POW's Wife Tell Some of Her Experiences

William D. Fink was born and raised on a small farm near Ewing, NE. He was drafted in 1942.  His parents had 4 sons and a son-in- law in various branches of the service.  Brother Lee was wounded in the African invasion, sent to a hospital to recuperate then back to his Company, 5th Armored Division. 

Bill and I were married in Sept. 1943 while he was home on leave. I was teaching school. 

In a few months their Crew flew their plane to Foggia Italy, flying B24s.  They had made several raids and the plane had been badly damaged.  In mid Febr. they took off on a raid over Regensburg. The plane lost it's intercom  and an engine and all bailed out.  Bill landed near Graz Austria in the Alps.  He broke his leg as he landed but tore his chute, set his leg and wrapped it.  He was met by Austrian civilians and taken to jail.

A later exam at the hospital showed it was set properly. He was put in a cast and stayed there for awhile.  From there the men he was with were loaded on box cars, standing room only, no food nor water. Another time they were put in the bilge of a barge, packed tightly, same conditions. Later two men were handcuffed together and made to run 3 miles to a new camp with SS troops carrying bayonets and dogs in pursuit.  Their guards who were not SS, stood over fallen men to protect them, though some didn't make it.

From Febr. 1945 till April they marched 600 miles from the Baltic Sea area, with Russians in pursuit, to the Elbe River where they were turned over to the American Army. In that span of time they were scrounging for food and shelter, never removing their clothing nor shoes, even though at times it was cold and damp,along with their German guards who had nothing more to eat than the Soldiers. 

I  first heard he was missing in action then about April 1944 I recieved a telegram he was POW. In May. I had 1 post card from an English Soldier who was in the hospital, telling me he was okay. After that I had no word from him, except, through American Red Cross magazine sent each month, telling that the men were being being moved from one Stalag Luft camp to another. 

Many older person on the East Coast made it their "hobby" to intercept short wave messages out of Germany.  Occasionally I'd receive a card or letter stating "William D. Fink Serial number----- was reported to be moving again.  He received only a few letters from me and the last he'd heard was that I was still teaching but thinking of going to a city to work. 

He arrived in Omaha on June 16th, called his parents, not knowing I was working in Omaha but I happened to be home for the weekend. He arrived home on Father's Day 1945, a GREAT day. He earned an Air Medal, Purple Heart and several Oak Leaf clusters. 

We farmed for several years then moved to CO. where he built Custom Homes and was a cabinet maker.  After 30 years we moved to CA in 1981, thinking we would retire here.  He passed away in 1984 at 62 years. 

After he passed I recived his POW medal.  Because of the information a gave for the award, I learned the Co-Pilot of his plane lived in the same town we live.  We had lost contact with all the crew.  This was a pleasant surprise. I stay in contact with Bill Bryan.  Too bad we didn't know this while Bill was living.   All his brothers got home safely.  Such a relief for Mom and Dad.  by Eleanor Fink Sullivan

Upload Your Own Stories, Photos and Videos

Every week, American Profile magazine brings you stories that celebrate the people and places that make America great. Now we want to hear your stories and see your photos, videos and even audio.

 Start Uploading Now!

 

Discuss this Article