Nearly half a million German prisoners of war were held across America during World War II. This significant chapter in America's wartime experiences should not be forgotten. Americans may not realize the important part the prisoners played in saving our agriculture nor the pride the German prisoners took in their labor accomplishments for us. Of course, there were escape attempts, romances, disputes, fights, even murders. It was a unique experience for all involved. Americans learned all Germans were not Nazis. Most were young men drafted into the challenging situation of war. Germans learned American democracy and kindness. Together we found a common humanity in one another; a desire to find goodness in the darkest of situations.
Nearly half a million German prisoners of war were held across America during World War II. This significant chapter in America's wartime experiences should not be forgotten. Americans may not realize the important part the prisoners played in saving our agriculture nor the pride the German prisoners took in their labor accomplishments for us. Of course, there were escape attempts, romances, disputes, fights, even murders. It was a unique experience for all involved. Americans learned all Germans were not Nazis. Most were young men drafted into the challenging situation of war. Germans learned American democracy and kindness. Together we found a common humanity in one another; a desire to find goodness in the darkest of situations.
