Georgia POW Camps in World War II - (Military) by Coker & Jason Wetzel (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Explore the daily lives and the history of German and Italian POWs in WWII in camps in Georgia and their impact on the Peach State.

During World War II, many Georgians witnessed the enemy in their backyards. More than twelve thousand German and Italian prisoners captured in far-off battlefields were sent to POW camps in Georgia. With large base camps located from Camp Wheeler in Macon and Camp Stewart in Savannah to smaller camps throughout the state, prisoner re-education and work programs evoked different reactions to the enemy. There was even a POW work detail of forty German soldiers at Augusta National Golf Course, which was changed from a temporary cow pasture to the splendid golf course we know today. Join author and historian Dr. Kathryn Roe Coker and coauthor Jason Wetzel as they explore the daily lives of POWs in Georgia and the lasting impact they had on the Peach State.

Review Quotes

"Coker and Wetzel have written an informative, thoughtful, and comprehensive book. They tell of varied aspects at numerous camps throughout Georgia. Most telling however, is a quotation from a camp guard, who learned that these prisoners were people, not monsters. He said, "...once you got to know them, they're people, just like you and me." Decatur Daily

"What Wetzel and Dr. Coker hope to share is not for history and WWII buffs alone. It's a story of mercy, one that shows the prevalence of human connectivity during one of the most horrific chapters in human history. He plans to tour the state, presenting at historical societies, libraries, and bookstores. Locally, he will be presenting for the Gwinnett County Historical Society on Sept. 16, 2019. The event will take place at the Historical Society's meeting room in the historic courthouse located at 185 W. Crogan Street in Lawrenceville." Gwinnett Citizen