Fort Lewis Prisoner Of War Camp
World War II History
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Photos: One of the many sections of the prison camp shown from different sides. These photos are part of the Ralph Tilton collection. Courtesy of the Lewis Army Museum .
Ralph Tilton is below.
Three German POWs are buried at the Main Post Cemetery on JBLM. Pictured below. Pictured Below.
Private First Class Karl Simon, age 22, died of lung disease which he contracted earlier in Greece. Karl was captured in Italy June 1944 and moved to the camp where he spent most of his time in the hospital. He died January 1945 from tuberculosis. Click on the name for military records.
Private First Class Leo Paulczkiewicz. Captured May 1,1943 with the N. Afrika Korps. Died July 4, 1945 in Walla Walla satellite camp of heart attack age 28. Click on the name for military records.
Dr. Kurt Messner. Cause of death was suicide by hanging. Kurt was 37 year old, single and originally from Austria. Click on his name for military records.
Only known photo of Karl Simon. German Army (Wehrmacht) enlistment photo Circa 1940 or 41.
Pictured right
This photo album came from a woman in the Netherlands who purchased it many years ago. It belonged to Franz Johann, and the photos need to be translated from dutch.I believe Franz may have been a prisoner. PHOTO BELOW
Ariel view of Fort Lewis circa 1940 from Robert Schweikart's collection. Translation "The Camp Fort Lewis"from birds eye view. Mount Rainier in the background 4398m.
Please come check out my temporary exhibit at the Lewis Army Museum at JBLM, WA. Thank you.