Veteran and Prisoner of War ... Carl W. Downen

Carl W. Downen began his military career in Ft. Custer (MI) in March of 1943.  Then, while at the Battle of the Bulge he was taken prisoner.  Stalag 4B became his home in December of 1944 and he remained there until April of 1945.  Luckily, he was able to return to the United States and be discharged in November 1945.

Carl W. Downen in Italy, 1944

The telegram Mrs. Downen received when Carl went missing.

Carl's daughter, Janet, allowed us to have a copy of his photographs to add to the Image Database.
Also, Downen's digitized interview is available.