HISTORY This Week When Nazis Killed Nazis in the Middle of America
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Aug 4, 2025 William Geroux, author of "The Fifteen: Murder, Retribution, and the Forgotten Story of Nazi POWs in America," shares riveting insights into the tumultuous experiences of Nazi POWs in the U.S. He unravels the strange irony of German soldiers enjoying relative comfort in American camps until internal rivalries led to violence. Geroux explores tales of betrayal, a military tribunal's harsh justice, and the moral complexities surrounding these events, revealing not just a dark chapter of history but also reflections on responsibility and ethical dilemmas that resonate today.
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U-615 Crew Becomes U.S. POWs
- After U-615 was sunk in the Caribbean, 43 German sailors were rescued by the U.S. and became POWs on American soil.
- Despite their enemy status, their treatment was relatively comfortable, surprising many of the prisoners.
U.S. Becomes Major POW Host
- The U.S. took in most German POWs during WWII due to its resources and space.
- Yet Americans feared mass escapes, sabotage, and violence from these prisoners.
German POWs' Surprising Arrival
- When German POWs arrived at Camp Concordia, Kansas, local townspeople were unimpressed with their worn and tired appearance.
- The prisoners themselves were surprised by the comfortable conditions, contrasting Nazi propaganda.
