My father, Doug Adkins of Borger, Texas, served his country in World War II. He served in H Company, 36th Division. While taking part in the invasion of Italy, he was captured by the Germans and was a prisoner of war from September 19, 1943, through April 19, 1945. Daddy kept a diary during this time, hiding it from his captors. “Food was the only item that received protection priority over the diary", he would later write. He also reflected, “Now, it can be seen that life would have been less miserable had we borne our lot with less complaint.”
The following “Stories of War” are taken from my father’s diary, his letters, and a speech he gave in 1967:
Recounting the battle on the day of his capture: “At 1:00 p.m., we knew the battle had started…John Lemke fell dead at my feet. Eddie Walsh laid face down gasping and heaving for breath with a bullet through his helmet and into his head. John Lovell lay face up with a pleading look on his face, unable to talk, his right leg almost severed at the knee. I carried him a few yards, seeking the help of a corpsman. John needed every drop of blood he had left, but I carried some of it away on my arms and chest…I was captured about 6:30 p.m. It was an event that had never entered my mind until 10 minutes before it happened.”
From the days immediately after capture: “Walked all day in a hot sun with no head gear. No food until late that night which then was very little. We rushed like wild animals at anything that resembled water all day…Another day of walking. The animal spirit in us grew worse as our thirst and hunger increased…Walked 34 Ks today…Spent another cold night on the ground. We are very dirty.”
In a Christmas Eve letter home: “Peace and Quiet reigned in our chapel tonight; War and Turmoil reign only a few hundred miles in all directions. God makes many things difficult to understand.”
While being moved to another camp just months before liberation: “Another day of suffering and exhausting travel. Karl Johnson was killed today by one of the guards. He was a good friend and well-liked…These were the most miserable days I have ever lived. The men are almost like animals where food is concerned…We slept in the rain…Our existence in the lowest type of living continues…As I ask God to soon give us better living conditions, I do not forget to give Him thanks for delivering us this far.”
In a letter home to his mother after liberation: “I will be home soon…We are now in the good care of the wonderful Americans. I never knew it meant so much to be an American…”
On a ship reaching America’s shores: “…We can plainly see the bright lights of the city. It is a wonderful sight. It is also a wonderful feeling to know that those lights are coming from the shores of the most wonderful country in the world…It is sad, indeed, to think of those who gave their lives…, that these harbor lights may continue to send out friendly gleams of liberty and freedom. God has been merciful to me.”
From a Veteran’s Day speech, 1967: “A man of value gives more to life than he takes from it…Our flag is synonymous with freedom, but there are responsibilities we must meet to protect this freedom…Young people: be proud of your country, protect your country, and pray for your country.”
Heroic or Meritorious Achievement
