Last WWII Concentration Camp
Liberated By Col. Seibel of Defiance
A famous Holocaust picture was taken that day by a U.S. Army photographer. It shows 700 corpses moved from gas chambers and stacked outdoors like firewood, awaiting room in the three camp crematoriums.
Because WWII was nearly over and all humanitarian agencies were overly strained, Seibel and his troops stayed at Mauthausen for 35 days, helping the sick and starving prisoners recover enough to leave.
Seibel (born Aug. 3, 1907) returned to his hometown after the war. He began speaking in the town's public classrooms long before Holocaust education programs were common.
Ohio Governor George Voinovich presented the 1991 United States Holocaust Memorial Council Award to Seibel.
Defiance College recognized Seibel with an honorary doctorate on May 3, 1998. He spoke these words at that time:
"There is beauty and balance in our
diversity. Every act of intolerance or hatred
based solely on race, heritage, gender,
religion, poverty, wealth, disability, or
otherwise, is like a miniature Mauthausen.
Do not allow these daily concentration
camps to exist. Liberate your minds, even if
you don't agree. Be kind.
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. In addition, it is included in the The Holocaust series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 5, 1945.
Location. 41° 17.782′ N, 84° 21.554′ W. Marker is in Defiance, Ohio, in Defiance County. Marker is on N. Clinton Street (Ohio Route 66), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Defiance OH 43512, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Little Turtle (Me-she-kin-o-quah) (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Defiance Native (approx. half a mile away); Pontiac Park (approx. half a mile away); You Are On The Buckeye Trail (approx. half a mile away); Pontiac Birthplace (approx. half a mile away); Defiance Rotary Club 75th Anniversary (approx. half a mile away); Bark Cabin Home of Coohcoohe (approx. half a mile away); French Indian Apple Tree (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Defiance.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 334 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 17, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
