Posted By Robert Johnson on March 19, 2008 at 11:33:36:
National Headquarters
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Last Name: SMITH
First Name: John
Middle Initial: S.
Nick Name: 'JACK'
Conflict: WWII
Service Branch: Air Force
Unit: 11AF 404 BS
Theater: ETO
Where Captured: RUSSIA Date Captured: 05/10/45
Camps Held In: PETROPAVLOVSK TASHKENT SIBERIA
How Long Interned: 90 days
liberated / repatriated: liberated
Date Liberated: 08/08/45
Age at Capture: 20
Medals Received: AIR MEDAL
Military Job: FLIGHT OFFICER
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Americans Home From Siberia
On October 2, 1992, the secretary of the Air Force acknowledge and honored a unique group of WWII Veterans.
A little know story of WWII was the relationship of the U.S. and Russia during the time prior to Russia declaring war on Japan. According to International Law, Russia was a neutral country and was obliged to intern personnel of warring nations if they were within the control of Russian armed forces.
Until the mid 1980’s, the activities of these airmen was highly classified.
It all started with the famous Doolittle Raiders. One crew, Lt. York’s, due to a fuel shortage, landed north of Valdivoltok instead of China, and were instantly interned. Over the next three years thirty six other crews, for a total of 291 Americans met the same fate. With the exception of 4 B-29 crews of the 29th Air Force, these airmen were members of the old Army Air Corps and Navy Air Wing 4 form the Aleutian Islands. They were flying missions against the Japanese Kurile Islands.
In case of aircraft damage the preplanned escape route was to Petropovlavsk, Kamchatke Peninsula. “Petro” was a holding point until a group became large enough to move across Siberia to another holding point at Tashkent Russia. The trip across Siberian R.R. to flying in old C-47 is with Russian crews. All in all five separate groups were held and released by various methods. The last group, of which I was a member was released after the war had ended.
The survivors of the ordeal have formed an organization known as the “Americans Home from Siberia” and are a part of the Eleventh Air Force Association.
On October 3, 1992 at the banquet following the 11th Air Force Reunion Air Force Lt. Gen. Tom McInerney made a surprise presentation of the P.O.W. medal to the members that were present, recognizing them 47 years after the fact.
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There were over 200 USAAF personnel, and 64 Navy personnel approved the POW medal.
Secretary of the AF Rice signed a blanket authorization for approximately 218 airmen in 1992.
Secretary of the Navy Garrett III, and Acting Secretary of the Navy O'Keefe signed letters of authorization to approximately 64 airmen in 1992.
There were over 200 airmen held at Wauwilermoos Prison in Switzerland, a neutral country as well.
They were placed in the prison for punishment apprehended while attempting to escape. Such an act by the Swiss was a violation of the Geneva Convention, Article 56, dated 1929.
War Crimes testimony reveals circumstances, which the Secretary concerned should have found to have been comparable to those under which persons have generally been held captive by enemy armed forces during periods of armed conflict.
However, the Air Force is denying recognition for those that suffered acts not suitable for public view. The simple recognition many living veterans and/or next of kins are asking is the Prisoner of War Medal.
To date there have been two internees approved the POW medal held in the prison.
First, to a veteran authorized by General Fogleman AF Chief of Staff, presented by Lt. General Record in 1996.
Second, to a veteran approved by AFBCMR in 2006 with the help of his daughter, and Congressman Matheson of Utah.
Where is the balance of recognition?
Where is the support by members of the Eighth AF?
Some members may believe there are more important things going on.
To the former internees, and next of kins of those passed, believe me when I say it is very important to receive recognition for their ordeal spent in a prison for attempting to do the correct act.
If any member(s) of this site is/are interested in copies of the initial guideline authorizing the POW medal, copies of letters by the Secretaries, letter from General Fogleman, photograph of the presentation, conclusion of approval by the AF, conclusion of denial by the AF, please contact me.
As a veteran of a more recent era, there is no doubt there are former members of the Eight Air Force that are interested to step up to the plate, and support their our fellow veterans. Prove my assumption is accurate because I do not want to make a blank out of U and me.
Contact me at Robersabel@aol.com. I am willing to share my address/telephone number if required.
Robert
Robersabel@aol.com