Guests Behind the Barbed Wire: German POWs in America: A True Story of Hope and Friendship

by Ruth Beaumont Cook

A significant and unique contribution to World War II literature, this book chronicles in meticulous detail the building and operation of the largest German prisoner-of-war (POW) camp in the United States in Aliceville, Alabama. This history discusses how the residents of Aliceville helped build, operate, and supply the camp, as well as become inextricably intertwined with camp life and the 6,000 German POWs held there. Focusing on the relations between the captured Germans and local Americans, this title investigates the nature of war, peace, and the principles of human dignity.

640 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jeff Crompton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing account about one time the United States of America got it right. The most amazing part of the story of the World War II prisoner of war camp in Aliceville, Alabama is how well the German prisoners were treated and how much freedom they were given - at least until the end of the war, when the full extent of the Nazi atrocities came to light.

I found this book a little too long - the sections concerning the social and romantic lives of the residents of Aliceville could have been excised with little harm to the main story. But others may disagree, and in any case, the narrative kept me interested.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a good picture of what life was like in Small town, USA during WWII as well as a glimpse of the European theater. I found it very interesting especially since my hometown is near Aliceville. Long, but very easy to read. I recommend visiting the museum in addition to reading it.
Side note: I found it funny that she mentioned a couple crossed the Mississippi River on a getaway to Choctaw lake. She had to have meant the Tombigbee River because you wouldn’t cross the Mississippi going from Aliceville to Choctaw Lake. Only something a local would notice but a fun fact 🙂

[Sara Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating book this is! I was not aware of a POW camp in Aliceville, AL during WWII, and as a lifelong resident of the state, I was surprised to find out about the large number of German prisoners who were captured and held in this small town facility. I learned so much about America’s treatment of these men and the long-term friendships that developed later out of this time of war. The Geneva Convention guidelines were scrumptiously followed, and it gave one added pride in our country. Many stories related by actual prisoners from this camp made this a real 5-star book for me.

[Rowland Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Recounting Of German POW’s Life In Rural Alabama

I’ve seen very little prior to this of the 400,000 plus German and Italian POW’s brought to the US and placed in internment camps. A little too “folksy” to my taste but excellent history presented here. I never knew that Rockland County, NY, processed 1.3 million soldiers headed to war and several hundred thousand POW’s being processed in to camps.