From Anzio to Stalag 7A Series: Episode II

WHEN PFC TONASKET AWOKE, the bleeding had subsided, but he could not open his left eye and he was experiencing extreme discomfort. The other six members of his squad have been either dead or unconscious. Ahead of he could identify their situation, a dozen German soldiers rush up, overran his nest, and slit the throats of his fellow squad members. Considering the fact that he was conscious, Trenton was taken prisoner, and he was ruthlessly handled.

PFC Tonasket identified himself amongst about 50 prisoners in an open field and guarded by a dozen German soldiers. In the course of the very first evening he slipped away. Soon after operating for a mile, perhaps far more, he stumbled upon one more escaped American prisoner of war. The two males analyzed their predicament and decided to travel with each other by evening and try to uncover a stand of trees or a grove in which to hide For the duration of the day. Prior to daybreak they located just such a grove of olive trees and a grape vineyard exactly where they fell asleep. By early afternoon they had been awakened by an Italian farmer. Luckily, this farmer detested the Germans. The farmer led Trenton and his fellow escapee to the farmhouse. The farmer's wife ready a meal for the young Americans and then he took them to his barn. He stated they could hide there as lengthy as they required.

Even so, 3 days later a German patrol came to the farmer's door. The menacing officer-in-charge had a extended discussion with the farmer. Trenton and his companion could see the Nazi officer lecturing to the old man. The old farmer seemed to be sweating profusely, and Trenton could see the farmer's legs shake. Inside moments the officer had his patrol enter the barn and take Trenton and his buddy. They weren't harmed but had been marched a wonderful distance exactly where they waited in a different open field. At some point, other prisoners have been brought to this staging region, and the total group was taken by train in crowded boxcars to an location outdoors of annexed Vienna, Austria. From there they had been force-marched to Stalag 7A in Germany. Trenton recalled that a couple of prisoners attempted to run from the march, but they have been shot in the back.

Private 1st Class Trenton T. Tonasket spent over 13 months in stalags as they have been moved from one to one more to preserve them away from the Russian front lines. Considerably of the imprisonment took location in Stalag 7A. It was here exactly where photographs had been taken of the prisoners. In contrast to his eldest brother Delbert, a prisoner of the Japanese, Trenton did get some healthcare therapy, Red Cross packages, standard meals, and letters from his mother. Regrettably, no surgery was supplied for Trenton's combat wounds. With no getting the necessary surgical remedy, Trenton Sooner or later lost the sight in his left eye.

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From Anzio to Stalag 7A Series: Episode IV

TRENTON CHERESHED THE LETTERS from his mother. And he was permitted to send an occasional letter, normally on some scrap of paper. He sent the after letter:

Dear Mom,

I would have written sooner, but this is the 1st likelihood I've had to create. I know you have worried lots about me. I am O.K. and getting treated all appropriate. Inform the youngsters hello for me. I've wondered if you ever got the income I sent property. Please send me some chocolate fudge and cigarettes when you get the likelihood. We get some in our Red Cross packages, but not very adequate to hold us more than.

We perform portion of the time, but have lots of time to play baseball or basketball, so it tends to make the time pass more quickly. Have you heard from Delbert lately? I hope so.

I would have sent you anything for your birthday and Mother's day, but I just could not. I will make up for it on the subsequent one. There is not considerably to create about. Never overlook to send the chocolate, all you can. I will be capable to create every single week from now on.

Enjoy, Trenton

Years later, Trenton's younger brother commented on that letter. He mentioned that their mom did get the dollars Trenton had sent her. It was the $700 that he had won in poker games played aboard the troop ship that transported Trenton to the European Theatre. Trenton proved to be an outstanding judge of character, and he May simply study the nervous faces of his fellow G.I.s. His $700 winning was a substantial quantity of dollars in 1944, possibly about a half year's wages for the typical job. His mother place it in Trenton's bank account so that it was there for the young man when he got household. Also, regarding that letter, it was fascinating that Trenton asked for the exact same thing that Delbert had requested 3 years earlier- chocolate fudge. Apparently their mom had that recipe perfected, simply because it was a well-liked item at the Thorn Creek IGA confectionary as nicely.

Trenton survived his experiences with the Nazis. About 14 months following he had entered the European Theatre, PFC Trenton E. Tonasket was liberated by Russian troops on Might 4, 1945. Upon liberation, the freed American prisoners of war had been permitted to remain with the Russians or go off on their personal. The Russians did not show substantially interest in the welfare of the freed troops. Also the care of the pris­oners was apparently overlooked by their Nazi captors throughout these final couple of weeks of heavy fighting in between the Germans and the Russians.

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Discover additional about this book by going to http://www.amazon.com/Chris-Gregory/e/B00FYXT8BA/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Thank you and have a pleased 2015!