Clarksville in Fort Campbell in Montgomery County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
German POW Cemetery
During World War II, thousands of captured Axis soldiers became Allied Prisoners Of War (POWs). Nearly 425,000 German, Italian, and Japanese POWS came to the United States on empty supply ships returning from the war front. For the remainder of the war, these prisoners were spread among 142 internment camps across the country.
Three compounds were located on Fort Campbell which housed Germans captured from the North African campaign.
Each compound was fenced with barbed wire and guard towers stood at each corner. Within each compound, POWs had access to recreational areas such as a library, chapel, mess hall, infirmary, etc. Camp activities included soccer matches, theatrical/musical performances, and film showings. Opportunities were provided to learn English and take other educational courses. The prisoner published newspaper, Der Neue Weg (The New Way), announced these events and provided a diversion to life in captivity.
Farmers-turned-soldiers caused local farms to experience critical labor shortages. POWs could be used as contract labor and earn 80 cents per day under the Geneva Convention. Most POWs enjoyed the opportunity to leave camp, work, and earn extra pay to spend at the canteen. In turn, they helped save the local farms and regional economy by providing manpower to harvest crops.
• Eugene Ulrich (Eugen Ullrich): Hung himself in the barracks.
• Kurt Franke: Died from lacerations of the neck, arm and wrist.
• Herbert Linder: Died from his injuries after falling from a truck.
• Guenter Cassens: Died of a brain tumor. Based on an oral account, no death certificate found.
• Josef Reidinger: Shot in the back while trying to escape at a train station.
There are also two civilians buried here:
• William Dennis: Local farmer who was originally buried near Sabre Airfield. His grave was moved in 1974, prior to the airfield's construction.
• Unknown: Unidentified female whose remains were inadvertently curated as an archaeological specimen. She can now lay at rest.
This cemetery is managed by the Fort Campbell Cultural Resources Program.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1974.
Location. 36° 36.827′ N, 87° 27.292′ W. Marker is in Fort Campbell, Tennessee, in Montgomery County. It is in Clarksville. Marker is on Rail Unloading Road, on the left when traveling east. The marker stands on the campus of Fort Campbell. Visitors must access the base via Gate 7 to access marker. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Campbell KY 42223, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Transporting Weapons (approx. ¼ mile away); Private George Watson (approx. 1.4 miles away); Avillan Murray Memorial (approx. 1.4 miles away); Memorial for the 716th Military Police Battalion (approx. 1.4 miles away); 716th Military Police Battalion (approx. 1.4 miles away); Sustainment Brigade Heraldry (approx. 1.4 miles away); World War II 1942 - 1945 (approx. 1.4 miles away); The Challenge of Air Assault Logistics (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Campbell.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 5, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 82 times since then. Last updated on May 25, 2024, by David Austin of Scotts Hill, Tennessee. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 5, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.