Veterans recall Christmases as POWs across WWII
Lawrence veterans recount memories of Christmas in Japanese and German POW camps. Don Binns, 87, spent four Christmases in Japanese camps after Guam capture. John Stewart, 81, and Martin Jones, 82, endured the Battle of the Bulge and December 25 1944 boxcar confinement with Red Cross gifts. Stewart's leg wound, a Christmas Day aid, and shared boxcar rations marked the day. Allies freed prisoners in spring 1945 as Binns remained until Japan’s surrender in August 1945.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Don Binns
Guam
John Stewart
Martin Jones
Jones
Stewart
Stalag 1B
Binns
Shikoku
Battle of the Bulge opens with surprise Ardennes assault
On December 16, 1944 at 5 30 a m German forces struck the U S First Army in the Ardennes marking the start of the largest land battle of World War II. About 200 000 German troops and 600 tanks broke through five U S divisions in heavy cold fog creating a pronounced bulge in the American line.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Germany
Ardennes
Jones
Dwight Eisenhower
Omar Bradley
Bradley
Bad Orb
Hammelburg
Neighbors share WWII ties from Battle of the Bulge
Osage City veteran Jones and Topeka native Sellen, who met in 2001, reveal parallel wartime paths. Jones was captured and held as a POW after the Ardennes assault. Sellen fought in eastern France and was wounded on Jan 3 1945. Both returned home, pursued higher education, and now share a quiet friendship at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bulge
U.S
United States Germany
Sellen
Jones
Lawrence Presbyterian Manor
Lawrence
Kansas University
Endacott Society
France
United States
Great Britain
Osage City
Topeka
Phyllis Grigsby
Washburn University
University of Chicago
South Dakota
Iowa
Europe
Also Mentioned on This Page
Mike Belt
Richard Qui
Journal-World Photo
Scott McClurg
Belgium
Hitler
Huber
West Wall
Adolf Hitler
Antwerp
Luxembourg
Meuse
Huy
Dinant
Celles
Staumont
Butgenbach
A. Malmedy
Trois-Ponts
la Roche En Ardenne
Ortheuville
Amhaetaun DB
Libramont
Consthun
Martelange
St. Vith
Bastogne
Stavelo
Diekirthy
Arlon Mr
LUXE
Miss Te
Echternach
U.S. Army
John Ray
Department of Defense
Mike Sudal
AP Graphic
Gars-am-Inn
Jodie Krafft
la Roche
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