News-Info-Alerts

Re: German POW Speaks

From: POW-MIA InterNetwork

Date: February 13, 2003

"German POW speaks 'Heart to Heart'

By Stephanie Howard The Examiner

Fred Losch grew up in East Prussia.

When Prussia was abolished as part of the political reorganization of Germany after its defeat in World War II, he had to find a new place to live.

Losch joined the German Air Force and fought against Russia.

"I had a German rifle that was repaired by foreign workers," Losch said. "In the defense of Berlin, I was caught by the Polish Legion."

Losch spoke about the two years he spent as a prisoner of war during the American Legion Post 499 Heart to Heart luncheon Thursday. The luncheon part of a national salute to disabled veterans.

Losch said after being captured, he spent two days in a box car while being transported east of Moscow.

"Being a prisoner is not nice," Losch said. "But if you have to be one, don't be one for the Russians."

Many of Losch's colleagues died within the first year. Because Losch was one of the youngest prisoners, he was given the smaller jobs. He had to shovel coal and work with peat moss.

"When winter came we were already decimated quite a bit," Losch said. "But I survived it."

When Losch was released, he returned to Germany, but it wasn't the same Germany he left. He decided to go to America, where he was drafted and joined the Air Force.

Losch said that's when "the fun" started.

"I was really happy to be with the Air Force because we could fly," Losch said. "That is what I always wanted to do."

Losch retired after 28 years in the Air Force as Chief Master Sgt.

Legion member John Likens said Losch's story is the American Dream.

"That's what the American dream is all about," Likens said. "Coming to this country and doing what him and his wife are doing."

To reach Stephanie Howard, send e-mail to showard@examiner.net or call her at (816) 229-9161, Ext. 25."