AlabamaGermany Partnership Event - Fort McClellan German POW
Join us for an interesting evening with Author Jack Shay:
Monday, November 14, 2016
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Avondale Public Library
Birmingham
FREE EVENT TO THE PUBLIC
Jack Shay's book "The Fort McClellan POW Camp - German Prisoners in Alabama, 1943–1946" have been ten years in the writing. It is based on the memorabilia and artifacts of his parents. His father, a SGT in US Army, came to Fort McClellan in 1943 to open the Prisoner of War camp and stayed until 1946 when it closed. Mr. Shay will do a 20-25 minute reading followed by Q & A.
The POW Camp at Fort McClellan, Alabama, was one of hundreds of American containment centers built to hold the hundreds of thousands of German prisoners captured during World War II. The camp’s well-maintained and humane facilities gained it a reputation as a “model camp.” Military officials praised its elimination of major operational problems. International inspectors commended it, calling it one of the best camps in the country. Prisoners accepted and even enjoyed their time there. Drawing on official documents and recollections of prisoners, soldiers and civilians, this book provides a personal and detailed history of a widely praised and admired place of internment.
About the Author
Jack Shay is a former journalist and retired writer/public speaker for the federal government.
Jack’s father, a SGT in the US Army, came to Ft McClellan, AL in 1943 to open the German PW Camp. He stayed at the camp until it closed in 1946. Accompanied by his wife who worked on base and at the camp, they developed many friendships in the region as well with the PWs. In fact, after the war, the Shays visited former PWs in Germany.
A historical chronicle and ten years in the writing, this book encompasses the memoirs and memorabilia of Jack’s parents as well as extensive research and interviews of those who were of that era.
Jack has written four historical books and one historical novel. He lives in Vestal, NY.