Interview with James W. Alspaugh, June 30, 1987

Interview Summary

James W. Alspaugh served as a mortar gunner with the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. He participated in the invasion of Normandy, and describes coming under fire and witnessing the death of a friend. Alspaugh also took part in Operation Market Garden. His glider was shot down, he was wounded in a firefight, and his unit surrendered to the Germans. Alspaugh discusses his voyage to Amsterdam, his fear of dying of thirst on the train, his interrogation by the Germans, and his life in German prison camps. While a prisoner of war, Alspaugh sabotaged a railroad, and was caught burning official mail bags. Although his trial was never finished, he was told the charges amounted to a death sentence. He was eventually freed by an American armament division.

Interview Keyword

military service experience War Veterans World War II World War II veterans

Interview LC Subject

Alspaugh, James W. Alspaugh, James W.--Interviews Prisoners of war--Germany Prisoners of war--United States United States. Army. Glider Infantry Regiment, 325th. World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Normandy World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American World War, 1939-1945--Prisons and prisoners, German

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.