World War II POW Camps of Wyoming

by Cheryl O'Brien

Wyoming's nineteen prisoner of war camps held several thousand incarcerated Italian and German prisoners during World War II. Historical records, photographs and personal stories shared by camp residents reveal details about this little-known part of the state's history. Local agricultural and timber industries utilized POW labor, while positive relationships developed between the camp's civilian area residents and prisoners. Author Cheryl O'Brien recounts the experiences of the prisoners and the intriguing story of how U.S. military personnel, prisoners and residents-in spite of their differences-collaborated to cope with the challenges of life in a POW camp.

160 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2019

Reviews

[Wyomingmy307 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fascinated by the many aspects of the story of WWII's effects in Wyoming. This book really helped me understand the dynamics between the local communities and the POWs held at the various camps. It's very thorough and has lots of interesting pictures. It makes an excellent addition to anyone's collection of WWII or Wyoming history.

I read the story in preparation for a podcast episode on WWII in Wyoming, as well as a bonus interview of the author.

[Megan Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting information, well researched. It does read a bit like a high school essay, but 9ver all an excellent book.

[Merideth Sears · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting account of Wyoming POW camps

I have visited a few sites of former WW2 POW camps. This book is very thorough detailing the history of sites in Wyoming.

[Rayna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting, but very repetitive due to the similar nature of life in a POW camp, regardless of its location. Reads like a term paper. Photographs and first hand testimonies were most interesting.