan/Feb 2010 bers throughout the country, have three widows filed a lawsuit claim- 19 been writing letters to President ing that the unique wording of the anything. I do know that he was one to be told but I will skip the details of the first to be sent, and one of of my POW adventure and come to the last to come home. He spent 33 the day of April 5, 1945 where our months as a POW. I believe that he group (310 men) had just left the events was not freed until peace agree- town of Nuremberg and had ments were signed. I have heard stopped to take a rest just as we through the years that he came got outside the main town. We were March 5-6, 2010. The USS Hous- home on “The Blackhawk”. I also told that we were going to stop at a ton Survivors Association Annual heard when he was captured, he POW Camp and be able to get s Reunion will be held at the Hous- fought 4 N. Korean soldiers by him- shower and a Red Cross Parcel. We ton Downtown Doubletree Hotel. self, which led to him losing a fin- were elated with the “thought” but Feel free to stay a couple of days ger. Once back stateside Daddy our hopes were dashed when the into the next week @ our USS HOUS- made a career of the Army and re- air rid sirens went off indicating TON rate, $89.00. The group rate tired in 1968, after serving 21 yrs. that US planes were on the way to is now in the system - you may Thanks for any information. Carla bomb the city. make your reservations by one of Dowdy-Blocker, 305 Willow Dr., the following. Call 1-800-222-TREE Glennville, Ga. 30427. Just about 10:00 AM or so the US and give the group name of USS planes arrived (8th AF out of En- HOUSTON before requesting your I am looking for anyone who may gland on their usual daily run) and dates of stay. For more information, have known Alfred C. Carroll. Dad started their bombing raid. We all contact Lin at: was captured at Battle of Salerno could see the planes - there had to [email protected] beginning September 9, 1943. He be at least a hundred or more was wounded and received Purple planes and we “felt” so happy and Heart. Believe he was captured proud that our “boys” were going about Sept 19. He was transported to do a “bang up” job. But as we looking to Stalag 2B in Hammerstein Ger- stood in the protection of a small many. He became acting Chaplain wooded area, we suddenly got after Bruce Meads was repatriated caught in the raid and we were hit for because of an illness I do know of. by our own planes. It was devastat- My Dad conducted many services ing. After the raid was over we took and went out to the Kommando a tally of the damage - of the 310 units for religious services. I have +/` we had the following: Dead: 28; My uncle was a POW during WWII. copies of letters written to the seriously wounded: 40; walking His name was Charles H Sears, US mothers whose sons had died in the wounded: many, of which I was Army. His brothers were Luther camp, telling who attended and that one with concussion and hearing Sears, US Navy and Warren Sears, they were given military honors as loss. US Army. They were from Cape could be under circumstances. He Cod, Massachusetts. My uncle cap- was with the 36th Infantry, trained I never put in for a Purple Heart tured in Oct. 1944 while serving in at Ft. Devens in Mass. He conducted because I was told that my injury the Infantry. He was held in Stalag funerals of POW’s which he noted, was caused by “friendly fire”. I re- 2B Hammerstein, West Prussia un- as well as who attended. He wrote cently found out that I might be til liberated. All I was ever told was that not all Germans were bad. In eligible. I made application through that he survived on potato peels his journal, many prisoners wrote, the assistance of my local congress- and that he was about to be termi- thanking him, French, Serbian, En- man office and after nearly 2 years, nated when his camp was liberated. glish, etc. He kept a record of the I received denial, basically stating Thanks. Ed Sears, 5500 East march from Stalag 2B beginning Jan that I did not present any Doubletree Road, Pahrump, NV 29, 1945 thru Germany and noted “corrroborative evidence such as 89061. each town and how many KM they statements from fellow prisoners of marched. Thanks for any help. war, that my injury was a result of I’m looking for information about [email protected]. an air raid by the U S Forces. my father. His name was Colquitt Regretably, as there are no medical L Dowdy. I believe he was stationed I was captured during the Battle records which show that the appli- in Japan when he was deployed to of the Bulge at around 4:00 pm on cant was treated for wounds re- Korea . I don’t know what unit or December 16, 1944. I was a 20-year ceived on April 5, 1945 and there old 2nd Lt. Combat Infantry Officer. is no corrobating evidence, there is Ex-POW Bulletin By 4 PM that evening there only 4 insufficient evidence to base award Jan/Feb 2010 of us left when were captured by the Purple Heart at this time....” 20 the Germans. There is a long story from all 50 states, if you would like did twenty-three shows in one week looking for to donate an old plate to the mu- for over 30,000 soldiers based in cont’d... seum. Mail to: Bill Allen, 421 4th Ave hospitals in Japan and on the front N., Tierra Verde, FL 33715. lines in Korea itself. He and Harry Akst were invited to a private lunch I need to search for anyone who was GROUP SEEKS VETERANS WHO with General and Mrs. MacArthur at that April 5, 1945 bombing. SAW JOLSON PERFORM at the time during which “Jolie” Charles Norton Dean from The International Al Jolson Society, sang all of the old tunes that the Redlands, CA and Ed Myers can an organization of over 1000 General requested. vouch, but are they still alive? members worldwide, dedicated to The exhausting entertainment Chester F. Lubeck, 581 Greenbush honoring the legacy of the late schedule took a toll on the 64 year Rd., Blauvelt, NY10913; Phone: 845 entertainer, is seeking help from old Jolson, yet despite a severe 358 3111. American servicemen and women bronchial infection, he continued to who may have seen the famed sing his heart out for “the kids.” I am the assistant air attaché at the singer during one of his many USO Three weeks after returning home US Embassy in London and recently tours. to California, Al Jolson died (Oct. attended a luncheon with some UK 23, 1950). President Tru-man called vets from the San Martino Trust— Jolson, billed in his lifetime as “The him as much a victim of the Korean see web link below. Basically, these World’s Greatest Entertainer”, War as was any soldier fighting are vets who were POWs of the Ital- played to millions of fans on the there. ians during WW II and who when stage, screen and radio for nearly the Italian government collapsed fifty years. But he often stated that Accordingly, Al Jolson was were able (with the help of many his #1 audience was the American posthumously awarded The Medal Italians) to escape south to Allied GI. During WW I he entertained of Merit—the highest honor to be lines. Many of the escapees were stateside in many army hospitals all bestowed upon a citizen by the U.S. also Americans. This organization over the nation and appeared in Government. is interested in making contact with countless War Bond rallies. US POW groups who may have been The Jolson Society (www. held in some of these camps. I During WW II he was the very first Jolson.org) is trying to contact looked at your website but didn’t to perform under the USO banner Veterans who saw Jolson entertain see any links dedicated or pertain- in Alaska, South America, England, in any of the many shows he did at ing to US POWs in Italy. Do you Ireland, Scotland, North Africa and army hospitals at home and abroad know of any such organizations, Sicily. In Algiers he had a private or in any of the famed front line and if so, could you pass me their meeting with General Eisenhower performances. If these soldiers contact details? http:// and staff. Jolson was accompanied would write about their msmtrust.org.uk/home/. Many to the ETO by his pianist, famed experiences, or perhaps tape record thanks, Jeff Price, Lt Colonel, US music composer, Harry Akst. The their precious memories, The Air Force, Assistant Air Attaché, two played dozens of shows, giving Jolson Society would publish these USDAO London, UK; the soldiers a morale boosting taste accounts and share them with [email protected]; of the music they’d left back home others. Any photos of these [email protected]. . historical Jolson shows would be At the start of the Korean conflict greatly appreciated too. It would be Hi my name is Chad. My Grandfa- in 1950, Jolson requested The a wonderful way to honor the ther was a POW in Moosburg, Ger- White House to grant permission memory of an entertainment many. I think he was their from Aug for him to be the first to entertain legend who worked tirelessly in 28,1944 -April 27,1945 at Stalag our soldiers. The USO had been three wars to ease our soldiers’ 7A. What I’m looking for is good disbanded earlier so Jolson paid his burdens and bring them a few photos. I found several sites on the own way to the Far East to sing once hours of laughter, tears, and sweet web but really no good photos of again for his favorite audience. He musical memories. Interested Vets Stalag 7A. Any info will be very and their families can contact Mr. helpful. Thanks. Kirk Estee, of the Jolson Society, at [email protected] PSSST! [email protected] (402 616.0460). He will ensure that their special storied The Armed Forces Military Mu- Save the Date! accounts are thoughtfully reported. seum in Largo, Florida is display- September 21-26, 2010 ing an area devoted to Former Pris- Ex-POW Bulletin oners of War. The museum would We’re going to Georgia! Jan/Feb 2010 like to display a POW License Plate 21 AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR VOLUNTEER FUNDING PROGRAM The AXPOW Volunteer Giving Program parallels that of other VSOs, whereby the entire membership, including life members, is given the opportunity to contribute to the operation of our organization, based on ability and willingness to contribute. All contributions are to be sent directly to the National Treasurer to be used for the operation of the organization. A complete accounting of contributors will appear in the Bulletin each month.

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Phone # Please make checks payable to American Ex-Prisoners of War - Voluntary Funding Mail contributions to: National Headquarters American Ex-Prisoners of War 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010 Donations are not tax-deductible at this time September National Convention 21-26, 2010 Tentative Agenda Sept. 21-26, 2010 Marriott Tuesday Sept. 21: Friday Sept. 24: Courtyard Albany National Service Officer Training Past National Commanders 3019 Kensington Court Registration Desk Open in PM Breakfast General Business Session Albany, Georgia 31707 Wednesday Sept. 22: Camp Reunions Phone: 1-229-889-8015 National Board of Directors Meeting Hospitality Room $109 Registration Desk Open Evening Entertainment Hospitality Room Open per night Hospitality Room Saturday Sept. 25: Evening Entertainment General Business Session & Balloting only 8 miles from Southwest Thursday Sept. 23: Banquet and Installation of Georgia Regional Airport Daytrip to Andersonville Officers Opening Ceremonies at Anderson- ville National Historic Site and the Sunday Sept. 26: Devotional Ex-POW Bulletin National POW Museum Commanders Reception National Board of Directors Jan/Feb 2010 Meeting 22 a safe crash landing was made. Our crew chief and I tried in vain to burn the Your aircraft according to or- ders.

Stories We were soon captured and transported to Budapest. We were vigor- Pictures ously interrogated, stripped of all ing the war. Somehow, he identified except our minimum clothing and me and gave me pictures of my B- of the Past locked up in solitary confinement 24 in enemy hands! Authentication in totally dark cells. After eleven was made by my crew chief, Art Vince Lisanti days, my cell door opened with a Schleger, who compared the serial 330 Clinton Ave. blinding flash. I was herded into an number with the number recorded Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 overcrowded boxcar and trans- in old maintenance records.

During the last few months, I have been corresponding with Mr. Mohos via email. He surprised me by send- ing images of the exterior of the Budapest jail and an interior pho- tograph of the corridor of cells in which my crew and I were held cap- tive. The photographs were pre- sented to the Veterans Administra- tion New York Museum by my crew chief, Arthur Schleger.

Pictures: 1. Presentation of the pictures to the NY headquarters museum of the VA by my former crew chief Arthur Schleger (left). Receiving is Mr. Bernard Finger, Director of Vo- cational Rehabilitation. It was to my enrollment in Mr. Finger’s program that I gained the computer compe- tence to correspond with Mr. Mohos On April 13, 1944, I was shot down ported to the German POW com- in Hungary. flying a B-24 bomber mission for pound Stalag Luft 333. The atmo- the 15th Air Force. The target was a sphere was permeated with confu- 2. Pictures of the Budapest jail. The German aircraft engine plant West sion, frustration and anger. Re- interior view in the picture held by of Budapest, Hungary. Due to en- mains of the murdered POWs of the my crew chief, Art, is of the corri- emy anti-aircraft fire, too much al- “Great Escape” were being returned dor of solitary confinement cells titude was lost to bail out. Miracu- to the compound. I was finally re- where my crew and I were held. lously an open field appeared and united with my crew – all alive and well. 1. picture of my B-24 in enemy Ten years ago, there was a reunion hands. The tail section was en- of former POWs of Stalag Luft 3 at larged to make the serial number the Air Force Academy in Colorado. more legible. The honored guest was Nandor Mohos of Hungary. DuringWWII, he worked for a Swiss historical soci- Ex-POW Bulletin ety. He recorded photographs of all Jan/Feb 2010 aircraft shot down in Hungary dur- 23 On landing, you can imagine our What turned out to be one incor- your stories, disappointment, frustration and rect lead was information from the cont’d... emerging fear, to learn that we were Mayor of Braselton, Georgia that the still in Germany. Capture was inevi- widow of a Leonard A. Eramo re- tability and as each crew member sided there; however, contact re- was eventually rejoined, various vealed that this was not the correct romise ulfilled versions of how the villagers cap- Leonard, nor a relative. A P F tured them flowed in excited con- John J. Connelly versations. Eventually, it was the National Per- 14470 Christen Drive sonnel Records Center in St. Louis, Jacksonville, Florida Like thousands of Air Men, we were Missouri, that gave me very prom- sent to the interrogation center in ising leads. Within the packet of Frankfort, then to Dulag Luft in information were several forms: a All stories have a beginning and an Wetzlaer, where the officers and 1980 request, by Leonard, for a end. Mine just took a little longer enlisted men were separated. copy of his discharge papers which than normal to reach its conclusion: were lost when he moved from 64 years to be exact. Little Chum and I ended up in Sta- Brooklyn, New York, to the south lag Luft IV, in Gross Tychow, Jersey area in 1965. A burial re- On July 21st, 1944, I was a mem- Kiefheidt (now in Poland) in Lager quest form indicating that Leonard ber of the crew of the “Cape Cod A, Barrack 10, Room 3, (a 15 x 23 had died on November 13, 1984, Special”, a B24 Liberator bomber, area.) This was to be our plush and information that prior to his on our eighth mission. Munich Ger- quarters until we were evacuated death he was planning to retire many was the target. I, a native of on February 6th, 1945, because of from naval civilian service. the ironbound section of Newark, the Russian advance on the eastern New Jersey, was manning the right front. One of the 24 men in that Assuming that his naval civilian waist gun, and Leonard Eramo sparse room was Jack Schuster, a service was in the Philadelphia ship- (Little Chum), from Brooklyn, New law student from Rye, New York. yards, I contacted the shipyard and York, was in the tail turret. it was suggested to me that I put a We began a marching odyssey, notice on the Yard Bird web site. We were at 27,500 feet on a bright through the snow, that took us Three weeks later, Dave Hill of Atco, sunny day, entering the IP (Initial across Germany to Stalag 11 B, New Jersey, responded to my post- Point) over the target, when we were Fallingbostel, between Hamburg ing. Leonard was his supervisor; hit by flak and lost rudder control. and Hanover. however, he knew nothing of his The pilot and the co-pilot had diffi- whereabouts or about his personal culty controlling the ship and when Prior to the march, Little Chum, life, but wanted to help by reach- we started to lose altitude, deter- Jack, and I teamed up, agreeing to ing out to other shipyard workers mined that we couldn’t make it share everything: a practical neces- for potential information. back to the base in Shipham, En- sity. Personal items were few and gland, the cockpit decided we treasured to the individual possess- So, having a date and place of would try for Switzerland and ing them, but on February 27th, death, my wife contacted the perti- headed west. While nearing 1945, a very dreary period in our nent county historical societies, one Freiburg we were again hit by flax. lives, Little Chum traded his watch of which was able to produce an The navigator put us on a south- with a German civilian, for two obituary notice, which gave the erly course and when he felt as- loaves of bread, which the three of name of the funeral home and place sured that we were definitely over us shared. Jack and I promised to of interment. Dave, living in that Switzerland, he told us to bail out. replace that watch when the war area, visited the local church, lo- was over. cated the grave site and forwarded This would be the first jump for the pictures of Leonard’s head stone. entire crew. Little Chum went first, Retiring at 80 years old, with a Leonard had been found, now the I followed and Paul Humphries, lesser degree of responsibilities, search was on for his wife or other from Oklahoma, the other waist and time to reflect, I began, what living relatives. I contacted the fu- gunner, was the last man to leave was to be, a four year search for neral home, and the Director knew from the rear of the ship. Little Chum and Jack. I learned Mrs. Eramo, but understandably, rather quickly that Jack Schuster because of privacy issues, would died in 1991, but finding Little not release any information to me Ex-POW Bulletin Chum was to become a much other than that she was still living. Jan/Feb 2010 harder challenge. He said that he would contact her 24 I wrote this poem in 1973, when I They were very happy, everybody your stories, was watching T,V. when the first could see. planeload of P.O.W.s landed in cont’d... Barskdale A.F.B. in California. Some got a Dear John letter, From others the secret was kept. by phone and relay the reason for The American Relatives thought it was better, my wanting to get in touch with her. To give them a goal, a step. P.O.W.s Are Home When days went by with no re- Still some came to open arms, sponse, I wrote a personal letter to To love and know the kids. Mrs. Eramo expressing my reason Trying to make up the charms, for trying to contact her. I sent this That for years, they missed. to the funeral home with the re- quest that it be forwarded to Mrs. A statement was made by one, Eramo. Again, after a long period As he stepped off the plane, a of time with no response, I felt com- smiling face. pelled to again contact the funeral The P.O.W.s are coming home, It couldn’t have been better Director. My thought was that, per- I hear the plane roaring. by none, haps, due to ill health, or even di- A miracle for some, “God Bless America”, was the minished capacity, I feel emotions soaring. phrase.

Mrs. Eramo was unable to respond After many trips to Paris, I felt a lump in my throat, to my letter. The Director informed By leaders from both sides. When all this was said. me that Mrs. Eramo had recently I can say this is, I asked myself, lost her only child, a son, and was A joyful moment, I thinks I’ll cry. who suffered the most, not concerned with the past. I was The P.O.W.s or the relatives happy that she was evidently in As the plane touched the runway, in the States? good health, sorry to hear about the As emotions grew, and grew. loss of her son and deeply disap- I don’t know what to say, How they survived their ordeal, pointed that I wasn’t going to be I don’t know what to do. One of the stated, able to fulfill the promise; a mixed Determination, faith in God, bag of emotions from one conver- After arrangements were made, prayers were real, sation. The ramp and red carpet rolled. Faith in America, was beatifully The T.V. cameras were in place, related. A few weeks passed. My wife and I I could here the crowd roar. had been in attendance at a “Re- Tonight as I go to bed, I will membrance” service for POWs and The P.O.W.s were in good spirit, appreciate, MIAs, at the VA Center in Lake City, One by one they came. Freedom more, give thanks, Florida, and when we got home, I They’re free, they made it, and pray, can’t tell you my surprise and im- To the Free World again. I’ll never forget this date mense pleasure, when I found a let- (03-14-73) ter from Mrs. Eramo in our mailbox. For them the World stopped, And I won’t forget the M.I.A.s They were caught in a turmoil. In it she explained her initial hesi- But all that was topped, Now I wonder what will happen, tancy in responding to a stranger, When they were home, back Everything for the best. but having read my forwarded let- on U.S. soil. No more hopes dampen, ter, realized that my intentions What will the longhairs protest. were honorable. The P.O.W.’s smiled, waved and saluted, Written by: Along with a note and a detailed And to the crowd they spoke. Martin Vega, Ret. Sgt. account of our last mission and tra- Among the P.O.W.s was included, Travis County Sheriff’s Dept. vails as POWs I mailed her a watch, A dog that was sneaked abroad. 409 Lightsey Road symbolic of the promise to Leonard Austin, Texas 78704 that his would be replaced. She re- Generals were waiting to ph. # 512-444-5751 sponded with heartfelt thanks and shake their hand, so ends my story. They were on World Wide T.V. Ex-POW Bulletin They were the Pride of the Land, Jan/Feb 2010 25 fan mail Dear American Ex-Prisoners of War:

I am a Social Studies teacher in Middle School 7 in New Jersey. Last November, we studied Veterans’ Day and honored all of the men and women who have served our country. All of my students were assigned an organization to thank the men and women for their service.

Enclosed are the letters that my students have written. My students were wondering if they would be receiving responses. If any veteran would like to write the student or myself back, all letters can be sent to me.

MS 7 Mrs. G Keeler 222 Laidlaw Ave Jersey City, NJ 07306

Any information from your organization would be appreciated. The students could use them as learning tools. I thank you for your time and I thank all of your members for their service. Without the service of our dedicated men and women who make up our military service, our country would not be the land of the free or home of the brave.

Thank you and God Bless Gloria Keeler

Ex-POW Bulletin Jan/Feb 2010 26 Come with me where moonbeams light Tahitian skies and the amber waters linger in your eyes

Im going to return to my island Shangri-la in the South Pacific. You can join me on our FIRST AXPOW group trip.

Our gateway will be Los Angeles. Our first stop…the Tahitian capital of Papeete. We visit other Tahitian is- lands – Moorea, Bora Bora & Raiatea. You wont believe the things you can see and do! (The Tahitian dance makes the Hawaiian hula look like an old maids tea party :-)

Our next stop will be Fiji where the changing of the guards is an exact mimic of Londons...thanks to the British-taught and uniformed mili- tary. You will have an island feast and the Fire Walkers will leave you marveling.

Our last flight is to Aukland, New Zealand, which is composed of two big islands – the North and the South (which has the glaciers). The Maori dance for you…you visit the Glow Worm Cave…the Thermal Wonderland (somewhat similar to Yellowstone Park) and many sites to see including Christ Church on the South Island in the capital of Wellington.

By the time you read this, I should have the timing, air flights, fares, hotels, buses and events priced. The profits of this trip will go to our National Treasury. I will be acting as your host, saving advertising and staff charges. There must be a minimum of 12 attendees. I feel that a party of 35 would be ideal. I have had groups of 70 to Niagara, groups of 35 to Brazil, 40 to Iceland/Norway.

For more information, drop me at line or give me a call. Wm. Lee Birch 190 Bethel Loop #104, Brooklyn, NY 11239 718-642-7647

Ex-POW Bulletin Jan/Feb 2010 27 American Ex-Prisoners of War Website Biography www.axpow.org

If you are not a current member of AXPOW, you must submit documentation of your POW status.

Name

Nickname

Address

City/State/Zip Telephone

Email

Conflict and Theater of Operation

Branch of Service Unit

Where were you captured? Date captured

POW camps you were held in

How long were you a POW? Date liberated

Medals received

Job in the military After military service

Submit 1 or 2 photographs (color or black and white). Biography:(please type or print)

SEND TO: American Ex-Prisoners of War 3201 East Pioneer Parkway #40 Arlington, Texas 76010-5396

Please include your check for $65 payable to AXPOW.If you have any questions, please contact Clydie Morgan, National Adjutant, at 817-649-2979; [email protected]

Ex-POW Bulletin Jan/Feb 2010 28 new members National Headquarters 3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010; (817) 649-2979 [email protected] New Annual Members David Goldstein *39638 Gladstone MO Westfield NJ Son of Murray T Pritchard, ETO WelcomeHome! 75 INF DIV 289 REG CO F Transit, Gerolstein, Stalag 12A R Dana Charles 39644 Denise R Kolm 1/17/45-3/29/45 Las Vegas, NV Bullhead City AZ Son of Howard R Charles, PAC Daughter of Henry Kolm, ETO Jeff Pritchard 39645 John W Patterson St Peters, MO Livonia MI Son of Murray T Pritchard, ETO Son of Thomas R Patterson, ETO Patricia G Southall 39646 Nathaniel Marcus Topeka, KS Edith Widow of William A Southall Columbia SC O’Donnell, Tarlac, Cabanatuan, CO K 422 REG 106 DIV Kamioka, Manila Port 4B 12/31/44-5/13/45 Annett Merritt 39647 Ashford, AL New Life Members Widow of Charles Ray Merritt Welcome Home! Luft 6 *denotes new member to AXPOW Melissa Hartman *39639 Miles City MT Cynthia Ruzicka *39648 David James Innis 39635 Daughter of Frank Stoltz, ETO Springfield, MO Porterville CA Daughter of John Ruzicka, ETO Civilian Frank C Farr Jr *39640 Santo Tomas, Los Banos Jamestown NM Joe Brian McGreevy *39649 1/2/42-2/23/45 8AF 91BG 323BS Ackley, IA Luft 3, 7A Son of Bob McGreevy, ETO Susan Pritchard Green 39636 11/3/44-4/29/45 Jefferson City MO Madelyn P McGreevy *39650 Daughter of Murray T Pritchard, Susan McQuilkin 39641 Ackley, IA ETO Columbia MO Widow of Bob McGreevy, ETO Daughter of Earl Duckworth, ETO Marita G Swenson *39637 Rodger A Oetjen *39651 Gulfport MS Tom Pritchard Colorado Springs, CO Daughter of Lloyd J Gray, ETO Juanita R 39642 39643 Son of Pete Oetjen, ETO

Robert “Ted” Harris Nancy B *39652 39653 Landrum, SC 386BG 553BS Dulag Luft, Luft 2

Arthur L Goss Delayne 39654 39655 Colorado Springs, CO National Convention 8AF, 303BG 358BS September Luft 3, 7A Ex-POW Bulletin 21-26, 2010 Jan/Feb 2010 Albany Georgia 29 Out of the 60-plus Purple Heart re- Dear Cheryl: cipients, many were honored with- members’ out family members being there as This past week I received a packet next of kin could not be located. with mailing address stickers. Along with this came a “happy holi- forum Thanks again so very much. day” statement. Then I opened my Russ Wilkins POWs Bulletin and sure enough, proud nephew of PFC Elliott Russell there it was again, “happy holiday.” Lund, 17th Airborne Div. Why have you given in to the athe- Two Opposing Viewpoints ists and non believers who have forced this kind of thinking upon Editor’s note: These are the only two us. It is not a holiday. It is Christ- mas and a HOLY day. It is the birth- 2010 Calendar that will be published. AXPOW is a day of our LORD. Thank you for giving these special widely diverse organization. The women some highly deserved holiday messages are for the SEA- Our whole country has given in and “Praise”. They truly were “Brave SON, which includes Thanksgiving, surrendered to those who hate our Heroic Angels”. They were denied Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza and Lord, but we as veterans who have compensation for many years. If any and all other holidays. served, been through terrible POW any were due, they surely were. The Reverend Mr. James H. Beaver experiences should at least have the courage to stand up and be counted Thank you. National Chaplain, AXPOW as believers. Isn’t that part of why Bobbie M Hauskins, Lafayette, TN 22644 Montego Bay Road Abingdon VA 24211 we served our country? If it weren’t for our trust in God, many of us Wife of George W Hauskins, WWII would not even be here now. POW shot down on his 21st mission Dear Rev. Beaver: in Germany. Held May 29, 1944- You, as the Editor of the POW Bul- April 29, 1945. Two remain from Several members of my Chapter letin, are completely responsible. that crew. George and William have expressed concern regarding Why have you allowed this? I, for Striffler, NY. They flew the Yankee your most recent column in the one, am very disappointed. So Doodle Dandy. AXPOW Bulletin. much so that I might stop giving. I am ticked off and offended. Per- Purple Heart Received Many of our members in the New haps there are other veterans who Dear Cheryl, York City area are Jewish. They feel this way, I don’t know. Earlier this year, you and I chatted found your exclusively Christian via e-mail, regarding the possibil- message inappropriate for the ity of running an excerpt of my Chaplain of a non-sectarian orga- We have seen the Bible taken out book “MISSING IN BELGIUM” , in nization. No VA chaplain would of the schools and know the results your March/April issue which you ever use a Christian invocation to it has produced in our students. so graciously did. Within weeks, I a group of veterans. Now the ACLU wants to destroy received a few e-mails from ex- Christianity. This is wrong. We POWs across the country. One of AXPOW’s membership is comprised must stand up and be counted for the e-mails was from Mr Allan of people who are Christian, people what is right! Gavan an ex-POW with the NH of other religions and some who Chapter. The e-mail chat back and follow no religion at all. Out of re- Dr. Robert W Otto th forth resulted in my 77 year old spect for our total membership, we 520 112 St SW Apt 222 mother attending the August 8th suggest that future columns in the Everett, WA 98204 ceremony and receiving her Bulletin and prayers at official AX- brother’s posthumous award of the POW gatherings be sensitive to our Purple Heart. Cheryl, I wanted to religious diversity. thank you and your publication, for Georgia is the I am sure that would not have hap- Sincerely, pened had you not posted my story. Melanie Bussel nation’s number one Commander, Hudson Valley producer of peanuts, Ex-POW Bulletin Chapter Jan/Feb 2010 1739 Horton Road pecans, and peaches. 30 Mohegan Lake NY 10547 Certificate of Captivity

Suitable for framing, this certificate of captivity, printed on 8½” x 11” quality paper, proudly displays your history as a prisoner of war. Each certificate background is personalized to the theater of operation. To purchase this certificate from AXPOW, send your name, service number, branch of service, unit when captured, POW number (if known), camp names and locations, along with your payment of $25.00. You may include a picture with your order.

Please order from National Headquarters. If you are ordering at Convention, you can place your order in the Merchandise Room.

request for membership application American Ex-Prisoners of War

Name: ______Address:______City/State/Zip:______

Membership is open to US Military and Civilians captured because of their US citizenship and their families.

Do NOT send dues with this request for an application

Life Membership Rates Mail to: Under 35 $360 36-50 $300 American Ex-Prisoners of War 51-60 $180 3201 East Pioneer Parkway, #40 61 & over $120 Arlington, TX 76010-5936 Spouse of life member $ 40 (817) 649-2979 voice Annual Membership Rates (817)649-0109 fax Ex-POW Bulletin Single Membership $ 40 e-mail:[email protected] Husband & wife $ 50 Jan/Feb 2010 31 In memory of Carl Fessel, by Jean In memory of William Love Cutaiar, contributions Dwyer by the Department of Maryland In memory of Col. Lewis Millet, Con- gressional Medal of Honor Recipient, MEDSEARCH FUND by Inland Empire Chapter In memory of Anne Cassimates, by In memory of Ernest Koss, by Alice Greater St. Louis Chapter Koss & Sons In memory of Elaine Korb, by the In memory of James Hoffman, by Dan Department of Maryland & Sharon Elvis & Family In memory of Gilbert E Stover, Sr, by In memory of James Hoffman, by the Department of Maryland Please send donations to: Joyce Ammons In memory of Maj John Philip Smith National Headquarters, 3201 East In memory of James Hoffman, by (USA Ret), by the Department of Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40, Perry & Judy Morris Maryland Arlington, TX 76010. You can also In memory of John Hurd, by Inland make a donation with a credit card Empire Chapter NSO (MasterCard or Visa). Just call 817- In memory of John Novak, by Martha In memory of Neal McIntyre, by the 6492979. Thank you! Novak Department of Georgia In memory of Lawrence Paulsen, by Eagles POWer Foundation in honor Contributions are not Adeline Robinson of NC Kenny Hanson tax deductible at this time In memory of Richard Ritchings, by In honor of Fred Campbell, by Bob Dolores Masucci McAdam GENERAL FUND In memory of Richard Ritchings, by In honor of Fred Campbell, by Thomas & Phyllis Hazelet Lorraine Holland From the 1st FABN Association: Donald Durant, Sun City Center FL In memory of Bert Wheeles, by the In honor of: John McMahan, Otis In memory of Helen Howell, by Department of Georgia Bradford, William Jarema. Forrest Howell In memory of Thomas Fort, by the In memory of: Alfred P Jones, Lincoln & Mary Hanscom, Department of Georgia Charles Brookshire, Charles E Single- Somersworth NH ton, Charles W Gibson, Cicero H Falls, In memory of Clarence Meinhardt, by VOLUNTARY FUNDING Clarence E Simmons, Clifford Wood, Vera Meinhardt Bert Krashes, Lake Worth FL Daniel M Bridges, Dewey L Spivey, In memory of Irene Scaglione, by Jo- Ernest Poulson, Salt Lake City UT Earl D Beeth, Edd Rhodes, Edward A seph Scaglione Hill Kulik, Apopka FL Murphy, Frank K Layton, Fred L In memory of James Hoffman, by John Crummey, Deerfield NH Meachum, George D Melton, Glenn Charles & Ramona Pippin Juan Rodriguez, Lexington KY M Stroud, Henry C Watts, Howard In memory of James Hoffman, by Kenny Hanson, Bloomington MN Moore, James D Harrell, James E Lynn Stephens Lew & Jan Sleeper, Tucson AZ Osborne, James K Sweeney, Jesse W In memory of James Hoffman, by Eugene Ostrowski, Cheektowaga NY Harrison, Joe Vega, John A Carey, Quality Auto Sales, Sales Staff Frederic Miller, Green Bay WI Keith Willis, Kenneth C Lanier, In memory of James Hoffman, by John & Phyllis Hutchins, Centennial Mansell T Merchant, Melvin A Troy Johnson and Family CO Dorman, Noble E Gilkinson, Rifton E In memory of John Mailander, by the Ohio Chapter #1 Holden, Roney Bailey, Roscoe W Mid-Iowa Chapter Roy Allen, Abilene TX Gore, Ruffin R Fedwine, Steve T In memory of Louise Nettles, by Doris Sal & Camille Crivelli, Oceanside NY Loper Jr, Stopkes W Westbrook, Tho- Yarema Tacoma Chapter mas S Morse, Wade Rozanski, In memory of Mark Dujmovic, by the Vincent & Joan Sacco Wilfred Becker. Rocky Mountain Chapter Aldo & Ann Freda In memory of Pauline Owsen, by Timothy G Dyas Arthur Tilley, Bangor ME Dottie Biggs Frank & Eleanor Dunkerley Roger White, San Antonio TX In memory of Pauline Owsen, by Larry James Mikusi Living Trust Roger Essaff, San Francisco CA & Dolores Conrad C Norman & Elizabeth Gustafson In memory of Barbara Proctor, by In memory of Pauline Owsen, by Charles & Lillian Susino Rocky Mountain Chapter Pauline L Klein Edith & Robert Levine In memory of Carl Ed Fessel, by Mar- In memory of Pauline Owsen, by Red Stanley & Helena Zybort garet & Ted Wendt Hat Society “Elegant Swans Chapter” Winona “Tootie” Ney In memory of Carl Fessel, by Eliza- In memory of Richard Ritchings, by Alice Cassaday-Lewis beth Rhodes Tom & Pay Lyons & Family Mary J Little Benjamin & Lila Nienart LEGISLATIVE FUND Rose Tedesco Ex-POW Bulletin In memory of James Edward Lutz, by Clifford & JeanFaeth the Department of Maryland Albert/Reeder Leftwich Jan/Feb 2010 In memory of Jack H Jacobs, by the In memory of Walter Wenger, by 32 Department of Maryland George F Sheehan taps

Please submit taps notices to: Cheryl Cerbone, 23 Cove View Drive, South Yarmouth, MA 02664

Correction: In the TAPS for Richard BITTNER, Helen, of Windom, MN Advocate. He is survived by his lov- Behr in Nov/Dec, his chapter mem- passed away Nov. 25, 2009. She was ing wife of 60 years, Josephine. Both bership should have read POW-WOW 82 years old and the beloved wife of have been AXPOW life members since Chapter #1. Ex-POW John Bittner. Helen was a 1980. George also leaves 1 daughter, member of the Prairieland Chapter, 1 son, 3 grandchildren and 2 great- ANDERSON, Howard C., of AXPOW. In addition to her husband, grandchildren. Roseburg, OR died Sept. 20, 2009 at she is survived by one daughter. the age of 84. He served in the Army COFER, James D. “Bill”, 83, of during WWII, with the 82ndAirborne BOLDT, Howard L, age 88, of The Holdenville, OK died Oct. 28, 2009. th Div. He was wounded and captured Woodlands, TX passed away May 21, He was a member of L Company 34 th and held in Germany for 18 months. 2009. He was flying out of England Infantry Regiment, 24 Infantry Di- Howard was predeceased by his wife, when he was shot down over Ger- vision and was captured on 20 July Goldie; he is survived by his loving many. He landed in a tree, breaking 1950 near Taejon South Korea. He companion, Kathleen Hoye, 6 sons, both legs and was captured. Howard was repatriated on 29 August 1953 2 daughters, 18 grandchildren, 27 was held in the orthopedic hospital and returned to the States on the USS great-grandchildren, brothers and in Stalag IXC until liberated by the Black. He leaves his wife, Sarah. th sisters, nieces and nephews. 11 Armored Div. He leaves 1 son, 1 daughter, 4 grandchildren and sev- CORBIERE, Ovila, “Frenchy”, of BAILEY, Paul A., 85, of Stuart, FL eral great-grandchildren. Lakeland, Florida, died August 28, died Dec. 5, 2009. He served in the 2009. Stationed in England, he was a th 45th Infantry Division in WW II and BRYAN, Coy Wendell, 91, of Madi- member of the 8 AF, as a flight en- was a POW. An active member of son, AL died Oct. 19, 2009. He was a gineer and top turret operator on the the Suncoast Chapter, he leaves his WWII POW and member of the Cat- B-17. He was shot down November wife, Marteal, 2 sons, 2 sisters, 7 erpillar Club for his bailout over Italy 26, 1944, over Moosburg. A life mem- grandchildren and 5 great-grandchil- in 1943. Coy was past commander ber of AXPOW, as well as a member dren. of the Capital City Chapter, AXPOW of the Florida State Dept. and the Im- and commander of the Huntsville perial Chapter, he was also the first BAKER, John, 87, a member of the Chapter. He also served as State Dept. commander of the Vermont Chapter. Ft. Vancouver Chapter, AXPOW Commander in Alabama. Survivors He is survived by his wife of 64 years, passed away Nov. 2, 2009. He was include his wife of 68 years, Edna, 1 Barbara. serving with the 36th Inf. Div when daughter, 1 son, 5 grandchildren, 8 he was wounded and captured in the great-grandchildren and numerous DAVIDSON, Brown Francis, of Lake- battle of Casino, Italy in Feb. 1944. nieces and nephews. wood, CO passed away Dec. 24, 2008. John was hospitalized in Rome and He was 88. During WWII, “Doc” was Florence before being sent to Stalag BUTRUM, Clarence, of Lake Havasu, sent to the Philippines and served as 9C and later 2B, 3B and 9B before lib- Arizona, died in October, 2009. He an aviation electronics specialist on th st th eration. Survivors include his wife, served with the 8 AF, 351 BG, 509 Bataan. He was captured, survived Maxine, 2 daughters, 1 son, 9 grand- BS. He was a POW in Luft 3, 7A and the Bataan Death March and 3 ½ children and 8 great-grandchildren. 12. years of captivity. He leaves his be- loved wife, Barbara, one son and one BEAM, Roy, of Dallas, Texas, died in CANTRELL, Dillard, of Duncanville, grandson. November, 2009. He served with Co Texas, died in November, 2009. An E, 168th Inf, 34th Division and was a AXPOW life member since 1986, he DONATO, Joseph D, 85, of Sand Hill, POW in Stalag 7A. An AXPOW life was a member of the Dallas WV passed away July 20, 2009. Dur- st member since 1984, he was a mem- Metroplex Chapter, Dillard served ing WWII, he served with the 1 ber of the Dallas Metroplex Chapter. with 450 BG, 720 BS. He is survived Ranger Battalion. He was captured He is survived by his wife of more by his wife, Betty. and held for 16 months as a POW. than 60 years, Frances. Memberships included the Ohio Val- CHRISTOFF, George, of Tustin, Cali- ley Barbed Wire Chapter 1, AXPOW BERGQUIST, Francis Earle, of Justin, fornia, died August 29, 2009. He was Texas, died in September, 2009. Earle shot down over Germany while serv- served with the 200th Coast Artillery, ing in the AAC as a Tail Gunner on a Ex-POW Bulletin and was a POW in Cabanatuan, Bili- B-17. George was a former chapter Jan/Feb 2010 bid and Nagoya. commander in California and a former Dept. of California Judge 33 of the Fort Worth Chapter, he served Yodogawa, Oyama and Cabanatuan taps continued... in 386 BG, 555 BS, and was held in during WWII. Luft 3 and Nurnberg. He is survived and the Darby Rangers. He leaves his by his wife of 61 years, Wanda. HAMM, Clarence L “Bud”, 87, of wife, Judy, 4 sons, 5 sisters, 1 Dudley & Webster, MA passed away brother, 4 step-children, 11 grand- GARCIA, Andrew R. of Kinston, AL July 21, 2009. He served with the children, several great-grandchildren passed away Oct. 20, 2009. He was 527th BS, flying B-17s before being and great-great-grandchildren. 88. He was captured July 12, 1950 shot down and captured. He was held while serving with I Co., 21st Inf. Reg., for 15 months before liberation. Bud DUJMOVIC, Mark Max, of Pueblo, CO 24th Inf. Div. He was released Aug. was an active member of the Central died Oct. 24, 2009. He served with 29, 1953. He was also with the Tiger Mass Chapter, AXPOW and the Dept. the 15th AF during WWII; he was a Survivors and saw 58% of that group of Massachusetts. He leaves 1 daugh- POW in Stalag 3A. Mark was a mem- perish in captivity. His wife, ter, 1 granddaughter, 1 great-grand- ber of the Rocky Mt. Chapter, AX- Kathleen, predeceased him. He leaves daughter, nieces, nephews and many POW. His wife, Virginia, predeceased one son, one daughter, three grand- good friends. him; he is survived by 1 son and fam- children and three great-grandchil- ily. dren. HARRIS, GEORGE W, age 86, of San Diego, CA died Nov. 13, 2009. Dur- DUNLAVY, Harry C, member of GIERING, Edward J., 85, of Clinton, ing WWII, he saw combat action in Fresno Chapter #1 in California, CT died Nov. 29, 2009. He was shot North Africa, Sicily and Anzio where passed away Oct. 5, 2009. Harry down over Munster, Germany while he was captured by the Germans and served in the Marine Corp Band in serving with the 8th AF, 303rd BG, held in Stalag 3B. George leaves one Shanghai, China until 1941 when he 427th BS; he was held in Stalags 13D son and two grandchildren. was sent to the Philippines for the and 7A. Ed was Commander of the defense of Corregidor. He was cap- CT Chapter, AXPOW since its incep- HARTER, Donald James, 87, of tured by the Japanese in May 1942 tion. He is survived by his wife, Montgomery, AL, passed away Octo- and sent to Mukden, Manchuria serv- Judith, 6 children, 12 grandchildren ber 22, 2009. During WWII, ing 3 ½ years as a POW. Harry served and 6 great-grandchildren. he served as a waist gunner on B- 15 years as Commander of AXPOW 17’s assigned to the 388th BG, 560th Fresno Chapter # 1. He is survived GOBER, Elvis J. 95, of Montgomery, BS, 8th AF, ETO. He was shot down, by his wife, Betty, 3 daughters, 5 AL, passed away October 6, 2009. He taken prisoner and interned at Sta- grandchildren and 7 great- served in the Army with the 31st In- lag Luft IV and VIII. He was prede- grandchildren. He served his com- fantry, in the Philippines during ceased by his wife Marjorie, and sur- munity in many areas of service and WWII. He was captured in the Battle vived by one daughter and three will be missed. of Corregidor, held in various POW grandchildren, camps in the Philippines and Japan. FAUST, Julian Grant, 83, of Chester, Elvis is survived by his wife, Muriel, HITE, Ralph, of Ashville, OH, died SC died Aug. 21, 2009. He was cap- and her three children; one brother, October 20, 2009. He served in the tured in March, 1945 while freeing six grandchildren, and six great- ETO, 90th Div., 357th Reg., Co. D. He POWs. Julian was a member of AX- grandchildren. was held in Stalag 12A until libera- POW. He leaves his wife of 58 years, tion. Ralph is survived by 1 daugh- Adeline, 2 daughters, 3 granddaugh- GOUDGE, Alfred Leo, passed away ter, 2 sons and 2 grandchildren. He ters, 3 brothers, 1 sister and a spe- on Sept. 11, 2009 at the age of 87. was an active member of Ohio Chap- cial aunt. Al joined the U.S. Navy in 1940. He ter One. was initially captured in Manila and FLORANCE, David C. died October escaped, and then was captured HOFFMAN, James M., 87, of 10, 2009. He was a member of the again at Corregidor Island, Philip- Hartsville, SC passed away Oct. 25, Agua Fria Chapter, AXPOW; his me- pines and survived the infamous Hell 2009. He was captured in Bitburg, morial was given by the officers of Ships in Japan. He was a POW for Germany while serving with Gen. the chapter. Dave served in the 232nd 3½ years. He is survived by his wife Patton’s 3rd Army, 5th Div. as a foot Inf., 42nd Div. He was interned in Lucille, two children, four stepchil- soldier. He was held in Stalag 12A in Stalags 4A and 4B. He leaves his dren and several grandchildren and Limberg. Survivors include his lov- wife, Martie, 1 daughter, 1 son and 4 great-grandchildren. Al was a mem- ing wife of 67 years, Dorothy, 2 sons, grandchildren. ber of AXPOW and a long time mem- 1 daughter, 9 grandchildren, 9 great- ber of the Tacoma Chapter. grandchildren, 1 sister and many FREEMAN, George, of Dallas, Texas, other family members and friends died December 5, 2009. A member HAMLIN, Melvin H, of Winfield, Kan- who miss him very much. sas, died Oct. 27, 2009. A member of Ex-POW Bulletin the Air Capital Chapter, AXPOW, he HOLT, John A, 86, of Dennis, MA served with Battery D, 60th Coast Ar- passed away Dec. 9, 2009. During Jan/Feb 2010 tillery, and was held in Bilibid, WWII, he served with the 12th Air 34 KISTLER, Charles Richard passed Stalag 13C until liberated by the 7th taps continued... away Sept. 18, 2009 at the age of Army. James was predeceased by his Force. He was shot down over Italy 77. Charlie was a POW of the Ko- wife, Doris; he leaves 3 daughters, 2 in 1944, captured and held in Luft rean War and served in Vietnam. sons and numerous grandchildren IV, then marched ahead of the Rus- He is survived by his beloved wife and great-grandchildren. sian Army. Survivors include two Chong Suk, two sons and five grand- sons, one daughter and five grand- children. He was a devoted long- LYLE, Samuel David, of Brenham, children. time member of the Tacoma Chap- Texas (formerly Laurel, Iowa), died ter and a life member of AXPOW. October 28, 2009. He served with the HORN, Virginia, 87, of Palm Beach 15th AF, B-17 ball turret gunner. Shot Gardens, FL died Nov. 20, 2009. Her KOSS, Ernest Fabian, of Sharon, PA, down over Germany on February 22, ex-POW husband, Edward, is Com- died November 1, 2009. He served 1944, he was a POW for fourteen mander of the Suncoast Chapter. In with the 101st AB Division, commonly months, until he escaped German addition to her husband, she leaves known as the “Screaming Eagles”. His captivity and traveled on foot to one son. Always active in Chapter unit parachuted behind enemy lines reach Allied troops. He is survived endeavors, she personally prepared in Normandy, France, prior to the D- by his wife of 67 years, Doris (Sally). the mail packets the Chapter regu- Day invasion. He was captured and larly distributed to hospitalized vet- held POW, later escaping to join al- MAILANDER, John T. of Webster erans at the WPBVAMC. lied forces. He is survived by his wife City, IA died Sept. 11, 2009 at the age of 62 years, Alice. of 87. He enlisted in the Army and HURD, John Lewis, of Hemet, Cali- trained with the British Commandos fornia, died November 13, 2009. A LANEHART, John Aubrey, 88, of Cy- in Scotland. He was sent on the inva- member of AXPOW since 1965, he press, TX passed away Nov. 27, 2009. sion of Algiers, Africa where he was was a member of the Inland Empire He was a B-25 pilot during WWII, with captured. He spent 2+ years in camps Chapter. He served as a B-17 Ball the 12th BG, 83rd BS, flying out of Italy. in Italy, Germany and Poland. John Turret Gunner in the 8th AF, 401BG. He was held in Luft 1, Barth after was a member of the Mid-Iowa Chap- He was held in Stalag 17B being shot down and captured. His ter, AXPOW. He leaves his wife of 60 wife, Joyce, 1 son, 2 daughters 3 step- years, Dorothy, 1 son, 4 daughters, 3 INMAN, Eugene L. Sr, 78, passed children, 10 grandchildren and 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grand- away November 2, 2009. He was great-grandchildren survive him. daughters. captured in Korea while serving in the Army and was a POW for 3 LARKIN, Morris “Willie”, 90, of MANGINI, Ernest W., 89, of West Ha- years. He was an Infantryman in the Swampscott, MA died Sept. 28, 2009. ven, CT passed away Sept. 16, 2009. 9th Inf., 2nd Div. He was a life mem- He was a life member of AXPOW. He served with the 1st Inf. Div. “BIG ber of AXPOW and a dedicated NSO During WWII, he served with the 44th RED ONE”, 18th Reg., I Co., 1st Pla- for them. He is survived by his wife BG. He was shot down, captured and toon in France, Belgium and Ger- of 56 years, Rosemary, and a large held at Stalag Luft IV, then force- many. He was in the Ardennes Of- and loving family. He was a good marched across Germany. Morris fensive and the Battle of the Bulge, husband, wonderful father, grandfa- leaves his loving wife, Elaine, 2 captured and help at Stalags 12A and ther, great-grandfather, and friend. daughters, 1 son and 2 grandchil- 11B. Ernest was a life member of the dren. Ct. Chapter, AXPOW. Survivors in- IRWIN, Helen K. of Harrisburg, PA clude his wife, Marie, 2 sons and 1 died Oct. 3, 2009. She was 82. Helen LONGSTREET, Bruce E., 84, died Oct. granddaughter. was the widow of Ex-POW Beverly 4, 2009 in Des Moines, IA. He served Irwin and a member of the PA Capi- in the Army and was a POW in Ger- MAYER, Fergus, 88, died Sept. 26, tal City Chapter, AXPOW. She leaves many during WWII. He was active 2009 in Des Moines, IA. He enlisted 2 sons, 2 grandchildren and 4 great- teaching WWII history. Bruce was an in the Army Air Corps and served as grandchildren. important part of the 1995 National a fighter pilot in Europe. After be- convention in Des Moines. He was a ing shot down over Italy, he spent JEAMBEY, Leo E., of Lincoln, NE life member of AXPOW. He is sur- several months in a POW camp. He passed away April 30, 2009 at the age vived by his wife and 1 son. leaves his wife of 65 years, Marilynn, of 85. His B-17 was shot down and 1 son and 2 daughters. he was captured over Germany, and LOVELAND, Glenn, of South China, then force-marched to several camps ME passed away Aug. 10, 2009. Sur- McCOY, Jack, 86, of Columbiana, OH before settling at Moosberg. Leo was vivors include his daughter, Donna. died Nov. 19, 2009. He served in the the 1st commander of the Lincoln, NE Civilian Conservation Corps in Utah Chapter, AXPOW. He will be missed LUTZ, James E, 87, of Churchton, MD by his wife, Marjorie, 2 sons, 1 daugh- died Dec. 2, 2009. He was a proud ter and families. veteran of the Army, serving with the Ex-POW Bulletin 394th Inf., 99th Div. He was captured in the Battle of the Bulge and held in Jan/Feb 2010 35 Catalina, July 2, PURCELL, Robert, of Ft. Worth, TX taps continued... 1942 to Santo died Dec. 6, 2009. He was 78. Dur- Tomas about ing the Vietnam War, he served with before joining the Army where he August 13, 1942 the Air Force, flying 25 missions be- served in the 36th Div. Jack partici- until May 1943; fore being shot down in July, 1965. pated in the battle of Naples-Poggio then to the He was released in 1973 after 7 years and the campaign for Rome in Italy Hospicio de San and 7 months of captivity. He will where he was captured and held in Jose until Sep- be missed by his loving family. Stalag IIB. His wife, Mary, prede- tember 1944, ceased him; he is survived by one when she was RASCH, Jacob L. “Jake”, age 87, of daughter and one son and their fami- recalled to Atlanta, GA passed away Sept. 11, lies. Santo Tomas 2009. He served with the 8th AF, 93rd where she re- BG, 409th BS flying out of Norwich, McDOLE, Glen “Mac”, died Sept. 3, mained until the 44th Tank Bn. freed England. He was shot down over Ger- 2009 in Ankeny, IA. He was 88. Dur- the prisoners on February 3, 1945. On many, captured and held in Luft IV, ing WWII, he was captured while serv- return to the States February 24, then force-marched across Germany. ing with the Marines on Corregidor. 1945, she was a patient at Letterman He is survived by his wife of 68 years, He spent 3 ½ years as a POW of the General, San Francisco. Mary Jo leaves Audrey and one son. Japanese. After the war, he was a key a loving family of nieces and neph- witness in the War Crimes Trials of ews, special cousins and special REYNOLDS, William John ‘Bill’, of 1945. Mac was a member of AXPOW friend, Charlie Hilton. El Paso, Texas, died September 18, and ADBC. He is survived by 2 daugh- 2009. Bill served in the 29th Field ters. His wife, Betty, preceded him in PIERMARINI, Dante J. of Harpswell, Hospital, and was a POW in Europe. death. MA died Sept. 9, 2009. He was 85. During WWII he served with the 168th RUSCH, Walter R., 85, of Chippewa McINTYRE, Neal Waldo Jr. passed Engineer Combat Battalion, which Falls, WI passed away Oct. 21, 2009. away Nov. 29, 2009. He was held as a saw combat in France and Belgium During WWII, he served with the POW of the Germans during World while attached to the 3rd Army under 401st BG, flying out of England. He War II after being shot down while Gen. Patton. He was captured in the was shot down over Germany and on a bombing raid. He and his first Battle of the Bulge and held until lib- assumed dead until he was released wife, Ruth, were charter members of eration. Dante is survived by 2 broth- from 17B. Survivors include his wife, the Flatlanders Chapter in Valdosta. ers, 6 sisters, and numerous nieces Carol, 4 children, 10 grandchildren Waldo and his second wife, Bobbie and nephews. and 11 great-grandchildren. Jean, were active members of the Southwest GA Chapter, AXPOW. PITCHFORD, Jack, of Jackson MS, ROBERTSON, Billy R., 84, of Gre- Bobbie Jean has been commander of passed away Dec. 2, 2009 at the age gory, MI (North Lake) passed away the chapter for several years. of 82. He was shot down while serv- Nov. 23, 2009. He served during ing with the Wild Weasels in 1965 and WWII with the 305th BG, 365th BS. He MILLER, Clyde C., of Girard, OH died held more than 7 years in various was captured and held 9 months as Sept. 29, 2009. During WWII, he prisons in North Vietnam, ending up a POW in Germany. He leaves his wife served in the Army. He was a POW at the “Hanoi Hilton”. Survivors in- of 63 years, Marianna, 3 children, 5 and member of the Mahoning Valley clude his brother, Jim. grandchildren and 3 great-grandchil- Ex-POW Chapter, AXPOW. Survivors dren. include his wife, Marjorie, 1 son and PLUMB, Norman W., of Erie, PA 2 grandchildren. passed away Nov. 10, 2009. He was SALZSIEDER, Herbert S., of 90. During WWII, he was a musician Oshkosh, WI died Aug. 11, 2009. He OBERST, Mary Josephine, 95, of in the Army band. He was sent to the served with the 8th AF, 381st BG, 534th Owensboro, KY died Nov. 13, 2009. front lines and was captured in the BS, based in England. He was shot She entered the Army Nurse Corps Battle of the Bulge. He was a mem- down on his 21st mission, captured in Nov. 1937. In Dec. 1941, she was ber of the Barbed Wire Assn. of NW and held in Stalag Luft IV, then force- stationed at Sternberg General. On PA. He is survived by a cousin and marched ahead of the Russian Army. December 25, 1941 she was sent to good friends. He is survived by his loving wife of Bataan Hospital #2. On April 9, 1942 63 years, Janet, 3 sons, 1daughter, 1 she and the other “Angels of Bataan” PROCTOR, Barbara S. died Oct. 12, granddaughter and 1 sister all who were moved to the Malinta Tunnel, 2009. Her husband, Ex-POW Robert F miss him very much. Corregidor. After capture on May 6, Proctor predeceased her; both were 1942 the nurses were taken to Santa active members of the Rocky Mt. SCARNECCHIA, Salvatore “Sam”, Chapter, AXPOW. Barbara served as 89, of Struthers, OH died October 23, Ex-POW Bulletin chapter chaplain and led the singing 2009. Sam served in the army and Jan/Feb 2010 at Christmas. They will be missed. was a part of the Normandy invasion. 36 He was also a POW and a member of 9th Air Force, flying B-26s out of En- 106th Inf. Div. He was captured in the taps continued... gland; he was a POW in Germany. Battle of the Bulge at St. Vith and held Survivors include his wife of 63 until liberation. He is survived by his the Steel Valley Chapter 13, AXPOW. years, Jane, 2 daughters, 1 son and 5 beloved wife of 61 years, Jacqueline, Sam is survived by his wife, Fannie, grandchildren. 2 daughters, 2 sons, 7 grandchildren 2 daughters, 5 grandchildren and 6 and 5 great-grandchildren. great-grandchildren. SWEATMAN, Charlie, 89, of Azle, TX, died October 16, 2009. He served in WEBSTER, Dorris ‘Joy’, of Amarillo, SCHOENDUBE, Charles W., of the 4th USMC, and was a POW in Texas, died October 5, 2009. Joy was Hickory, NC passed away at the age Yokohama, Kamioka and Ca- the widow of Oscar “Red / Pinky” of 88. He was a civilian POW during banatuan. A member of the Fort Webster. Both were AXPOW life mem- WWII; held 3 ½ years in Santo Tomas Worth Chapter, he is survived by his bers since 1985, and active members Internment Camp in the Philippines. wife of 63 years, Velma, 1 daughter, of the Texas Panhandle Chapter. Joy He was liberated on February 3, 1945. 2 sons, 5 grandchildren and 3 great- leaves 4 daughters, 1 sister and 3 Survivors include his wife, Beverly, 3 grandchildren. grandchildren; her husband, PAC Ex- daughters, 9 grandchildren and 2 POW Oscar, predeceased her. great-grandchildren. SWINNEY, Millard L., 89, of Olive Branch, MS passed away Sept. 11, WHEELES, Bert, of Pooler, Georgia, SHIDEMANTLE, John D., 91, of 2009. During WWII, he served in the died October 13, 2009. An AXPOW Lancaster, PA and formerly of Pitts- Infantry in the Aleutian Islands and life member since 1988, he served burgh, passed away Nov. 11, 2009. Europe. He was captured in the Battle with the 30th Div, 117th Reg, HQ Co. During World War II he served in the of the Bulge and held until the war during WWII. He was held in Stalag infantry and was taken prisoner dur- ended. Millard was life member of 17B and Arbeit Kommando. He is ing the Battle of the Bulge. He was AXPOW; he was chaplain for his lo- survived by his wife, Carolyn. predeceased by his wife Betty; he is cal chapter. His two daughters sur- survived by 3 nieces and their fami- vive him; he also leaves 1 sister, 1 WINN, David William, member of the lies. brother, 4 grandchildren and 3 great- Rocky Mt. Chapter, AXPOW passed grandchildren. away Sept. 15, 2009. He was 82. He SMITH, Wendell “Skip”, of Lansing, had flown 160 combat missions MI died Nov. 8, 2009. He was a mem- THOMPSON, Billie, 85, of Texarkana, when he was shot down. He spent ber of the Central MI Chapter, AX- TX died Oct. 30, 2009. He served in almost five years in the Hanoi Hil- POW; during WWII, he served as a the Army during WWII. Billie was past ton, North Vietnam. His wife, Mary paratrooper with the Army. He was commander of the Four States Chap- Jean, preceded him in death. a POW in Germany. He leaves his wife ter, AXPOW. He leaves his wife, Ha- of 67 years, Evelyne, 2 daughters, 10 zel, 1 daughter, 1 son, 10 grandchil- ZENN, Mike, age 89, passed away grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren dren, 1 great-grandson and a num- Dec 3, 2009. Mike was a veteran of and several nieces and nephews. ber of other relatives. WWII. He was captured in the early part of the Battle of the Bulge. He was SMITH, William Jack, of Birming- WEBER, George A. Jr., of St. Louis, a long time member of the Ohio Steel ham, AL passed away Sept. 24, 2009 MO passed away Nov. 13, 2009. Valley Chapter, AXPOW and the 106th at the age of 89. He served with the George served in Co. G, 423rd Inf. reg., Div Assn. He enjoyed traveling, vis- iting many war memorials and al- ways attended the POW state conven- tion and the national 106th Div. con- Sacrifice and Courage ventions. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Elaine, and four children. From the Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi ZETTI, Frances, age 86, died Nov. 10, Freedom, American prisoners of war have endured 2009. She lived in the Akron area of untold hardships, and shown tremendous courage. Ohio since 1928. She was a charter Andersonville NHS commemorates the sacrifices of member of the Wooster Chapter, these brave Americans through exhibits in the National AXPOW. She was an avid walker and a member of the Chapel Hill Walkers Prisoner of War Museum; preserves the site of Camp Club. Frances leaves her husband of Sumter (Andersonville prison); and manages 65 years, Joseph, 1 son, 1 daughter, Andersonville National Cemetery, Andersonville, GA 4 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchil- dren and 1 sister.

AXPOW National Convention Ex-POW Bulletin Sept. 21-26, Albany, GA Jan/Feb 2010 37 Ex-POW Bulletin Jan/Feb 2010 38 On Monday morning, 8 Decem- ber 1941, we Brent School kids 50/50 drawing wildly cheered to a formation of September 12, 2009 air planes flying directly to To- Boise, Idaho kyo,, “Go to there and bomb it to smithereens!” Several hours later we heard 1st Place Alice Gilligan $676.40 big BOOM-BOOM and saw New York, NY thick black smoke rising from 2nd Place Robert Boebel $507.30 Camp John Hay... the American Fox Lake, WI Army base in Baguio, Philip- 3rd Place Victor Breite $338.20 pines. The sun played a trick on us so we couldn’t see St. Louis, MO the big, round red “rotten fried egg” under the wings. 4th Place John DeVere $169.10 Suddenly it dawned on us that those planes were Japa- South Charleston, WV nese. Twenty days later we were captured, ordered to meet at Brent School for a 3 hour or 3 day meeting These drawings help raise money needed for our operating ex- that actually lasted for over three yreas of starvation, penses. They allow our members to participate in a very worth- depravation, humiliation. while project, while giving them a chance to win. 50% of the Lacking utenslils in the Prison Camp, and for the few donations will be given to the General Fund and the other 50% birthday parties, we had to tell our guests to bring CUP, are awarded as prizes. The amounts are determined after all PLATE AND SPOON. donations are received. You do not have to be present to win. Please make copies of the tickets on the other side and offer them to your Chapter members, family and friends. We are ask- BRING CUP, PLATE AND SPOON available from au- ing $5.00 for 6 tickets. These donations are not tax deductible. thor: Betsy Herold Heimke Fill out the tickets and send them and your donations to: 13820 Metcalf Ave. Apt 11320 National Headquarters ~ 50/50 Drawing Overland Park, KS 66223 3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, #40 [email protected] Arlington, TX 76010-5396 Price $20.00 plus $4.00 S/H Let’s Light Up Your Way The 106th Infantry With a NUMBERED keychain/flashlight combination Division Association (battery included). Organized at Camp Lucky Strike 1945 active since 1946 If it’s lost, the finder can return it to us and receive a $15.00 reward. We will return it to you. If you give If you are a former 106th Infantry Division vet, were this as a gift, you need to give us the name and address attached to the 106th,a relative of a 106th veteran, you of your recipient. are eligible for membership in the Association. Annual Dues $10.00 This is an attractive, silver-colored and thoughtful item. It is sent in a handy gift box and is ideal for The CUB Magazine is published three times friends and family. per year. Published since 1946. Annual Reunions held yearly since 1947. This is a fund-raising project of the Dept. of New York. Profits are being used to give Wounded Warriors Contact: Lyle Beeth, Membership Chairman and their families a “Taste of the Big Apple”.Five 2004 Golf Manor Road days/four nights airfare, hotel, food, admissions. Valico, FL 33594-7288 (813) 689-9621; fax: (813) 655-8952 Toll Free (888) 644-8952 $10 each including S/H [email protected] To: Dept. of New York, AXPOW Ex-POW Bulletin 190 Bethel Loop, #104 Jan/Feb 2010 Brooklyn, NY 11239 39 American Ex-Prisoners of War American Ex-Prisoners of War 50/50 Drawing 50/50 Drawing PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT Name:______Telephone: ( )______Name:______Telephone: ( )______Address:______Address:______City/State/Zip:______City/State/Zip:______

Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War and entry to: 50/50 Drawing and entry to: 50/50 Drawing 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct- You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct- ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. Thank you for your support. (3/10) Thank you for your support. (3/10) American Ex-Prisoners of War American Ex-Prisoners of War 50/50 Drawing 50/50 Drawing PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT Name:______Telephone: ( )______Name:______Telephone: ( )______Address:______Address:______City/State/Zip:______City/State/Zip:______

Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War and entry to: 50/50 Drawing and entry to: 50/50 Drawing 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct- You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct- ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. Thank you for your support. (3/10) Thank you for your support. (3/10) American Ex-Prisoners of War American Ex-Prisoners of War 50/50 Drawing 50/50 Drawing PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT Name:______Telephone: ( )______Name:______Telephone: ( )______Address:______Address:______City/State/Zip:______City/State/Zip:______Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War and entry to: 50/50 Drawing and entry to: 50/50 Drawing 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct- ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct- Thank you for your support. ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. Ex-POW Bulletin (3/10) Thank you for your support. (3/10) Jan/Feb 2010 40 The Quartermaster’s Shop order on page 42

Jeweled Flag You love your country. Our Austrian Crystal Flag and USA pins are beatuiful ways to show your patriotism. They make wonderful gifts ~ for yourself or someone you love. American Flag ~ AXPOW Pocket Knife $30.00 plus s/h 11 function pocket knife includes a stainless steel Bronze Grave knife, screwdrivers and Medallion much more! AXPOW with AXPOW LOGO imprint is protected by an The Medallion is 4", Bronze/ epoxy dome, lasting a Brown with Lacquer, weighs lifetime. Rubber grip approximately 1lb 4oz, ensures easy containing 84% copper, handling...individually balance in other metals. The gift boxed...folded knife hardware for mounting is measures 3 3/4”x1” included in each packet. $13.00 plus s/h check with your local cemetery before ordering to see if medallions are AXPOW Vests! permitted. The uniform of the American Ex- $75.00 plus s/h/i POWs consists of the military cap and the vest. These vests ($15.00 for one; $20.00 for are custom-made with your name on the front, and your two or more) chapter and logo shield on the back. Orders take approxi- mately six weeks to complete. $55.00 each includes shipping/handling For pins, vest guards and other items to “dress up” your vest, or- der from the merchandise page.

AXPOW Flashlights Bright safety light when you need it! AXPOW logo in color...individually Ex-POW Bulletin gift-boxed. Jan/Feb 2010 $12.00 plu s/h 41 Name Badge Order Form AXPOW Vest Order Form (for members only) (For members only) Actual size of badge is Name______size of a credit card Address______

PLEASE PRINT: City, State, Zip ______Name ______Size (Men/coat, Women/chest measurement) ______Line 1 ______Line 2 ______Long, Regular or Short______

Name Badge with name & chapter and city: $6.00 Name on front of vest ______(includes shipping and handling) Chapter Name (back of vest) ______Ship to: Street ______Price: $55.00, includes shipping/handling City/State/Zip ______Please allow 8-10 weeks for delivery.

Mail orders to: Mail orders to: AXPOW NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS AXPOW NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, Texas 76010-5396 Arlington, Texas 76010-5396 Official AXPOW Cap (specify size) 40.00 Eagle pin w/Barbed Wire 8.00 12x18 AXPOW Graveside Flag 10.00 Vinyl Cap Bag 3.00 (specify gold, silver or antique gold) 3x5 ft. AXPOW Flag w/3-color logo Maroon AXPOW Sport Cap 8.00 Jeweled Flag Pin 30.00 with fringe, indoor use 60.00 Black Eagle Sport Cap 9.00 USA Jeweled Pin 15.00 with grommets, outdoor use 60.00 Canvas Sport Cap (offwhite or tan) 10.00 Logo Necklace 5.00 3x5ft. blackPOW/MIA flag, outdoor use 25.00 AXPOW Pocket Knife 13.00 Logo Earrings (pierced or clip) 5.00 AXPOW Metal License Plate Frame 7.00 Necktie w/logo 30.00 2” Medallion (for plaque) 5.00 Aluminum License Plate 5.00 (specify regular or pre-tied) Vest Chainguard w/eagles 8.00 3” Vinyl Decal 1.00 AXPOW Logo Bolo Tie 25.00 3” Blazer Patch 4.00 3” Inside Decal 1.00 U.S. Flag Bolo Tie 20.00 4” Blazer Patch 4.00 8” Vinyl Decal 6.00 Mini POW Medal Bolo Tie 25.00 8” Blazer Patch 10.00 12” Vinyl Decal 10.00 Barbed Wire pin 3.00 CLOTH STRIPES (specify which title) 3.00 Bumper Sticker “Freedom – Ask us” 2.00 Life Member pin 5.00 Life Member · Chapter Commander AXPOW Wall Clock (includes battery) 20.00 Crossed Flags Lapel pin 5.00 Past Chapter Commander · Chapter Adj/Treas Chapter AXPOW Notecards (pkg of 25) 6.00 Brooch pin 5.00 Adjutant · Chapter Treasurer Special Prayer Cards (pkg of 25) 6.00 EX-POW pin (goldtone) 5.00 State Department Commander AXPOW Prayer Book 2.00 Logo pin 5.00 Past State Dept. Commander · Department Adjutant Ladies Prayer Book 1.00 POW Stamp pin 3.00 Department Treasurer · Sr. Vice Commander AXPOW By-Laws 5.00 Past Chapter Commander pin 5.00 Jr. Vice Commander · Chaplain · Historian POW Videotape – ETO or Pacific 11.00 Past Department Commander pin 5.00 Service Officer · Legislative Officer “Speak Out” Education Packet 6.00 · AXPOW Pocket Knife 13.00 Past Chapter Officer Past Department Officer Canvas Totebag w/4” logo 15.00 AXPOW Flashlight 12.00 We accept Master Card/Visa QUANTITY ITEM SIZE / COLOR PRICE

For orders up to 4.00, add $3.00; For orders 4.01 to 7.99, add $4.00; For orders 8.00 to 25.00, Shipping/Handling/Insurance: add $8.00, For orders 25.01 to 49.99, add $13.00; For orders 50.00 to 99.99, add $15.00 For orders over 100.00, add $20.00 Checks/Money Order/Credit Card Accepted. Total: $ For credit card orders: Card # ______Expiration: ______(Check one) Master Card ______Visa______Name ______MAIL TO: Address ______AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR City, State, Zip ______3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Phone ______Arlington, Texas 76010-5396 817-649-2979 [email protected] Above, L/R: The Air Capital Chapter voted to donate to the Kansas Food Bank. Commander John Mock presented a check for $500 to Food Bank Director Larry Gunkel. Cmdr. Mock said “As Ex-POWs, we know what it is like to be hungry”; On Veterans Day, Cal State University, Long Beach showcased its commitment to helping veterans transition from military service to college, the workforce and civilian life during the open house of its new Veterans Center. L/R: CSULB student and Army Sgt. Noel Rabina, CSULB President F. King Alexander, VetNet President Adam Renteria and Veterans University Director Pat O’Rourke; Ex-POWs from Arbite Kommando #A-97, Adorf, Germany met for the first time after more than 63 years. Bill McCarthy wants to know if this is a record. Seated: Roy Hopper of Albuquerque, 1st Bn, 357th Reg, 90th Div. Standing: Fred Sheer of Atlanta, 1st Bn, 2nd Reg, 5th Div.

Above, L/R: 30th Anniversary celebration of the O.K.I Chapter. John Lang, Carl Falch, Frank Bates, Leon Jorden, Cliff Faeth, Dale Crawford, Tom Linneman, Robert Clark, Frank Heekin, John Stenger, Charles Bowman, Ted Burch; The VA in White City, Oregon honored POW/MIA Recognition Day. Anna L. Diehl, chief Community Resources of Public Affairs at the VA Southern Oregon rehabilitation Center & Clinic directed the ceremony. Guest speaker was Col. David Dotterrer, USMC (Ret.). Lunch followed.

Left: Ex-POWs at the annual Former Prisoners of War Brunch, hosted by the Boston VA Healthcare System. AXPOW Pocket Knife 11 function pocket knife includes a stainless steel knife, screwdrivers and much more! AXPOW imprint is protected by an epoxy dome, lasting a lifetime Rubber grip ensures easy handling individually gift boxed folded knife measures 3 3/4”x1”

$13.00 plus s/h Thank you for supporting the American Ex-POWS with your purchases of National Merchandise. change of address form Include your mailing label for address change or inquiry. If you are receiving duplicate copies, please send both labels. If moving, please give us your new address in the space provided. Subscription Rates -- non members $40.00 per year Foreign subscriptions $50.00 per year Now accepting MasterCard/Visa Please print: All orders for products sold by Name______AXPOW National Organization, Address______including dues/subscriptions City/State/Zip______should be mailed to: Phone ( )______American Ex-Prisoners of War Please allow 4 weeks to make address corrections. National Headquarters 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Mail to: National Headquarters, AXPOW, 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, TX 76010-5396 Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010-5396 (817) 649-2979/ (817) 649-0109 fax Or fax: (817) 649-0109 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] No collect calls, please