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Commentary: When hope was on its last breath

2 1
26.05.2025

The German POW camp Stalag Luft III is seen in this circa 1942 photo.

Second Lt. William Styles about a week after his return to Troy in 1945.

We are losing our World War II memories.

Several weeks ago, “Jeopardy” featured photos and clues about the prisoner of war camp Stalag Luft III. None of the contestants buzzed a guess. My heart sank.

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My dad, William Styles of Troy, spent almost two years as a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft III before he was force-marched in January 1945 to a severely overcrowded camp in Moosburg, Germany. Many would not survive the final three months of captivity. POWs endured disease, filth, lice, unsanitary latrines and a lack of food. Gone were the Red Cross parcels and mail from home. Hope was........

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