World War II POW Camps in Ohio - (Military) by Keuren (Paperback)

About the Book

"Drawing on first-person accounts from soldiers, former POWs and residents, as well as archival research, Dr. Jim Van Keuren delves into the neglected history of Ohio's POW camps"--Page 4 of cover.

Book Synopsis

During World War II, more than six thousand prisoners of war resided at Camp Perry near Port Clinton and its branch camps at Columbus, Rossford, Cambridge, Celina, Bowling Green, Defiance, Marion, Parma and Wilmington. From the start, the camps were a study in contradictions. The Italian prisoners who arrived first charmed locals with their affable, easygoing natures, while their German successors often put on a serious, intractable front. Some local residents fondly recall working alongside the prisoners and reuniting with them later in life. Others held the prisoners in disdain, feeling that they were coddled while natives struggled with day-to-day needs. Drawing on first-person accounts from soldiers, former POWs and residents, as well as archival research, Dr. Jim Van Keuren delves into the neglected history of Ohio's POW camps.

Review Quotes

World War II POW Camps in Ohio by Dr. James Van Keuren is an amazing account of those camps and one of the most forgotten parts of the war's history... Drawing on first-person accounts from soldiers, former POWs and residents as well as archival research, Dr. Van Keuren delves into the neglected history of Ohio's POW camps. It's an enlightening must-read for any history buff. Heart of Ohio Magazine