Pvt. Gus F. George
US Army 90th Infantry Division
from:Corona, Flushing, New York
My father, Gus george, received shrapnel wounds prior to be taken prisoner by the Germans. He was part of the assault on Cherbourg, France and was captured there. Dad never spoke much of the war. He simply used to say two things. First, if he didn't "hit the ground" when someone yelled "grenade" I wouldn't exist. Second, all he got to eat as a POW was a bowl of soup (which consisted of boiled water and maggots) and a piece of stale bread. It's amazing what you will eat when hungry.
Dad died in 1996. I have recently been trying to put together any info I can. Just a few days ago, my son was talking with his grandmother (my mom and Gus' wife) about Pop Pop's involvement in the war. She showed him a belt buckle that Dad made for her while in Stalag IVB. It has her photo, and his POW number, and other info (see photo). She also told my son that when finally captured by the Germans, dad and the other soldiers were eventually marched towards a train, then lined up against it, and told to turn their backs to their captors. He believed they were all about to be executed. Instead they were eventually told to board the cars and were taken to Stalag IVB. This was all new information for me. Neither my mom or dad had ever mentioned it.
This is also the first time I have visited this site. It is moving to read some of the stories. I hope everyone requesting info finds what they are looking for. I would love to here from anyone who may have known my dad at any time during the war or POW camp. Thank you all for your service.
