POW/MIA Day - Grandfather's courage remains inspiration for Scott Airman Published Sept. 17, 2006 By Airman 1st Class Brian Butkus 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs 09/14/2006 - SCOTT AFB, Il. -- On POW/MIA Day, we honor those who endured the hardships of war. For me that day has an even deeper meaning. I think about my grandfather who served during World War II and held prisoner by the German army. I take great pride in telling my grandfather's story knowing everything he went through and without his bravery I wouldn't be here. In 1942 my grandfather, Bernard Edelman, joined the military wanting to serve his country. Never did he imagine that he would become a POW. Upon joining the military, he began his training at Fort Knox, Ky., as a member of the 1st Armored Division where he trained as machine gunner on a half-track tank. November of 1942, my grandfathers division was sent to invade Northern Africa. On Feb. 14, 1943, his division fought a large battle with German forces led by Field Marshall Erwin Rommel, where many Americans were killed or taken prisoner. After being taken prisoner, the American soldiers, including my grandfather, were forced to march for several days before they reached a train where they were transported to Tunis, North Africa. From Tunis they were flown to Reggio Calabria, Italy, on small German supply planes and then transported by truck to Rome. On the trip to Rome, the trucks passed through Naples where American forces had just bombed the city. As the prisoners passed through the city, they were stoned by the locals for what the U.S. forces had done to them. When they finally arrived in Rome, it was time once again to get shipped out. This time the prisoners were transported by freight cars. The freight cars were nicked named 40 and eights because they could carry 40 men and eight horses. When the POW's were loaded onto the cars over 100 men were put inside and there was not room for them to turn around during there long trip to their next destination in Moosburg, Austria, Stalag VII A. For two weeks my grandfather remained in Stalag VII A until he was transported to Stalag III B in Furstenberg, Germany, where he remained for more two years. During his time in Stalag III B, my grandfather received some mail from my grandmother and the troops were given the occasional food parcel from the Red Cross and clothes from the Salvation Army. To help keep their spirits up and pass time, the POW's exercised and played the occasional baseball game when they were permitted. On Jan. 31, 1945, Russian troops began marching towards the encampment and the POW's were forced to march in a very severe snow storm towards another camp called Stalag III A. During the march my grandfather managed to escape and hide in hopes the Russians would save him. After waiting for nine days, my grandfather's lack of food and the harsh weather forced him to rejoin group, and the German soldiers never noticed he was missing because of the commotion caused the attacking Russian forces. When they arrived at Stalag III A, news was spreading that the American and Russian forces were making great advancements in defeating Germany. This news caused the German soldiers to become uneasy and my grandfather decided to stay in his cabin to avoid any confrontation. In April of 1945, the German encampment was attacked and defeated by Russian forces. After their victory, the Russian's liberated the POW's and my grandfather was sent back to the United States on a ship from France. Shortly after my grandfather returned to the states, the German's surrendered and he was discharged from the Army Sept. 19, 1945. Even though the war was a very emotional experience for my grandfather, he is still involved in many POW gatherings and 1st Armored Division meetings across the country. My grandfather still has a handkerchief given to him by a fellow POW that describes his experiences. Hopefully one day I will have it and be able to give it to my children and tell them the story about my grandfather's dedication to serving his country.