Enemies in the Orchard: German POWs in Michigan

Presented by Dana VanderLugt
Presented on 7-9-2024
During World War II, “Victory” ships transported American soldiers and supplies to Europe, usually coming back empty. But as the United States’ labor shortage grew dire, and the increasing number of captured soldiers became difficult to feed and house overseas, the government offered a solution: fill those ships with German prisoners of war and bring them to work in America. The US housed in excess of 425,000 POWs in more than 500 camps, 32 of which were in Michigan. Dana VanderLugt, author of the
World War II novel in verse Enemies in the Orchard, will share stories from this often-forgotten aspect of history.