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Nebraska POW Camps: A History of World War II Prisoners in the Heartland
During World War II, thousands of Axis prisoners of war were held throughout Nebraska in base camps that included Fort Robinson, Camp Scottsbluff and Camp Atlanta. Many Nebraskans did not view the POWs as "evil Nazis." To them, they were ordinary men and very human. And while their stay was not entirely free from conflict, many former captives returned to the Cornhusker State to begin new lives after the cessation of hostilities. Drawing on first-person accounts from soldiers, former POWs and Nebraska residents, as well as archival research, Melissa Marsh delves into the neglected history of Nebraska's POW camps.
170 pages, Paperback
First published March 11, 2014
24 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Amateis
4 books24 followersNebraska native Melissa Amateis grew up on a farm near Bridgeport, Nebraska. She holds a BA in history from Chadron State College and an MA in history from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL). An amateur photographer, voracious Snoopy lover, and avid book collector, Amateis lives with her daughter in Virginia along with a rambunctious lab/border collie mix appropriately named Blitz and two kitties.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 7, 2022
Spectacular!! I learned so much about how Americans and Nebraskas treated POWs that it made me proud.
As proof of our extraordinary treatment, many Germans did not want to leave and proudly settled in Nebraska.
A fantastic book.
As proof of our extraordinary treatment, many Germans did not want to leave and proudly settled in Nebraska.
A fantastic book.
March 18, 2022
Don’t you love it when you find a hidden gem at your local library? What makes it even better is when you find it while looking for the book you originally went to the library for. That was my experience in finding this book. I wasn’t planning on reading a book about POW camps in Nebraska, but it was a pleasant surprise, nonetheless. I live about thirty minutes away from Fort Robinson (one of the camps mentioned in this book) and I was curious to see if this book provided more information on this part of Nebraska’s history than what I found in my own research.
Nebraska POW Camps: A History of World War II Prisoners in the Heartland by Melissa Amateis is about the three main POW camps that were formed in Nebraska during WWII: Camp Scottsbluff, Camp Atlanta, and Fort Robinson. The book briefly covers the many branch camps extended off these main camps as well. The book details the camps’ creations, who worked within the camp and who was in charge, the daily life of the prisoners, and what became of the camps after the war.
My experience reading this book was fast, informative, and interesting. The chapters are broken into what I call “sub chapters”. For instance, you start off with a main chapter titled “Camp Atlanta” but then that chapter is broken down into short entries (a couple paragraphs to a couple pages long) such as “daily life”. This format allows this already short book to be read quite quickly. I think for readers who struggle with reading nonfiction because the writing is tedious would enjoy this book because of its easy writing and quick flow.
There were two things that stuck out to me while I was reading this book; two things that made me give this book five stars.
A lot of history has been lost on this small aspect to WWII POW camps, and through my brief research that I conducted on this topic, I found that available information is slim. Knowing that there isn’t an abundance of resources for this topic, I applaud Amateis for the way she provided a detailed look at these POW camps of the Heartland. She gives readers a glimpse into the lives of the prisoners. She wrote about the things they ate, the camps’ extracurricular activities, religion within the camps, the type of movies shown in the camps, and many more details. Amateis also provided details on the Intellectual Diversion Program, a program that was created to “de-Nazify” the prisoners, a program that flourished in some camps and completely deflated in others.
I talked about the writing in this book earlier in this review but I’m going to mention it again because it was the second thing that made me give this book five stars. I believe that all readers can agree that nonfiction reads different than fiction. At times, I find myself rereading a sentence in a nonfiction book because I couldn’t grasp the meaning the first time, or I find myself taking months to finish the book. With Nebraska POW Camps, I found it easy to read and comprehend. Amateis told the history like it was, she didn’t add complex wording that added nothing to the book expect confusion. She wrote a well thought out, informative yet simple book. I applaud her for this as well!
Overall, this book is one of my favorite nonfiction books and I would be interested in picking up more material from Melissa Amateis.
I recommend this book to:
•Readers who don’t like heavy, complex nonfiction
•WWII POW camp history lovers
•Readers interested in Nebraska history
•Readers who want a quick, easy, nonfiction read
dates read: 28 February – 5 March
rating: five stars
Nebraska POW Camps: A History of World War II Prisoners in the Heartland
Melissa Amateis
Nebraska POW Camps: A History of World War II Prisoners in the Heartland by Melissa Amateis is about the three main POW camps that were formed in Nebraska during WWII: Camp Scottsbluff, Camp Atlanta, and Fort Robinson. The book briefly covers the many branch camps extended off these main camps as well. The book details the camps’ creations, who worked within the camp and who was in charge, the daily life of the prisoners, and what became of the camps after the war.
My experience reading this book was fast, informative, and interesting. The chapters are broken into what I call “sub chapters”. For instance, you start off with a main chapter titled “Camp Atlanta” but then that chapter is broken down into short entries (a couple paragraphs to a couple pages long) such as “daily life”. This format allows this already short book to be read quite quickly. I think for readers who struggle with reading nonfiction because the writing is tedious would enjoy this book because of its easy writing and quick flow.
There were two things that stuck out to me while I was reading this book; two things that made me give this book five stars.
A lot of history has been lost on this small aspect to WWII POW camps, and through my brief research that I conducted on this topic, I found that available information is slim. Knowing that there isn’t an abundance of resources for this topic, I applaud Amateis for the way she provided a detailed look at these POW camps of the Heartland. She gives readers a glimpse into the lives of the prisoners. She wrote about the things they ate, the camps’ extracurricular activities, religion within the camps, the type of movies shown in the camps, and many more details. Amateis also provided details on the Intellectual Diversion Program, a program that was created to “de-Nazify” the prisoners, a program that flourished in some camps and completely deflated in others.
I talked about the writing in this book earlier in this review but I’m going to mention it again because it was the second thing that made me give this book five stars. I believe that all readers can agree that nonfiction reads different than fiction. At times, I find myself rereading a sentence in a nonfiction book because I couldn’t grasp the meaning the first time, or I find myself taking months to finish the book. With Nebraska POW Camps, I found it easy to read and comprehend. Amateis told the history like it was, she didn’t add complex wording that added nothing to the book expect confusion. She wrote a well thought out, informative yet simple book. I applaud her for this as well!
Overall, this book is one of my favorite nonfiction books and I would be interested in picking up more material from Melissa Amateis.
I recommend this book to:
•Readers who don’t like heavy, complex nonfiction
•WWII POW camp history lovers
•Readers interested in Nebraska history
•Readers who want a quick, easy, nonfiction read
dates read: 28 February – 5 March
rating: five stars
Nebraska POW Camps: A History of World War II Prisoners in the Heartland
Melissa Amateis
November 29, 2014
One thing that always surprises me about reading history is how an endeavor that involved thousands of people and presumably millions of dollars can just vanish from public memory.
Such is the story chronicled by the book Nebraska POW Camps: A History of World War II Prisoners in the Heartland, by Melissa Amateis Marsh.
As noted on the internet:
In Nebraska, approximately 12,000 prisoners of war were held in camps across the state. Scottsbluff, Fort Robinson, and the village Atlanta (outside Holdrege) were the main base camps.
(from http://www.nebraskastudies.org/0800/f...)
Ms. Marsh’s book is a local history that looks into the life of the prisoners held in these camps, as well as the American personnel who were assigned to both guard and to re-educate them.
She describes the waves of prisoners who were transported far into America’s heartland as the war progressed: Afrika Corps, Italians, and then later POW’s from campaigns in Sicily, Italy and then finally the European mainland.
Given the geographic location of these camp, and the lack of transportation opportunities, escape attempts were a rare occurrence.
She describes each camp in the following terms:
Labor
Daily Life
Religion
Music and Theater
Recreation Arts and Crafts
Education
Intellectual Diversion Program
Motion Pictures
Because describes these areas for each of the main camps, there is some overlap and repetition of the material.
One thing made clear by the book is the contribution of the POW’s to the wartime agricultural industry of the state. This was vital in both keeping the farming industry viable as well as providing food to the front and the home population. With huge numbers of young men and women off to fight the war, it is clear that the farming effort would have failed if it had not been for the added labor provided by these POW’s.
Some of the application of POW labor was a bit surprising, including those that reportedly worked at the Cornhusker Ordnance Plant near Grand Island helping to manufacture bombs that would be dropped on Germany!
Ms. Marsh takes a more developed look at what was known as the Intellectual Diversion Program. Originally this grew out of simple English classes for the prisoners. In some camps this eventually included academic and technical classes, partly to keep the prisoners intellectually occupied and also to convince them that Americans were not bad people after all. In 1944, the focus changed at the direction of the War Department, and the emphasis became more focused on de-Nazification.
This book is relatively short at 156 pages, illustrated with a selection of black and white photos. The author notes repeatedly that despite the size of this enterprise, it was very difficult to find remaining records and accounts of the Nebraska camps. She does provide over 20 pages of notes and bibliographical information that would be helpful to someone with an interest in delving deeper into the subject.
Last, but not least, Ms. Marsh tells of what remains of these camps today. For anyone traveling out here, there are museum displays at Scottsbluff and closer to I-80 the Nebraska Prairie Museum at Holdrege, NE.
This book can be purchased through Amazon.com as well as Walmart.com.
Such is the story chronicled by the book Nebraska POW Camps: A History of World War II Prisoners in the Heartland, by Melissa Amateis Marsh.
As noted on the internet:
In Nebraska, approximately 12,000 prisoners of war were held in camps across the state. Scottsbluff, Fort Robinson, and the village Atlanta (outside Holdrege) were the main base camps.
(from http://www.nebraskastudies.org/0800/f...)
Ms. Marsh’s book is a local history that looks into the life of the prisoners held in these camps, as well as the American personnel who were assigned to both guard and to re-educate them.
She describes the waves of prisoners who were transported far into America’s heartland as the war progressed: Afrika Corps, Italians, and then later POW’s from campaigns in Sicily, Italy and then finally the European mainland.
Given the geographic location of these camp, and the lack of transportation opportunities, escape attempts were a rare occurrence.
She describes each camp in the following terms:
Labor
Daily Life
Religion
Music and Theater
Recreation Arts and Crafts
Education
Intellectual Diversion Program
Motion Pictures
Because describes these areas for each of the main camps, there is some overlap and repetition of the material.
One thing made clear by the book is the contribution of the POW’s to the wartime agricultural industry of the state. This was vital in both keeping the farming industry viable as well as providing food to the front and the home population. With huge numbers of young men and women off to fight the war, it is clear that the farming effort would have failed if it had not been for the added labor provided by these POW’s.
Some of the application of POW labor was a bit surprising, including those that reportedly worked at the Cornhusker Ordnance Plant near Grand Island helping to manufacture bombs that would be dropped on Germany!
Ms. Marsh takes a more developed look at what was known as the Intellectual Diversion Program. Originally this grew out of simple English classes for the prisoners. In some camps this eventually included academic and technical classes, partly to keep the prisoners intellectually occupied and also to convince them that Americans were not bad people after all. In 1944, the focus changed at the direction of the War Department, and the emphasis became more focused on de-Nazification.
This book is relatively short at 156 pages, illustrated with a selection of black and white photos. The author notes repeatedly that despite the size of this enterprise, it was very difficult to find remaining records and accounts of the Nebraska camps. She does provide over 20 pages of notes and bibliographical information that would be helpful to someone with an interest in delving deeper into the subject.
Last, but not least, Ms. Marsh tells of what remains of these camps today. For anyone traveling out here, there are museum displays at Scottsbluff and closer to I-80 the Nebraska Prairie Museum at Holdrege, NE.
This book can be purchased through Amazon.com as well as Walmart.com.
February 13, 2020
This book makes me even more proud to call Nebraska / America my home. The book is chalked with details on our surprisingly many established camps for POWs of WWII. The “enemy” was literally brought to the front doors of welcoming farmers in order to aid in planting, weeding, and harvesting crops. Farm families understood the value of employment and went out of their way to be even more hospitable than our government allowed. This led to friendships that cultivated even after the war. Nebraskans would send care packages to post-POWs in a struggling Germany who some eventually ended up back in America because of their Heartland experiences.
I was most interested in the re-education programs our local leadership implemented through media such as books, films, art, and news. “We’re not trying to ‘make Americans’ out of Germans, but we present America so they’ll go home with a ‘healthy respect for it.” It’s an amazing story of redemption for some. The fact that these soldiers could change their minds on political ideals of fascism/communism/democracy while “imprisoned” on foreign soil is a true testament to them and our re-education program. “These men want to help themselves, ask only for the opportunity of putting their homeland, their lives in order. The nation or the political philosophy which can first do that will win their confidence and support.” This is why it is important we hold onto our values that all men are created equal, and it’s also important to be wary of what media our country is consuming today.
“It is a fight to prove the worth of man, to prove that there is an intrinsic inborn God-given worth to every person, and that even the demonic teachings of a Hitler cannot destroy that worth; and that if one practices what he preaches he can regain that which others claim has been lost for all time.” - Alfred Thompson. I’m proud Nebraskans represented our country as such, and cared enough for the future world that these soldiers would end up contributing to. There really is no place like Nebraska: The Good Life.
I was most interested in the re-education programs our local leadership implemented through media such as books, films, art, and news. “We’re not trying to ‘make Americans’ out of Germans, but we present America so they’ll go home with a ‘healthy respect for it.” It’s an amazing story of redemption for some. The fact that these soldiers could change their minds on political ideals of fascism/communism/democracy while “imprisoned” on foreign soil is a true testament to them and our re-education program. “These men want to help themselves, ask only for the opportunity of putting their homeland, their lives in order. The nation or the political philosophy which can first do that will win their confidence and support.” This is why it is important we hold onto our values that all men are created equal, and it’s also important to be wary of what media our country is consuming today.
“It is a fight to prove the worth of man, to prove that there is an intrinsic inborn God-given worth to every person, and that even the demonic teachings of a Hitler cannot destroy that worth; and that if one practices what he preaches he can regain that which others claim has been lost for all time.” - Alfred Thompson. I’m proud Nebraskans represented our country as such, and cared enough for the future world that these soldiers would end up contributing to. There really is no place like Nebraska: The Good Life.
March 17, 2019
I’m still in shock that this was yet another important part of history that wasn’t taught in school. Considering how many of the records are missing and/or destroyed, the author did an excellent job piecing together the main camps and branch camps throughout Nebraska and what camp life was like from those who lived there, residents, local articles, as well as using museums and existing records.
One thing that struck a major chord with me was with the “re-education program.” The POWs who wanted to were taught a kind of whitewashed version of American history—very similar version to what students began to be taught starting in the late 40s through even today. The worst of America’s wrongs have either been severely downplayed, if they haven’t been completely omitted.
One thing that struck a major chord with me was with the “re-education program.” The POWs who wanted to were taught a kind of whitewashed version of American history—very similar version to what students began to be taught starting in the late 40s through even today. The worst of America’s wrongs have either been severely downplayed, if they haven’t been completely omitted.
April 5, 2020
I read the book to fulfill a category-something I know nothing about- for the 2020 Popsugar reading challenge. Having grown up in Wyoming, I was familiar with the history of the Heart Mountain Japanese Internment camp but had no idea there were others in Nebraska. The author’s last name struck a bell, as I likely taught some of her relatives when I was in Bridgeport. The book is a quick read and very interesting. Unlike the Japanese internment camps, the POWs in Nebraska were treated much better and as a teacher, I was impressed about education or rather re-education of the POWs.
November 17, 2014
Captivating book. Makes me want to go on a road trip to visit the former camps and museums.
March 31, 2017
A great look at the prisoner of War camps in Nebraska during WW2. Even though most of the camps were in western Nebraska it still gives a great insight -even though it was brief- into the way the prisoners were treated and how many of them immigrated to the area after returning to Germany after the war.
I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to know the history of the POW camps in Hastings, Kearney and the areas further west.
I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to know the history of the POW camps in Hastings, Kearney and the areas further west.
August 7, 2014
Since taking multiple trips out to Hastings I knew POW camps were in nebraska, but I didn't know the extent of how many POW camps there were.
Main focus is on three of the major camps in nebraska however, I wish there was more about the minor facilities like the one in weeping water.
Great book about the conditions of camps, could have better with more personal accounts of POW personnel or German POW.
Main focus is on three of the major camps in nebraska however, I wish there was more about the minor facilities like the one in weeping water.
Great book about the conditions of camps, could have better with more personal accounts of POW personnel or German POW.
April 22, 2018
Definitely a simpler read compared to much of the military history I read. It was very interesting, as a Nebraskan, to read about the war camps here. Very few such books have been written. This book was almost simplistic, easy to read and follow, and including many pictures. I would've appreciated something more academic - but that's just me! Over all, covers an area that very little literature does, in a comprehensive and interesting manner.
June 6, 2015
This book offered a very good look at the subject with a regional lens. I especially enjoyed information about the branch camps--that happens to be very hard to find. I found the writing very easy to follow, and I finished it in one sitting.
June 5, 2014
An interesting part of Nebraska history I did not know. It would be fascinating to do more research about the interactions and relationships that developed between the POW's and the locals.
December 11, 2023
I read this book as it is the first material I have found regarding the WW2 POW camps in Nebraska. My father was an Italian POW at Camp Scottsbluff. Most of the book deals with the German POWS . However, the information provided regarding the Italians confirms and amplifies the information my father provided.
I applaud the author for tackling this forgotten piece of American History.
I applaud the author for tackling this forgotten piece of American History.
January 3, 2026
This book, NEBRASKA POW CAMPS: A HISTORY OF WORLD WAR II PRISONERS IN THE HEARTLAND, was a fascinating read. I had no idea about this local history. The book was well thought out and extremely informative. The only section I felt was a little too long was the part about reeducation. While important- it should have been shorter. I also would have loved more pictures and diagrams for visual aid.
July 4, 2021
A good book about the POW camps in Nebraska
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews