At the time of his capture, he was searched and his captors took most things of value including his pilot wings which were made of silver. He must have been proud of those wings as one of the first things he did after he settled in to camp was sew an outline of the wings on his trench coat. He set about finding a more suitable replacement and decided to make some new ones using discarded KLIM cans which he would melt down and pour into a mold. He built up a bit of a trade making tin wings for other POWs in camp in exchange for points or other items.

"June 18 - Went to church in the morning. Slept in the afternoon"

"June 19 - Got up at 9:30 for appell and was put on K.P. for my room for the day. We have a consolidated mess for each room consisting of 12 men. Right now, we have only 11 in our barracks. Stood roll call in evening at 5 pm."

"June 20 - Went to library and got a book and read most of the day. Started on plans for my new home."

"June 21 - Worked on my plans most all day. AAF came over in large force about noon. Had cake for snack before going to bed. It wasn't quite done so our cook put it on the stove and tried to fry it. (He burned it!)"

"June 22 - Spent most of day working on blueprints for my house. Played volleyball after evening meal."

"June 23 - Was K.P. for the day. Worked on plans all day."

"June 24 - Worked on plans for my house all day. My bad leg and ankle is giving me quite a bit of trouble."

"June 25 - Went to mass in morning and worked on plans. Read all afternoon."

"June 26 - Read most of the day. Took a sunbath and sewed some wings on my shirt."

"June 27 - Was cook all day, was busy baking and getting meals ready. Wrote a letter to Rita."

"June 28 - Still held position as cook all day. Read in spare time. Also got a baseball and played catch."

"June 29 - Americans took Cherbourg in France yesterday. Allies are advancing on all fronts."

"June 30 - Read all day. War news very promising."

"July 1 - Worked on blueprints and read part of the day. Went to the first movie ever shown in this Stalag: 'Orchestra Wives'."

"July 2 - Went to church in morning, read most all day. Went to same movie second time."

"July 3 - Was on K.P. today. Had my head shaved and looked like an Indian!!"

"July 4 - Had my portrait drawn for four packs of Camels, looking like and Indian! Shaved my head all over after that. Band marched in corridors at 8 A.M. waking everyone up. Had boxing matches, and in evening we had a big show put on by the Kriegies."

"July 5 - Worked over to the theater making some seats in afternoon. Got a little sunburn."

"July 6 - Woke up with a cold this morning. Did some sewing and laid in the sun in afternoon."

"July 7 - Wrote a letter home. Had a cold started. Got a pretty good tan today."

"July 8 - Had a bad cold and read most all day. Went out and played volleyball in afternoon."

"July 9 - Went to church in morning, played softball in afternoon."

"July 10 - Wrote Rita a postcard today. Rained all day. Still got a bad cold. Can't get anything but aspirins for it."

"July 10, 1944 - Dear Rita, I just finished my supper and I'm going over to the theater after I finish this letter and listen to some opera music on a phonograph. I've been reading quite a lot lately. They have a fairly large library here with quite a few good novels. The books are sent here by the Red Cross and YMCA. I've been getting a good tan while playing softball every afternoon. Right now I'm sort of burned but it will be turned brown by tomorrow. Incidentally I've had my hair shaved off and I'm more bald than my father now. I'm letting it grow out again though and in 6 weeks it will be as long as I ever had it. I figured it would be a good way to get rid of dandruff. I've also been drawing some plans for our new house. Well I must close for now. Hope you and Terry are o.k. Be a good girl, lots of love - Wayne"

"July 11 - Cold a little better today. Rained all day."

"July 12 - Rained most of the day. Read and played volleyball during the day. Cold almost gone."

"July 12, 1944 - Dear Rita, Its awfully hard to think of anything to write about. About all I can say is that I'm feeling good. I've got a good tan and I'm getting darker every day. I've had my head shaved and its growing out fast now. Give my regards to the folks. Love, Wayne"

"July 13 - Played volleyball and read most of the day."

"July 14 - Was cook all day. Played cards in evening. Rained hard off and on all day."

"July 15 - Still cook and rained all day."

"July 16 - Still cook. Mass was called off because the priest was sick. Guards shot at a Kreigie who crossed the warning fence after a softball which was lying about 10 ft. inside the fence."

"July 17 - Started a new system at appell. We formed out at the parade grounds and had calisthenics while we were waiting to be counted. Rained off and on."

"July 18 - Rained off and on all day. Read most of the day. Had picture taken."

"July 19 - Rained all day. I read all day."

"July 19, 1944 - Dear Rita, Well I'm getting to be quite a cook. For the last three days I've been doing the cooking for my room. We get various powdered foods in our Red Cross packages and we cook up some pretty good meals. We're able to get quite a bit of fresh vegetables so we get along pretty well. My hair is growing out good now. I guess it takes about six weeks from the time I shave it off to grow out to the length I usually have it. If you send any clothes be sure they are Army uniforms because I can't wear any civilian clothes. Guess I'll have to close for now. Don't worry about anything because everything is O.K. with me and I'm feeling fine. Lots of love, Wayne"

"July 20 - Played volleyball. Weighed myself today (176). Walked two miles around compound, my ankle isn't too bad now. It still cracks about every 7 steps though."

"July 21 - Washed my clothes. Walked about 3 miles."

"July 22 - Rained again. We've had showers off and on for 11 days. Had inspection in the morning."

"July 23 - Went to church this morning. Read in afternoon."

"July 24 - Read most all day. Went to variety show in evening."

"July 25 - Read most of the day. Went to variety show in evening. Wrote Rita today. Found a bedbug in our barracks today so had to clean house and make up our straw sacks again. That makes crabs and bedbugs we've had so far."

"July 26 - Went to the variety show again tonight. Walked around the compound a couple of times."

"July 27 - Wrote Rita Tuesday dated today. Walked around compound couple of times. Washed my clothes."

"July 27 - Dear Rita, Well I weighed myself today and I weigh 180. That's not bad is it? I went to a variety show put on by some of the fellows in the camp. We have quite a bit of talent in the camp. I had one of the artists..."

"July 28 - Was K.P. all day. Epidemic of diptheria broke out in camp today. Two fellows have it for sure, and there are four suspects."

"July 29 - Two new kreigies came into our room today making 14 in a room 24' x 18' x 9'. Had inspection."

"July 30 - Went to mass. Had new priest - Father McVey."

"July 31 - Heard today that the Russians were fighting in Moscow. Read most of the day. Two more cases of diptheria."

"August 1 - Rained most all day. Walked around compound 4 times in evening."

"August 2 - Laid in sun most of the day. Walked around compound 4 times again."

"August 3 - Rained most of the day. Read most of the day."

"August 4 - Laid in sun in morning, ran three miles around compound in evening. First time I was able to run since I hurt my ankle."

"August 5 - Got ready for inspection in morning, ran 3-1/2 miles around compound in evening. Ankle is still weak."

"August 6 - Three more cases of diptheria were discovered in camps yesterday. Had medical examination for it today. Went to church morning and evening. Very hot all day. Laid in sun all day."

"August 7 - Was K.P. all day. Picked up a lot of potatoes today out of garbage pile behind cook house, and we had a big meal of potatoes and spam. Biggest meal I've had since I've been in Germany."

"August 8 - Was K.P. all day. Read in spare time."

"August 9 - Started saving up KLIM cans and corn beef can tops and looking in garbage piles for more to melt up to mold into wings with ball and chain."

"August 10 - Worked all day collecting KLIM cans and corn beef cans and finally had enough to make a miniature pair of wings."

"August 11 - Still saving up KLIM cans for solder. Had enough for another pair of wings today. Some FW-190s did a good buzz job on the barracks."

"August 12 - Had usual inspection today. Still saving up can covers to melt to solder."

"August 13 - Went to church in morning. Started work on a light cruiser model jet propelled by steam."

"August 14 - Continued work on light cruiser and saving up solder to use on boat."

"August 15 - Same as yesterday. Go on 1/2 Red Cross parcel per week instead of the usual one per man."

"August 16 - Same as yesterday."

"August 17 - Put a ban on sailing boats on the fire pool so I couldn't try out my boat."

"August 18 - Dug potatoes out of garbage piles and spent all day sorting them out and picking enough for supper. We haven't received any from the Germans for a week."

"August 19 - Had Saturday morning inspection. Went swimming in fire pool. First time since I was at Avon Park, Florida."

"August 20 - Went to church in morning and evening. Kept pretty busy doing K.P. yesterday and today. This is the right time of month to visit Germany (whoever wants to)."

"August 21 - Worked all day making a cookie grinder. This is the second week I've been to church every morning. Missed just last Fri. and Sat."

"August 22 - Worked on my light cruiser most all day. Went to church in the morning."

"August 23 - Went to church in the morning. A FW 190 buzzed the compound and motor cut out and it crashed just beyond the compound out of sight."

"August 24 - Sold enough solder for a pair of wings for 2/3 D bar. Had an air raid at 12:45."

"August 25 - Worked on cookie grinder. Went to movies - 'Dixie Duggan'."

"August 26 - Went to church. Went every morning this week. Had usual Sat. inspection. New kriegies were outside gate. Recognized 2nd Lt Barber."

"August 27 - Went to church in morning and evening. Received holy communion. Wrote a letter home."

"August 28 - Was on K.P. yesterday and today. Collected can covers in spare time."

"August 29 - Molded wings all day. Sold solder for D bar. Went to church and received holy communion."

"August 30 - Worked on my pilot's wings made from solder. New purge of kriegies came in today and moved into tents."

"August 31 - Molded wings all day. Sold a pair for D bar and 2 pks Chesterfields. Made Phillips a pair of pilot's wings without finishing them for 1/2 D bar and his dog tag chain."

"September 1 - Melted down some more can lids. Turned out pretty cool and windy today. It has been hot every day until today. Went to church every morning this week except Monday."

"September 2 - Had usual inspection this morning. Worked scraping down wings all day.""

"September 3 - Went to church morning and evening. Melted down can covers all afternoon. Had a terrible rainstorm last night, rain came through ceiling and soaked my bed."

Poem recited by Father McVey in a sermon, September 3, 1944 -

Where did you come from baby dear? From out of the heavens into the here, Where did you get those eyes so blue? From out of the heavens on my way through.

He said that a Eugenics professor would probably write it this way -

Where did you come from baby dear? From license that was ......., Where did you get those eyes so blue? From paragraph five, subsection two.

"September 4 - Labor Day. Had big festivities all day ending with a big band show in the evening."

"September 5 - Went to movies in evening and saw The Corsican Brothers. Put a display of wings in the Foodacco and sold 2 pair besides selling 2 pair on the outside."

"September 6 - Sold 2 more pair of wings in Foodacco. Worked all day on more wings to sell."

"September 7 - Worked on wings all day. Made up pilot, navigator and observer wings solder."

"September 8 - Worked on wings all day and collected solder. Warmed up again today."

"September 9 - Sold 2 more pair of wings today making fourteen pair sold so far, and 1900 points made from selling them. Two warm days all week."

"September 10 - Went to church in morning. Was on K.P. all day. Wrote a letter to Rita."

"September 11 - Worked on wings all day. Weather turned pretty cold. Had a daylight air raid."

"September 12 - Had an air raid about 00:30. Also had a raid in the afternoon. Sold another pair of wings."

"September 13 - Read most all day. Last two nights were very cold, warmed up in daytime."

"September 14 - Had lecture by Father McVey about Ireland and the war."

"September 15 - Baked some biscuits today. Went to lecture."

"September 16 - Had usual Saturday inspection. Read rest of day."

"September 17 - Went to church morning and evening. Made some fudge."

"September 18 - Read most all day. The Germans are putting slit trenches all around the compound."

"September 19 - Went to lecture on architecture. Washed clothes."

"September 20 - Played bridge all afternoon. Was K.P."

"September 21 - Was K.P. Read most of the day."

"September 22 - Read all day."

"September 23 - Had usual Saturday morning inspection, worked on notebook."

"September 24 - Went to church morning and evening. Worked on notebook."

"September 25 - Turned very cold today. Read most of the day."

"September 26 - Wrote letter to Rita. Cold all day. Read all day."

"September 27 - Read most of the day. Second week that's been pretty cold. Had to wear overcoat to Appell at 9:30 A.M. Starting last Monday got a boil on my neck."

"September 28 - Boil on my neck pretty painful. Read most all day and washed clothes. Very cold today."

"September 29 - Very cold today. Haven't got a letter from Rita yet."

"September 30 - Had usual Saturday inspection today. Read most of the day."

"October 1 - Was warmer today. Walked around in shirtsleeve. Went to church today."

"October 2 - Had K.P. today, read in spare time. Cold and rainy."

"October 3 - Had K.P. all day. Read in spare time."

"October 4 - Beautiful day all day. Walked around compound all morning and most of the afternoon. Read rest of the day."

"October 5 - Went to lecture in evening. Read all day."

"October 6 - Weather very good. Brisk, same as October at home. Jerry Leichman got cigarettes from home."

"October 7 - Had usual Saturday inspection, read rest of day."

"October 8 - Went to church in morning. Wrote Rita a letter."

"October 9 - Rained all day. Stayed inside and read most of the day. Goons made us turn in our Red Cross parcels and all the empty cans we received each week before we can get more Red Cross parcels."

"October 10 - Had another epidemic of bedbugs in one of the rooms of our block."

"October 11 - Read most of the day. Pulled stumps for firewood."

"October 12 - Went on K.P. all day. Read rest of day."

"October 13 - Still on K.P. Wrote postcard home. Got first letter from Rita today."

"October 14 - Had usual Saturday inspection."

"October 15 - Went to church morning and evening. Warm enough to go without jacket today."

"October 16 - Went to variety show put on by the band."

"October 17 - Read most of the day. Fairly cold out."

"October 18 - Played cards and read all day."

"October 19 - Worked on soldered wings for Major all day."

"October 20 - Same as yesterday. Went to variety show in evening."

"October 21 - Had usual inspection. Read rest of the day."

"October 22 - Went to church morning and evening. Worked on Major's wings."

"October 23 - Finished Major Egan's wings, also sold pair of Navigator wings."

"October 24 - New purge of Kriegies arrived today."

"October 25 - Read most all day, very cold."

"October 26 - Played bridge and ready all day. Very cold."

"October 27 - Melted solder off my boat and sold it. Very cold. Wrote letter to send home - I have plenty of clothes except that which I've already wrote you for and I have plenty of handkerchiefs, towels and soap so you needn't send me those. But I wish you would send me all the canned food and chocolate that you are allowed to send. Powdered eggs and corned beef and spam and canned peanuts I like especially well. Send me all the tobacco parcels you are allowed to also."

"October 28 - Had usual Saturday inspection. Very cold today. Got second letter from Rita today. Wrote home"

"October 29 - Went to church morning and evening. Very cold."

"October 30 - Got two letters from home from Rita. Very cold."

"October 31 - Got two letters from Rita. Rained all day."

"November 1 - Busy doing K.P. all day. Read in spare time. Clear and cold."

"November 2 - Same as yesterday."

"November 3 - Walked around compound four times. Read rest of the time."

"November 4 - Had usual Saturday inspection. Talk about getting 1/4 Red Cross parcel a week."

"November 5 - Went to church morning and evening. Very cold."

"November 6 - Very cold all day. Got five three-decker beds put in the room today. Staying on 1/2 parcels per week."

"November 7 - Terrible cold. No ice around yet. Rained yesterday and today."

"November 8 - Received letter from Rita. Walked around compound three of four times. Very cold and showers."

"November 9 - Still very cold out. Walked around compound and read all day."

"November 10 - Didn't found out until today for sure that Roosevelt won election. Still very cold out."

"November 11 - Armistice Day. Rained all day so didn't have any festivities to celebrate the holiday."

"November 12 - Went to church morning and evening. Very cold. Wrote postcard home."

"November 13 - Very cold and stormy. This fall has been the worst weather for about forty years and is holding up the war. Ice stayed on puddles all day long. First ice."

"November 14 - Fixed up my sack so its wind proof. Very cold."

"November 15 - Walked around compound during day. First snow started tonight, snowed about 2 inches."

"November 19 - Went to church in morning. Clear and cold out."

"November 20 - Had my teeth examined and had name put on list for appointment."

"November 21 - Wehrmacht has taken over the camp but still same goons working in here, they just took over the higher up positions."

"November 22 - Been raining off and on all this week. Not much mail coming in."

"November 23 - Still raining. The allies reached the Rhine River in one spot, we heard about it today."

"November 24 - Found out we were not allowed to have only one day's ration of food per man in the room, orders from Wehrmacht. All extra food will be confiscated if found. On K.P. all day and yesterday."

"November 25 - Had usual Saturday inspection. Found out the enlisted men near Konigsberg had to have a forced march and were starved two weeks before the march. Many were bitten by dogs and some were bayonetted or killed."

"November 26 - Went to church in morning. Rained today and every day last week. Wrote to Rita in evening."

"November 27 - Read most all day. Helped unload 1500 loafs of bread and received 1/2 loaf for my efforts."

"November 28 - Played bridge and read most all day."

"November 29 - Received letter from Mother. They threw away coal dust and dirt at the cookhouse so the whole room worked all morning carrying it over to the barracks and sifting it. Started playing in bridge tournament with McQuade as partner. Lost game. Snowed 2 inches in evening."

"November 30 - Celebrated Thanksgiving. Snow was all gone this morning, very foggy out. We had practically the same rations, the only extra we had was what we had saved and skimped on for last two months. Managed to have a large fruit cake and big raisin creme pie with what we saved."

"December 1 - Collected some more coal from cookhouse and sifted it. Mostly dust and dirt. Played our second bridge game in tournament and lost to supposedly the best team in the block because of bad playing on the part of McQuade. Won two out of three rubbers but lost in total points."

"December 2 - Had usual Saturday inspection."

"December 3 - Went to church in morning. Walked around compound and read rest of day."

"December 4 - Rained off and on all day. Started making list of fellows here I knew as cadets."

"December 5 - Spent most of day walking around compound and reading. K.P. today and tomorrow. Played bridge match, lost for third time."

"December 6 - Same as yesterday."

"December 7 - Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, 3 years today."

"December 8 - Played bridge match. Didn't finish match, continue tomorrow."

"December 9 - Had usual Saturday inspection. Won a bridge game started yesterday."

"December 10 - Went to church in morning. Beautiful day, first one in about a month."

"December 11 - Walked around compound and read most all day."

"December 12 - Same as yesterday."

"December 13 - Pretty cold all day. Walked around compound and scavenged potatoes."

"December 14 - Scavenged potatoes and washed and dried them all day. Collected enough to last six weeks along with regular rations (about 3 bags). Wrote Rita and Ma"

"December 15 - Scavenged coal from around cookhouse all day. Walked around compound."

"December 16 - Had usual Saturday inspection. Thermometer said 20 degrees F+ this morning at 9 AM."

"December 17 - Went to church in morning. Was on K.P. all day."

"December 18 - Scavenged about two bushel of carrots from cookhouse today. Busy all day sorting and drying them. On K.P. all day."

"December 19 - Very cold out. Played bridge most all day."

"December 20 - Wrote a postcard to Rita. Very cold for the last ten days."

"December 21 - Still very cold out. Stayed inside and read most all day."

"December 22 - Got a new pair of G.I. shoes from the Red Cross clothing room which I put in a requisition for Monday because my others wore out. Received a letter from Rita today. Still very cold out."

"December 23 - No inspection today, and no more until 1945. Received two letters from Rita. Still extremely cold. Thermometer was down below 0 degrees F every morning this week. Snow and ice still on the ground that came about December 9."

"December 24 - Went to church and confession. During Appell this afternoon Zip Zippinski rode around in a wagon (pulled by four Kriegies with reindeer outfits on) with Tex Newton. Zip was Santa and Tex was Gabriel with his trumpet. Zip passed out bundles of mail to each Block as Xmas presents. I got three letters. Went to midnight mass and received communion. We received Red Cross Christmas parcels, two to every three men. They contained: 1 can boned turkey 12oz, 1 can Vienna sausage 4 oz, 1 can deviled ham 3 oz, 1 can honey 3 oz, 1 can jam 6 oz, 1 can cherries 8-3/4, 12 bouillon cubes, 1 can mixed nuts 7 oz, 1 can mixed candy 12 oz, 2 fruit bars 2 oz each, 3 packs gum, 1 Forrestor pipe, 1 box PA tobacco and papers, 1 pack fresh dates 14 oz, 1 can plum pudding 12 oz, 1 game, wash rag, photograph."

"December 25 - Christmas Day. We didn't have Appell because Colonel signed our parole. For our Christmas meals we had: supper - carrot and raisin salad, boiled cabbage, turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, coffee and plum pudding. For dinner - eggs and sausage, toast, fried potatoes, coffee and jam tarts. For snack - toast and jam and chocolate layer cake. Beautiful day but very cold."

"December 26 - Very cold out. Had a little cake and 2 jam tarts leftover from yesterday. Yesterday was first day I've been full since I've been here."

"December 27 - Very cold out. Stayed in all day. Snowed a little."

"December 28 - Still very cold out."

"December 29 - On K.P. all day. Started snowing again. Ran out of salt for cooking."

"December 30 - On K.P. all day. Still snowing but stopped in evening, about 4 inches on ground."

"December 31 - Went to church in morning. Stayed in rest of day. Had a sing song in the hall to welcome in New Year and an extra late snack."

"January 1 - No Appell all day. Stayed in all day. Snowed a little."

"January 2 - Stayed in all day. Very cold out."

"January 3 - Had property check in afternoon. Chopped wood all morning."

"January 4 - Order issued today to turn in all tin cans except six per man."

"January 5 - Stayed inside most all day. Pretty cold out. Started feeding birds outside window bread crumbs. May try to catch them later on."

"January 6 - All my points I made from soldered wings last summer are gone. Bought D bar with last of them and ate it today. Had Saturday morning inspection."

"January 7 - Went to church in morning. Stayed in rest of day. Went skating last Friday for first time and probably last because skates too small."

"January 8 - Stayed in most all day except for Appell. Read most all day. Wrote Rita and Mother postcards."

"January 9 - Snowed all day to make about 3 inches snow by evening. Read most all day."

"January 10 - Busy all day doing K.P. Went to movie in the evening showing The Male Animal."

"January 11 - Still on K.P. Took a shower and washed all my clothes. Snowed 3 inches last night. Rained sleet all day."

"January 12 - Haven't had any salt for our cooking for two weeks now. Weather warming up."

"January 13 - Wrote Rita a letter. Had usual Saturday inspection. Snow melted a little today but very cold at night."

"Dear Rita, Been doing a little skating lately to keep in shape. They flooded 2 or 3 places here, and there's hockey games most every day. I've been playing chess quite a bit lately. I'm learning all the games I can so I can beat you playing them later on. I've forgotten how to play Whist. All my love to you and Terry - Wayne."

"January 14 - Went to church in morning. Warmed up a little during the day."

"January 15 - Read all day. Russians started their winter offensive yesterday. Still very cold."

"January 16 - 5 degrees F this morning. Read most all day. Played 2nd bridge game of match (won)."

"Dear Rita, It's pretty quiet in the room tonight. Most of the fellows have gone to a quiz program over at the theater so I'm making good opportunity of the quiet to write you a letter. Maybe I'll do a better job of it than usual. I've entered another Bridge tournament. Last time I came out in fourth place, maybe I'll do better this time. The fellows are taking up Pinochle playing now, so I guess I'll have to learn that next. I'll be able to trim you at any game of cards now. I've been doing more reading than usual since the weather has got colder. I read a book this week called "A sense of Hummus" by Bertha Damon about farming in New Hampshire. It wasn't too interesting, but it reminded me of the old days. I hope you keep on sending me personal parcels. I got the letters saying you had sent the parcels. Hope you sent a lot of chocolate and peanuts in them. I suppose Terry is getting to be a big girl now. Don't you and Terry go without anything, spend all you want and have a good time, we can afford it. Must close now, remember, wherever I am my thoughts are always with you and Terry. With all my love, Wayne."

"January 17 - Very cold out this morning. Got a letter from Mother today."

"January 18 - Going back on full parcels starting Monday and we receive 1 parcel to every three men ... English Xmas parcels just tomorrow."

"January 19 - Stayed in most all day because so cold out. Received two letters from Rita."

"January 20 - Wrote Rita and Mother yesterday. Had usual Saturday inspection."

"January 21 - Went to church in morning. Read most all day."

"January 22 - Talk of moving out of here because of Russian advance. Sagan is full of refugees from the East. Germans took all our bread away and sacked the storeroom to feed the refugees in Sagan."

"January 23 - Stetson got PO today, Bridgeman was with him. Started walking around compound ten times a day by order of C.O. Pretty cold out."

"January 24 - Walked around compound ten times. Very cold last night, about coldest we've had. Warmed up and snowed during day."

"January 25 - Wrote Rita a letter yesterday. Only walked around compound 8 times today because my heel of my bad ankle hurt so."

"January 26 - Spent most of the day walking required number of times around compound, made the ten turns today but was very tired. The ten turns equals about ten kilometers."

"January 27 - Spent most all day walking required ten turns around compound. Ankle hurts pretty bad yet got blisters on my little toes. Starting first of February we have to walk around compound 5 times with pack on our backs in case we have to move out we will be ready, and be able to prepare for the long marches. [At 08:40 PM] Adjutants call just sounded, received orders from Block Commander to move out in one hour. Mad flurry of packing. Much food left behind. One cake in oven and a bread pudding left behind. I had to leave all my house plans, all except one pipe, my portrait and most my other possessions. Just took clothes, food and my two notebooks. In the Vorlager we each received a Red Cross parcel. Most fellows immediately opened them throwing away milk, coffee, tea and crackers to lighten the weight. All along the road all night were blankets, thousands of pack of cigarettes, food, clothing, and everything imaginable was cast aside to lighten the packs. The Russians must be really close because of the German's haste in moving us out. For the last three days we have heard guns rumbling and bombs going off, and flashes at night. Many drop out on the march due to exhaustion and frozen feet. Its very cold and snowing. Guards were relieved off and on but still dropped behind continuously as we passed them up. They had to be replaced up front."

"January 28 - After approximately 30 hours without sleep, most of the time on our feet, we stopped for about four hours rest presumably with shelter. As it turned out only one third of the men could get in the building which was unheated and almost as cold as outside. They had to use the building in shifts so no one got any sleep and most fellows were engaged in trying to build fires to get warm and dry their feet and get a little something to eat. The German's furnished coal enough so we could all heat enough water for a cup of coffee. Most of the men only got inside for 15 minutes. We had walked approximately 28-30 kilometers. At 1800 hours we formed again in the snow and left Freidwaldau. We passed many wagons of refugees."

(Temperature is -6 degrees Celsius)

"January 29 - Still on the march. At 2300 previous night they tried to quarter us in Priebus but failed. Many men in dangerous conditions and low spirits. Finally decided to march us on to Muskau. In the night shots were fired in the rear and Kriegies hit the ditch and the woods. Guards shot three men, others had narrow escapes. Finally marched on. On the way to Muskau the exhausted men were left in farmhouses at two different places. During the night two German guards died, one of heart attack and one of exhaustion. The two horses pulling the wagon died. Two Kriegies died, one of pneumonia and one of exhaustion, and one guard shot his dog which couldn't pull him and his pack any further on a sled. I just barely made it into Muskau. Only six out of my squad of fifteen made it in."

"January 30 - Arrived in Muskau at 0730 hours and was finally sheltered in a paper mill on the floor. The goons haven't given us a bite of food since we left 3 days ago. Most of us had been on our feet for more than 69 hours, approximately 80 kilos so far besides the 10 kilos around the compound the day we left Sagan. Stayed at paper factory all day and night."

"January 31 - Left the paper factory at noon. While we were in Muskau the Germans gave us 1-1/6 loaf of bread and a small piece of margarine and a cup of soup. We marched 18 kilos to the village of Graustein where we were quartered in hay barns for the night. Rained during the night and roof leaked on us. I only have stockings and clothing I'm wearing left, having thrown every thing I have except food away marching to Muskau. Got slight case of frostbite from Muskau march on big toe."

"February 1 - Left at 1700 hours and marched 7 kilos to Spremberg where we slept on cement floor of German Panzer garage in a Wehrmacht encampment. We arrived at 1930 hours approximately. We received hot barley soup here. Air raid during night."

"February 2 - At 0800 hours we left for the train about 3 kilos. Were loaded on 40 and 8 cars. 50 men and one guard to a boxcar."

"February 3 - They were cleared of manure and hay. We received 4 Red Cross parcels to every 6 men plus 1/2 loaf of bread and a can of meat spread for every 5 men. We had a rough time trying to find room to sit down. The route followed the Elbe River for the most part. Some of the towns we passed through were (not in order) Leipzig, Chemnitz, Reise, Spremberg."

Stammlager XIII D

"February 4 - Arrived at Nuremberg at 1600 hours and marched about 1-1/2 kilos to Stammlager XIII D, an Italian commando barracks. It was about dark so we immediately went to bed."

"February 5 - The camp is in terrible condition. The latrines are filthy. I've had the GIs all day.

"February 6 - Still trying to get settled. There's no coal yet and the barracks are ice cold. Moved to another Block in the evening. Still got the GIs. No heat as yet."

"February 7 - Still pretty sick. Haven't got any heat for the barracks yet. Everyone is having trouble with bedbugs, fleas and lice in the compounds (vitamin bugs and Red Cross bugs). Five of the oldest Kriegies are going home today, three that I know are 'Tex Newton', Maj Wheeler, and Maj Huston. We're getting some German rations but not as much as at Sagan yet."

"February 8 - Enlisted men arrived in next compound. Scully and Morgan was with them. Visited with them most of day. Last they knew Cousins was pretty bad off. He had operation only which wouldn't heal. Conditions still very bad here but slowly improving. My GIs are gone (sickness)."

"February 9 - Very cold out. Stayed in most all day fixing up my sack."

"February 10 - Still very cold out. There's no snow here like at Sagan. Ground is bare. Stayed in the barracks most all day."

"February 11 - Went to church in the morning. Didn't have mass because all the Priest's equipment had to be left behind. Huffer arrived with the other sick men from Sagan. First time I've seen him since the hospital."

"February 12 - Visited with the crew during day. Not much food to be had. German rations consist of about 4 medium sized potatoes, 1/6 loaf bread, 1/2 pat of margarine and two cups of soup per day. Talk about being hungry! Rained and snowed in evening, very slushy."

"February 13 - Made a Kriegie stove all day out of a 2 gal ?? can. Got a 1/4 parcel issue. First Red Cross parcel issue here. Had an air raid alert about 09:30. At 3 AM heavy flak and bombing woke us up. Bombing within 10 miles, saw flak bursts. Pretty rough."

"February 14 - Ash Wednesday today. Had air raid about 3 PM and saw about 60 bombers go over. Not much flak. In evening air raids started 9 PM. Lots of flak about 1 AM. Huge bomb about 7 miles away shook building."

"February 15 - Nice day out. Fixed my sack hammock fashion and threw away mattress filling to get rid of fleas. Big toenail turned black from frostbite on Muskau march."

"February 16 - Everyone tearing out partitions and sides of wash houses and air raid shutters to get wood for fire. Beautiful day out. Heard Stetson's got ??? from march and in hospital."

"February 17 - Had Saturday inspection. Went to church yesterday and today for Lenten Services. Beautiful day. On barracks guard duty at night 12 to 1 AM. Wrote first letter home from here."

"February 18 - Went to church morning mass and W of C in afternoon. Worked on plans."

"February 19 - W of C in the morning. Made a mallet rest of day. Started delousing building and clothes."

"Dear Rita, Arrived here to find that Irish, Scully, Morgan and I are all in the same camp along with many others I know. We were certainly glad to see each other. Be sure and note the change in my address when you write the next letter. The four of us are feeling good so don't worry. Write the other fellow's folks as soon as possible and tell them you heard about them. Scully says Padlo and Barkman were looking good and walking around the compound when he saw them at his former camp. I probably won't have time to use all this letter up because the last mail goes in a few minutes and I want this letter to go with it. I'm going to mass every day, to the Way of the Cross, during Lent. I pray for you and Terry every day, and hope you are all well. Be a good girl and take care of yourself and the little one. I miss you both terribly. With all my love, Wayne."

"February 20 - On starvation rations all week so far, 1/2 rations on spuds, no jam. Big bombing of Nuremberg. Fellows saw 3 bombers go down. I saw 1 German, 2 American chutes. Very sick with a cold. Air raid lasted 1 hour. Bombs so close could hear express train roar of approaching bombs. Lack of food beginning to show in lack of circulation of blood, black fingernails."

"February 21 - Another big 1 hour raid about 11 AM on Nuremberg. Fellows picked up flak in compound. Big smoke from fires."

"February 22 - Still going to W of C every day. Had air raid again today. Heard lots of flak but no bombs."

"February 23 - W of C. Haven't had lights in barracks since Monday night. Makes eight nights since been here we haven't had them. Ran out of all Red Cross food today. Just goon rations now since way back before leaving Sagan. We get green death for soup. Still got terrible cold. Saw 2 P51s."

"February 24 - Wrote Rita and Mother a postcard. Heard West Offensive started Friday 5 AM. Had inspection. Missed church W of C."

"February 25 - Went to church in morning, spent rest of day in sick mostly. Potato rations cut 1/3."

"February 26 - Mailed letter to Rita, postcard to Mother. Rations are awful small. Terribly hungry all the time."

"Dear Rita, Haven't been doing much lately, except daydream about good times to come. Certainly miss you and Terry and all the folks. Days are passing fast for me, and each one brings the day when we will be together again. It will soon be yours and Terry's birthday. I guess all I'll be able to give the both of you is my love and prayers. Take good care of yourself and Terry. With love always, Wayne."

"February 27 - Have air raid every day and night. Still have terrible cold. Potato rations down to 2 medium potatoes."

"February 28 - No potatoes issued, just bread. Awfully hungry. One man passed out and had to be taken to hospital from hunger. Had first shower in six weeks."

"March 1 - Issued 4/5 Red Cross parcel per person today. Came in damn handy. Fleas unbearable last night."

"March 2 - Potato rations get smaller and smaller. Very cold out and windy. So cold I went to bed early to keep warm."

"March 3 - Had usual Saturday inspection. Snow blizzard all day, about 3 inches. Terrible cold yesterday and today. Got my first letter here today. Only one medium sized potato was our ration today. About Feb 20 we were only getting 1280 calories per day according to ???. Now our potato rations are cut to one sixth. Wonder number of calories now?"

"March 4 - Cheese we have been issued has been claimed to be unfit to eat by medics. Also soup mixes have too many worms. No church because of air raids. Bread has been cut from 1/6 to 1/7th loaf per week. 70 of the guards are being sent to Western Front."

"March 5 - Very bad weather, snow and sleet all day. Very cold in barracks."

"March 6 - Cut our food rations another 25% today. Heard today Chemnitz has been heavily bombed since 2 days after we spent the night in the yards there. Bombed at least 8 times."

"March 7 - Snowed all day, melted right off. Still have terrible cold. Red Cross food almost gone. Conditions terrible. Had shower bath."

"March 8 - Same as Wednesday (yesterday) except no shower. German general in charge of all POWs visited camp. He looks and acts a p---k."

"March 9 - Snowed most all day. 10th day of cold wet weather. Still got bad cold. Had picture parade."

"March 10 - Had inspection. Picked up enough potatoes for today and Sunday. Terrible weather.

"March 11 - Went to church. Rained most all day. Heard for certain today allies crossed Rhine. Wrote Mother and Rita postcards."

"March 12 - Heard Red Cross parcels on the way here, certainly need them. Very badly in need of food here. My cold is a little better today."

"March 13 - Representatives of the Protective Powers visited today. My cold is improving a little. Spent most of day writing Kriegie menus. Sun came out and grass grew 1" out of ground in afternoon. First real sunshine in 13 days. Goons finally gave permission use (slit) trenches."

"March 14 - Beautiful day today. 3 GI trucks (first ones) rolled in today. Semi-trailers 5 ton. Had shower. Found out about 3,600 parcels came in. There's over 6,000 POWs"

"March 15 - Most beautiful day this year. Did my washing. Started passing out 1/2 parcel per man. I got my 1/2 tomorrow. I keep blacking out all day, must be lack of food. Went ot W of C."

"March 16 - Got my 1/2 parcel today. Three more Red Cross trucks with parcels came in today. Big air raid last not (not Nuremberg). Beautiful day out. Went to W of C. Two carloads Red Cross parcels arrived from Wetzlar by train. About 400 parcels were stolen, one carload damaged by bombing. They're going to put all the meat from opened and damaged parcels in soup and ?? out rest of contents. This shipment enables us to go on full parcels. First time since Sagan. Started getting dehydrated potatoes instead of cooked spuds (no more regular spuds). Went to W of C. Immense RAF raid on Nuremberg about 8:30 PM, lasted 25 min. Most beautiful fireworks ever seen. Watched from slit trench. Flak fragments dropping all around. Saw 4 planes get hit. Goons dropped similar flares as RAF to lure bombers over our camp but RAF had a string of yellow flares for a deadline between our camp and target."

"March 17 - Went to St Patrick's Day mass. Had regular Saturday inspection. Started feeling better today. Feel lots stronger. I'd pretty near had it last Thursday. Guess I'll be alright now that we're on full parcels. Goon rations still insufficient (see Colonel's letter for reference). Had bread pudding for desert. Gave Shapiro (see address etc on front page) my name for purchase of new Buick on return to states. Rumors among Germans that they are suing for peace. Wonder if true?"

"March 18 - Terrible RAF air raid on Nuremberg again last night, not as bad as the one night before. Watched from slit trench. Went to church on morning. Cloudy all day. Wrote a letter to Rita."

"March 19 - 2 more GI trucks arrived with Red Cross parcels for the Belgium and French POWs. Mosquitos bombed off and on all night."

"March 20 - Haven't heard any outside news for four days. Goons haven't fixed the loudspeakers. W of C in morning."

"March 21 - First day of Spring. Got OKW news today over loudspeaker. Nice day out. Sat in sun most of day."

"March 22 - Beautiful day out. Fixed my bed all day. Four Canadian Chevy trucks, one staff car arrived with French and Canadian parcels."

"March 23 - Sergeants unloaded 400 parcels before they discovered parcels brought in last night were not for here. They took them back, said they'd be back in 2 days with American Red Cross parcels. Beautiful day out. Received a parcel today.""

"March 24 - 2 Red Cross trucks arrived this morning. Goon rations are being cut more every day. We've had no sugar issue for a week. We only get one small potato per day. It would be impossible to only live on the goon rations. With these 2 truckloads we haven't enough parcels for 1/3 issue next week unless more come in. Very good news on West Front. Heard there were numerous crossings and General Ike has crossed. Had gash issue of French parcel. One parcel to 12 men. Had Saturday inspection. Heard there was big paratroop movement in West. Beautiful day. Kriegie band entertained for 1 hour in front of cookhouse."

"March 25 - Palm Sunday. Went to church in morning. Heard that about 27,000 Red Cross parcels arrived by rail. 8 P-38s flew slowly over camp and descended to strafe surrounding territory. Only saw 3 bursts of flak. Beautiful day out."

"March 26 - Went to confession in morning. Red Cross parcels amounted to about 26,000 parcels mostly British. Excellent news broadcast over goon radio. Little cloudy today."

"March 27 - Received half an English parcel and half American Red Cross parcel. War news very good. Beginning to eat better now except we're not getting hardly any goon rations."

"March 28 - Were alerted today to be ready to make a forced march. Had to make up from rations and have blanket rolls ready for instant notice. General Ike is about 70 miles away according to 2:00 PM OKW news with a tank spearhead headed in this direction. Rained most all day. Been eating very hearty of Red Cross parcels."

"March 29 - Hearty eating came to screaming halt. Informed we wouldn't get any more Red Cross parcel issue until Tuesday. Tank spearhead mentioned yesterday was broken up. Still alerted to move. Rained most all day."

"March 30 - Good Friday. Went to W of C. War news very favorable."

"March 31 - Excitement about moving quieted down. Had usual Saturday inspection. Been rainy all day. War news still very good. Five men who were to be repatriated last February arrived back here."

"April 1 - Went to mass and received holy communion. About 8 P-47s flew over camp very low in morning. Saw P-47 dive bombers dive on airfield South of here. War news good. Russian POWs dying at rate of five per day. USA 60 miles away."

"April 2 - Saw about 12 P-38s fly over, no flak. Received a full English parcel. Rained off and on."

"April 3 - Rained off and on all day. Received news that we were being moved out by the Germans at 9 AM tomorrow. About one hour later received my first personal parcel."

"April 4 - Left camp in drizzle about 10:30 AM. Marched about 20 kilometers East to Postbauer (Postbauer-Heng), about 9 kilometers NW of Neumarkt. Packs weighed about 50 lbs. Slept overnight in haybarn."

"April 5 - Left Postbauer at 8:30 AM. Had my first fresh egg last night (traded with civilians for it). Spent most all day marching to Neumarkt, about 9 kilometers, and getting first rations of 1/9 loaf bread, cup of soup for 2 days. Then marched all night 21 kilometers to Berching. Rained all night during march."

"April 6 - No quarters were waiting for us so McQuade and I stepped out into woods and slept most all day. In afternoon raining so hard we went in to village and bought a wheelbarrow for cake of soap and traded for bread, potatoes, carrots, etc., and found a barn to sleep in (Plankstettin 4 kilometers) for the night. On Thursday during march saw them bomb Nuremberg. And on Wednesday as we marched out of camp last of column was dive bombed and killed about seven."

"April 7 - After good night's sleep we spent the day trading and eating. Received 1/2 parcel (English) yesterday and 1/9 loaf bread. Resumed march about 9 PM."

"April 8 - Arrived in Plankstettin about 9 AM. Have marched about 20 kilometers. Slept in haybarn all day and night. Left ankle is starting to hurt."

"April 9 - Left Plankstettin about 10 AM and went about 20 kilometers to ???? where we spent the night in a haybarn. We're living very good due to trading cigarettes for bread, etc, with civilians. Received 1/2 Belgium parcel along the road delivered by Red Cross trucks. Was buzzed by 2 British P-51s, we thought we had had it. Saw biggest number of planes (B-17s) go over I've ever seen at one time. Stayed over night in Manching in hay barn."

"April 10 - Received 1/7 loaf bread for goon rations. Left Marching and marched about 8 kilometers to Muhlhausen. Stayed overnight in hay barn."

"April 11 - Stayed all day in Mulhausen resting up. Still eating pretty good. Got 1/14 loaf goon bread for the day's rations. Saw big formation of B-17s."

"April 12 - Rained off and on all day. Issued 1/2 American Red Cross parcel. Washed my clothes most all day. Slept in same hay barn. Saw P-38s and P-51s."

"April 13 - Left Mulhausen at 11 AM. My bad ankle is all swollen up and has been bothering for five days now. Heard President Roosevelt died (yesterday?). Walked about 8 kilometers to a little village of Ylolderbir, Niederumelsdorf and slept in an old broken down house. People very unfriendly because its a (nazi) party town. Wehrmacht patrols the area armed with clubs. Beat up several in Block 95."

"April 14 - Rested up all day. Ankle a little better but still swollen. Saw number of P-38s during the day. Wehrmacht shot a Kriegie through mouth. Didn't kill him. Kriegie was a little off the area."

"April 15 - Spent all day resting up. Can't do any trading with civilians or leave the area."

"April 16 - Saw biggest number of planes I've ever seen go over. B-17s, B-24s, and P-51s. Beautiful day yesterday and today."

"April 17 - Heard one Kriegie died of tonsilitis Sunday, lack of medical care. Left Ylolderbir at 11 AM. Had ankle bandaged before I left. Arrived at Holzhausen about 3:45 PM, about ?? kilometers. Spent night in hay barn."

"April 18 - Spent the day sunbathing and washing jacket. Received 1/4 English, 1/4 American and 1/4 Belgium parcel Monday (2 days ago). Received 1/4 American today. About 800 B-17s and 24s went over."

"April 19 - Apple trees blossomed April 14th for first time this year. Left Holzhausen at 11 AM, walked about 11 kilometers to Ober Munchen and slept in hay barn."

Stalag VIIA

"April 20 - Left Ober Munchen and walked about 7 Kilometers to Mauern and slept in hay barn."

"April 21 - Left at 8 AM for Moosberg. Arrived at 12 PM. Went about 8 Kilometers. By time processing over was 3 PM. Found place to sleep in crowded tent. Pretty cold and rainy out."

"April 22 - Had inspection. Spent day getting situated. There's no wood at all to be had. I'm getting damn sick of cold food. Haven't had a hot meal since Saturday morning. Gained quite a bit of weight back on the march I believe. At least I feel lots better. Ankle seems ok again. 260 men in the tent. 4 of us have 6 square feet to live in. No standing room."

"April 23 - Rained most all day. Very cold. Read in bed most of day. Ate cold meals all day."

"April 24 - Weather cleared off but was still cold. Spent most of day reading and resting up."

"April 25 - Got our first parcel since we've been here. We're on full parcel per man. Got one Canadian between McQuade and I. Beautiful day out. Began to hear artillery during night."

"April 26 - Heard artillery again last night. Beautiful day out. Expect to be freed anytime. Yesterday goons agreed not to move us and put us under Colonel's charge and most of the goons moved out. Our planes fly over every day."

"April 27 - Hear artillery every night. Beautiful day out. Saw our planes off and on go over. Vomited and getting the GI's in the evening. Terrible sick all night."

"April 28 - Had temp and ached all over. Went to sick call. Doc told me not to eat for 24 hours. Artillery very loud today."