Near Marshfield in Wood County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Prisoners of War
Photographed By Keith L, June 28, 2007
1. Prisoners of War Marker
Prior to World War II, few Americans had ever been held as prisoners of war on foreign soil. But the surrender of U.S. forces in the Phillippines in the spring of 1942 suddenly swelled the number of POWs into the thousands, and soon a network of support groups was formed in the U.S. to exchange information about loved ones held captive. At the war’s end, the Bataan Relief Organization absorbed similar “barbed-wire clubs” and in 1949 became the American Ex-Prisoners of War. A Wisconsin department was established in 1977, and Stanley G. Sommers of Marshfield, a sailor captured at Corregidor, became national commander in 1980. Sommers was instrumental in compiling data regarding the effects of incarceration on ex-POWs, some of which informed the congressional debate over passage of the Former Prisoners of War Benefit Act of 1981.
A total of 142,227 Americans were captured and held as prisoners of war during both World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam, including 1,929 Wisconsinites. Some 15,190 U.S. service personnel died in captivity, almost three-quarters of them in Japanese hands during World War II.
Erected
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1942.
Location. 44° 35.83′ N, 90° 10.884′ W. Marker is near Marshfield, Wisconsin, in Wood County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 13 and U.S. 10, on the right when traveling south on State Highway 13. Marker is in the wayside that is southwest of the crossroads. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hewitt WI 54441, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Engine 2442 (approx. 3.7 miles away); World's Largest Round Barn (approx. 3.9 miles away); Hamilton & Catherine Roddis House (approx. 4.4 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 4˝ miles away); September 11th Patriots Day (approx. 4˝ miles away); Eli Winch House (approx. 4.7 miles away); Tower Hall (approx. 4.7 miles away); Governor William H. Upham House (approx. 4.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marshfield.
Photographed By Keith L, June 28, 2007
2. Prisoners of War Marker
Photographed By Keith L, October 26, 2007
3. Related Sign
POW/MIA Memorial Highway
State Highway 13 Wisconsin Dells to Superior is designated as a memorial to honor all prisoners of war, ex-prisoners of war and those who are currently or were formerly missing in action, of all wars in which the United States has engaged.
This designation is pursuant to Wisconsin Statute section 84.1047.
This sign is at a wayside at the junction of State Highway 13 and State Highway 21 in Adams County, Wisconsin.
State Highway 13 Wisconsin Dells to Superior is designated as a memorial to honor all prisoners of war, ex-prisoners of war and those who are currently or were formerly missing in action, of all wars in which the United States has engaged.
This designation is pursuant to Wisconsin Statute section 84.1047.
This sign is at a wayside at the junction of State Highway 13 and State Highway 21 in Adams County, Wisconsin.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,499 times since then and 106 times this year. Last updated on October 27, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 2, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on October 27, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
