German POWs in America: A True Story of Hope and Friendship

Guests Behind the Barbed Wire narrates the true story of Camp Aliceville in Pickens County, Alabama, where as many as 6,000 German prisoners of war were housed during World War II.  It is the story not only of those prisoners but also of the 1,000 raw recruit soldiers sent from all over America to guard them and of the townspeople who related to the POWs through civilian jobs and labor assignments.

The story of Camp Aliceville has classic elements escape and death, loneliness and fear, disillusionment and despair, but also humor, hope, and romance as well as the amazing creativity that flourished in confinement.  It goes beyond the war to the reconciliation and reunion that has taken place in Aliceville since that time.

An additional source of information about Camp Aliceville is the Aliceville Museum located in Aliceville, Alabama.  It houses the largest collection of World War II Prisoner of War memorabilia in the country, along with an impressive collection of memorabilia from American servicemen and their experiences.  The museum is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.  For more information, visit the museum's website as www.CityOfAliceville.com/POWOverview.htm.

Ruth Cook also maintains a frequently updated blog where readers share additional information about Camp Aliceville and other topics of historical interest.  You are welcome to visit and to comment at www.genevapow.com.