From Stephenville, Texas to Stalag Luft 3: A Story of Survival and Friendship in Sagan, Germany and Beyond by R.O. Henley Jr. and Mikayla Leech.
This isnÕt just a WWII history book, but a touching and thoughtful look into one manÕs experience, telling the story of his life: ÒFrom Stephenville, Texas to Stalag Luft 3Ó and beyond. Through his personal journal, firsthand account, letters to and from home, historical documents, and photographs, readers will experience life through his eyes.
This one-of-a-kind narrative combines his story alongside words and commentary from his great-granddaughter, connecting generations and creating a deeply personal connection to the past. It's a story of hope, resilience, and the unrelenting human spirit.
Not only one manÕs story, this book also honors the courage and sacrifice of over 100 of his fellow prisoners of war from South Compound through their stories and photographs. It's a tribute to some of the men who endured the unthinkable, a testament to their strength, and a look at the bonds formed in hardships. An emotionally powerful story, this book leaves a lasting impact long after the final page is turned.
Table of Contents
Early Life.... pg. 1
Enlistment in the Air Corps....pg. 12
Meeting Barbara....pg. 18
Commissioning a Second Lieutenant....pg.19
384th Bomb Group....pg.29
July 25th, 1943....pg.80
Stories of Being Shot Down and Captured by R.O.Õs Crew....pg.93
R.O.Õs Capture....pg.109
Stalag Luft 3 Arrival....pg.120
Red Cross Records....pg.127
Barracks 136, Room 6 ....pg.139
Roommate Stories by David B. Adams....pg.141
Life at Stalag Luft 3 ....pg.148
Present-Day Stalag Luft 3 ....pg.154
Stalag Luft 3 Commanding Officers ....pg.159
Red Cross Parcels and Cooking ....pg.163
Telegrams....pg.171
Letters to and from Home....pg.176
The Great Escape....pg.184
Padre Mac ....pg.187
Help from the Red Cross and YMCA....pg.191
Forced Evacuation and March....pg.194
Life in Moosburg....pg.206
Liberation....pg.215
Headed Home....pg.223
USS Lejeune....pg.227
War Journal....pg.238
Tuskegee Airmen at Stalag Luft 3....pg.283
POW Signatures and Stories....pg.285
POW Newspaper Articles....pg.309
Life After the War....pg.362
Texas Department of Transportation....pg.368
Stalag Luft 3 Reunions....pg.406
AuthorÕs Note....pg.426
Acknowledgments....pg.429
Honorable Mentions....pg.433
Bibliography....pg. 438
Details: 8.5 x 11, coated paper, 459 pages, colored ink
ISBN: 979-8-218-66055-0
Library of Congress Control Number: 2025908390, World War II History, Prisoner of War Stories, Veteran Stories, Eighth Air Force, Stalag Luft 3, 384th Bomb Group, R.O. Henley| 9798218660550 | 459PAGES