STE. GENEVIEVE – Author and historian Dave Fiedler brought a unique chapter of Missouri’s history to life during a presentation for middle school and high school students in the Performing Arts Center. Known for his extensive research on Prisoner of War (POW) camps in Missouri, Fiedler engaged students with fascinating stories about German and Italian POWs held in the state during World War II.
Students, including members of the German Club, had the chance to hear about the experiences of the 15,000 prisoners held in more than two dozen camps across Missouri from 1942 to 1946. Fiedler, the author of “The Enemy Among Us: POWs in Missouri During WWII”, provided a richly detailed account of these camps, incorporating first-hand stories, maps, photos, and illustrations from his book.
During his presentation, Fiedler explained how POWs were treated well, earning wages for jobs in laundries, barbershops, and bakeries—mirroring the treatment of U.S. soldiers. He shared surprising moments of history, such as the POWs’ crucial role in flood relief efforts during the spring of 1943. For 36 hours, these prisoners worked tirelessly in a sandbag brigade to save the town from rising rivers, revolutionizing the POW work program in the process.
Fiedler also highlighted moments of camaraderie and cultural exchange, such as Italian prisoners singing cheerfully as they worked and the lasting positive impressions many POWs had of their time in the United States. Several even chose to return to the U.S. as immigrants after the war.
Following his presentation, students eagerly asked questions, exploring topics like the social and economic impact of POWs in Missouri and the enduring legacy of these camps.
This was an incredible opportunity for students to connect with their community’s history in a meaningful way. Fiedler’s presentation deepened students’ understanding of a little-known yet impactful chapter of WWII history. Events like this help foster appreciation for the diverse stories that have shaped Missouri and the world.
To learn more about Dave Fiedler and “The Enemy Among Us,” visit davefiedler.com.