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1945: Randolph flier is liberated from prison camp

May 31, 1945

RANDOLPH — Sgt. James R.

Krieger, second Randolph flier to be imprisoned by the Germans after parachuting in enemy territory, was liberated by British troops on May 2.

He is well his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Krieger, were informed in letters received here from him on May 27 and 28.

However, the first word of his liberation from the Germans and the news that he was again under American military control came to the Kriegers Saturday morning, May 26, in a telegram from the War Department that stated he was in American military control at an unreported date.

The long-awaited news brought to an end the deep and increasing anxiety of the Kriegers, who had never heard directly from their son or of his whereabouts since they received a card three months ago signed by him and stating that he was to leave for a permanent camp in Germany in early December.

The War Department had them on Jan. 19 that word had been received through the International Red Cross that he was a prisoner of war.

He, with other members of the crew of his B-17 bomber, on which he was a gunner, parachuted over the Adriatic near northern Italy on Nov. 17. The Kriegers received word Dec. 2 that he was missing over Italy.

The first letter received Sunday was not dated, and Sgt. Krieger stated that he was well. The second letter was written May 21 and he was then in France and said he hoped to be home within a month.

He stated that on Feb. 4, 1945, the Russians were in such close proximity to their camp that the Germans started the prisoners on a march that extended for 600 miles. When they reached their destination, the British were too close and the Germans forced the prisoners into another march.

However, the British liberated them May 2.

Sgt. Krieger states that he is now able to eat normally, indicating he had not been given adequate food for quite some time. He also said in his letter he and other members of the crew bailed out at 27,000 feet, which was “rather high,” but they had “no choice.”

Sgt. Krieger is the second Randolph soldier imprisoned by the Germans to be liberated, the first was S/Sgt. Frank Graham, who his relatives learned May 16, was well and fit after his liberation.

Through a coincidence both these Cedar County boys were liberated on May 2 and both by British troops.

It is not known whether they were near or at great distances from each other at the time of their liberation. Sgt. Krieger was liberated at 3:20 in the afternoon.


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