Thursday, April 8, 2010

US World War II POWs Tell Their Stories-- Part 1

October 18, 2009, Lexington (Ky) Herald Leader "Ex-World War II POWs tell their stories" by Karla Ward.

These men gave a talk at the Kentucky Chapter of the 8th Air Force Historical Society in Georgetown.

JAY COBERLY remembers shuffling around discreetly to dispose of yellow sand from the tunnel they were digging for the Great Escape. They were on 700 calories a day.

DON KREMPER-- remembers eating boiled grass and cattle feed and sleeping in rain-soaked clothes. At one time he had to sale his coat for food. He was also forced to endure a 600-mile march in the cold, sleet and rain.

JOHN HOULIHAN-- remembers the "happy day" when general George S. Patton came into his tent and congratulated him and the other prisoners on their liberation.

Whenever I read about the treatment of German and Italian prisoners in the United States, I can't help but notice that there was absolutely no comparison to Americans held prisoner by the Germans.

Although, I definitely must admit that I would rather be a prisoner of the Germans than the Japanese who considered surrender to make you less than human.

Another Aspect of the War. --Cooter

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