Remembering the POWs of Stalag 17-B

The Kriegie Kids Reunion and POW Memorial Service at Motts Military Museum in Grovesport, Ohio

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Kriegie Kids Reunion at the Motts Military Museum in Ohio, a remarkable museum dedicated to preserving American military history.

The reunion brought together families of former American prisoners of war held at Stalag 17-B in Austria during World War II. Although more than eighty years have passed, these young men's experiences continue to connect their families.

I was honored to speak at the memorial service about Kenneth “Kurt” Kurtenbach, the subject of my book, Man of Confidence: Kenneth J. Kurtenbach—WWII’s Longest-Serving American POW Camp Leader.

Speaking about Kenneth J. Kurtenbach, the camp leader at Stalag 17-B at Motts Military Museum in Ohio.

Kurtenbach was an American airman who became the elected camp leader, or “Man of Confidence,” for more than 4,000 American POWs at Stalag 17-B. For about eighteen months, he represented these men, working tirelessly to protect their welfare and dignity under extraordinarily difficult circumstances.

His leadership was not based on rank or formal military authority. His fellow prisoners elected him and entrusted him with their welfare and with improving their chances of survival.

Among those prisoners was my father.

Speaking about Kurtenbach before families whose fathers and grandfathers had shared that experience was especially meaningful. His leadership made a difference not only in the lives of the men he represented but also in the lives of the families to whom they returned.

More than eighty years later, we continue to gather, remember, and honor their extraordinary legacy.

My sincere thanks to Warren Motts and his daughter, Lori Motts, for their hospitality and for the remarkable work they do preserving American military history at Motts Military Museum.