POW Funeral

[MikeC]

Here is an image that provokes some thoughts.

This is the funeral of Richard Jasker, German POW, who died of natural causes at Camp Joseph T. Robinson, Arkansas. The image was taken 24 April 1944. Several things are noteworthy in my opinion.

Firstly, the flag drapped coffin is obviously surprising, but so is the formality of the occasion. There is a civilian style metal fender around the casket, and there is even that fake grass they still use today. I didn't know astroturf was available in 44. Note the Bible as well.

Lastly, note how these captive Germans are fully outfitted, inclusive of tie, and that their uniforms appear to be in better condition than that of the American.

Comments appreciated.

[RaymondG]

What a fascinating photograph, Michael.

I am certainly surprised that the flag was used in the ceremony.

Raymond

[MRomanych]

I wonder if the gravesites exist to this day. Apparently, Camp Robinson still does - here's a web page about it from the Arkansas Encyclopedia of History and Culture: http://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=2262

And another page about WWII prisoner of war camps in the US, to include Camp Robinson: http://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=2398

It says:

"To alleviate some of the security concerns in metropolitan areas and calm citizens’ fears, the United States housed prisoners in military installations and federal facilities throughout the South and Southwest. About 425,000 captured Axis troops were sent to the United States for internment in more than 500 camps. Nearly 23,000 captured troops, mostly Germans and Italians from Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Korps, were sent to POW camps in Arkansas. Camp Robinson in North Little Rock (Pulaski County), Camp Chaffee in Fort Smith (Sebastian County), and Camp Dermott in Dermott (Chicot County) were the state’s primary centers for Germans. The remote locality of Camp Dermott in southeast Arkansas, previously the Jerome Relocation Center for Japanese Americans, made it the perfect site to house German officers, while Camp Monticello in Drew County housed Italians.

Camp Robinson was regarded nationally as a model camp. Living conditions in the camps were pleasant under the circumstances and included barrack housing, recreational activities, and creative and educational opportunities. Soccer was a popular sport among prisoners. POWs also performed theatrical plays and musical concerts. But it was not all fun and games. The POWs were required to work in and around the camp, earning eighty cents a day for their labor. Their duties included working in the camp cafeteria, in grounds maintenance, and on local construction projects. POWs could use their wages in the camp store to buy toiletries, candy, cigarettes, and even beer."

[MikeC]

Thanks for your comments. Who knew that Arkansas even had an "Encyclopedia of History and Culture". :biggrin:

I am going to see what we can discover about the unfortunate Mr. Jasker and his final resting place.

[BOB COLEMAN]

Fort sheridan, a mid 19th century american army base north of chicago, was partially used as a p o w camp during the war. The base cemetary contains the remains of seven german soldiers who died of natural causes during their confinement. I recall years ago seeing a news report on a local woman of german descent, who annualy visited the cemetary and decorated their graves with flowers. Although the base was closed years ago, the old cemetary still exists to this day.

[scott powell]

that was a great photo!
German POW's were held here in Gerogia in several locations, some quite close to where i live. My grandmother hs told me on several ocassions that seeing work parties with PW on thier uniporms was very common.

[MRomanych]

A quick Internet search reveals the following information:

From the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge e.V (German War Graves Commission) database: http://www.volksbund.de/graebersuche/content_suche.asp
Nachname: Jasker
Vorname: Richard
Dienstgrad: Grenadier
Geburtsdatum: 12.12.1909
Geburtsort: Göddingen
Todes-/Vermisstendatum: 22.04.1944
Todes-/Vermisstenort: P.O.W. Camp Joseph T. Robinson Arkansas

The database also states that Richard Jasker is buried at Fort Sam Houston:
Richard Jasker ruht auf der Kriegsgräberstätte in Fort Sam Houston/Tex. (USA) .
Endgrablage: Grab 4

The Department of Verterans Affairs' Grave Site Locator states:
http://www.volksbund.de/graebersuche/content_suche.asp
JASKER, RICHARD
DATE OF DEATH: 04/22/1944
BURIED AT: SECTION ZA SITE 4

He must have been reinterred.

[RaymondG]

Excellent additional background information, Marc.

Fascinating stuff

Raymond