German Prisoners
“I looked forward to it. They played games with us and brought us candy and gum. They were the enemy, of course, but at that age, you don’t know enough to be afraid."
-Mel Luetchens, son of a farm owner
Over 425,000 German prisoners were transferred under American control. These soldiers were actually relieved that they were captured by the Americans, rather than the Russians. These people discovered that living conditions as prisoners was better than as civilians in many German cities. |
"Suddenly an American Jeep moved towards us and several American Soldiers surrounded us. There was no officer in charge, and the first thing the 'Amis' did - they liberated us, I mean, from our few valuables, mainly rings and watches... We were now prisoners of war- no doubt about it! The first night we were herded into a barn..." |
The Geneva Convention required the United States to have living quarters for the prisoners be comparable to military barracks. The new camps greatly resembled training sites. Because most of the men were sent overseas to fight in the war, many prisoners were given jobs in places such as farms. Their rations were also the same as any other person. |