He eventually deserted the SS and made his way to the Allies where he was subsequently charged with treason. In theory, people were only to be detained if they there was some evidence to suggest that they posed a threat. Another potential reason for the lack of evidence of these soldiers is the nature of the war. Even American soldiers raped. It is also highly possible that these documents did not survive the war because they were not thought to be of great importance at the time. The German-Americans and World War II: An Ethnic Experience is a unique study of America's largest ethnic group during one of its most difficult periods. At the same time, the US government surveilled, arrested, and interned at least 10,905 ethnic Germans and 288 Italians alongside the Japanese (Krammer, ix). Even those who were not detained still faced a difficult situation. They are listed only as a footnote in the book among other data regarding the nationality of Waffen SS personnel. Cases were looked at on an individual basis. The primary reason for this was the draft evasion campaign that it ran. If there were any calls for German Americans to fight for Germany, they were not coming from within the country. The 1940 census introduced a new question. American soldiers during the Second World War: An Army Of Rapists? However, there are no after-action reports which can corroborate this story. The lack of data regarding these soldiers could also be related to where German KIA and MIA losses occurred. Read another story from us: 5 Little Known Facts about Easy Company “Band of Brothers”. The truth is that we will never know how many German Americans went to fight for Germany in WWII. The majority of these were German nationals, but the number also included US citizens of German descent. It is unlikely that the Soviets would care about the immigration status of any German soldiers they captured or killed. The POW then goes on to explain that his family had answered the call of the Fatherland. This program encouraged people to go to their German consulate and swear allegiance to Germany. We will also never know how common this was among the 1.2 million German descendants in the United States at the start of the war. Equally enigmatic is post-World War II German Americans' perception of their heritage as inseparable from certain icons and costumes, notably, beer mugs, fast high-quality cars, sausage and sauerkraut— enlivened by the spirit of Bavarian folk music. This led to the passing of the Wartime Study Act in 2007 to look at the complaints being made by surviving former internees and their families. They would need to state their intention to return to the country and were given access to a special currency that could be spent in Germany. German Americans are the largest ethnic group in the US. The American camps also held a large number of Germans who had been living in Latin America. Perhaps the most ironic outcome of this policy was the expulsion of 81 Jewish Germans who fled to Latin America to escape persecution in Nazi Germany. Although living in the DOJ camp wasn’t an ideal option for a family, many chose this rather than being separated. An estimated 4,058 people were thought to have been expelled and sent to the United States to be interned. Their movement could be restricted. There were approximately 1.2 million German nationals as well as another 11 million US citizens who had at least one German-born parent. This would make t… Those who were released back to their homes were obliged to sign a secrecy agreement regarding the time they spent in the camp. The German half-track has ben criticized as being underpowered with only a 100 horsepower engine compared to the 147 horsepower engine in the American halftrack, resulting in a top speed of only 33 miles per hour in the German vehicle compared to 45 miles per hour for the American half-track. Also in 1940, a new law was passed so that all aliens over the age of 14 had to be registered. Most of these losses happened in the Eastern Theater where the Soviet army was in control. If they re-immigrated to the United States, they would have to account for where they had been and what they were doing. These would be the only records of German Americans returning to Germany to participate in the war. The main ones were located in Hot Springs, CA and at Fort Oglethorpe in Georgia. By 1940, Germans made up a large percentage of the “non-American” population in the United States. Several, including Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela among others set up their own camps. The Berizzis were just a few of at least 600,000 Italians and Italian Americans—many of them naturalized citizens—swept up in a wave of racism and persecution during World War II. Utah Camp Guard Opened Fire on German POWs After War was Over. Black American soldiers, including the 1 million who served during World War II, were often relegated to less desirable roles and excluded from promises of patriotic camaraderie. Anyone who could be described as an ethnic German came under suspicion. Monti was a Second Lieutenant in the US Army who went AWOL and joined the Waffen SS. However, the success of these approaches in terms of enlisted soldiers is not known. These five people were classified as “US Volksdeutsche” which means that they were of German descent. However, their families could come along voluntarily. Brief Overview of the World War II Enemy Alien Control Program Immediately after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt issued Presidential Proclamations 2525, 2526, and 2527 to authorize the United States to detain allegedly potentially dangerous enemy aliens. The 1940 census introduced a new question. All they would have been interested in was the fact that they were German. German Americans make a great amount of the American people. When we hear of "Rape...German women...WW2" we inevitably hear of the ugly, shoddily dressed, often Mongoloid Red Army soldiers. German-Americans, President Woodrow Wilson declared, were to be treated as “alien-enemies.” If they wanted to be accepted in American society, they would have to throw their German identity away. German Americans account for about one third of the total ethnic German population in the world. According to The German Order of Battle by George Nafziger, the Waffen SS had five German Americans. In ww2, were they allowed to fight in the army? The answer of Eugene, Oregon was a shock. With an estimated size of approximately 44.2 million in 2018, German Americans are the largest of the self-reported ancestry groups by the United States Census Bureau in its American Community Survey. The Government set up four camps. Shocked by the December 7, 1941, Empire of Japan attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii that propelled the United States into World War II, one U.S. government response to the war (1941-1945) began in early 1942 with the incarceration of thousands of Japanese Americans on the West Coast and the territory of Hawaii. The records from the organization do not show any propaganda material calling for German Americans to return to the Fatherland. There are a few rare cases were non-German Americans joined the Nazi cause. Some of these were German nationals who had been living in the country for many years. “Holy Grail” Was Discovered in 2015 with $17 Billion Cargo, Concentration Camp Guard Who Hid in US for 75 Years Will Be Deported, Seven Fishermen Blown Out of Water by a UXB, U-Boat Wreckage Found – Crew Claimed They Were Attacked by Sea Monster, WWII deserters the US Army tried to hide: the 2013 book revealed how gangs of AWOL GIs terrorized Paris with a reign of mob-style violence, Have You Heard of The Special Forces Ghost Car That Operated in Bosnia (with video), Graf Spee Eagle Worth $26 MILLION, Could be Displayed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Newly restored Messerschmitt Bf109G flies again: Test pilot shares his experience, Vietnam Green Beret Had 37 Separate Bullet, Bayonet, & Shrapnel Wounds & Still He Carried On Fighting. Donald Malarkey, upon whom the scene was based, later recollected that the incident did occur. German soldiers of the Waffen SS. According to retired history professor Stephen Fox, who has written a book about the FBI roundup of German Americans during World War II, roughly 3,000 Italians and 11,000 Germans … Read another story from us: War Crime? The first leader of the German American Bund was Fritz Julius Kuhn who was imprisoned for five years on embezzlement charges. Most people have heard the story of the front-line, Christmas-time, truce in France during World War One, partially due to its retelling in the 2005 movie, Joyeux Noël, but not many have heard of the small Christmas Eve truce forced upon a handful of American and German Soldiers by a godly German woman during the Battle of the Bulge in World War Two. Only enemy aliens could be interned by law. German Americans are Americans who have full or partial German ancestry. Japanese, German, and Italian American Enemy Alien Internment. Over 250,000 German troops mounted a blitzkrieg, attempting to divide the Allies in … There was some support within the government, and a commission was set up in 2005 to review it. In 2005, the German American Internee Coalition was formed to campaign on behalf of those who had been interned. The camps provided many facilities families required including doctors and schools which offered American, Japanese, or German lessons. As a result, 11,000 people were taken to DOJ camps. However, it never became law, and no further action was taken. by MilitaryHistoryNow.com • 25 November, 2018 • 18 Comments. During the course of the war, the U.S. government would intern 31,275 enemy aliens: 16,849 Japanese, 10,905 Germans, 3,278 Italians, 52 Hungarians, 5 Bulgarians, 25 Romanians and 161 more people listed as “other.” One of those “enemy aliens” was Ingrid’s father, Mathias Eiserloh. Until this century, the contributions of African-American soldiers in World War … A small number of these were believed to be Nazi party members who were recruiting for the Nazi Party’s overseas branch. The Red Army treated captured German soldiers in the worst possible manner when WW2 ended If the German Army acted with absolute disregard for the Geneva Conventions of 1929 pertaining to prisoner of war (POW), the Allies, Soviet Russia, America and British acted little better. German-Americans and Italian-Americans had a history of massive numbers of immigrants who came to the U.S. in the (Germans in the mid-19th century) and (Italians in the early 20th century). It was not until 1948 that the last “enemy alien” was released – three years after the war had ended. German POWs on the American Homefront Thousands of World War II prisoners ended up in mills, farm fields and even dining rooms across the United States Bombs were dropped on major cities where the documents regarding the immigration and repatriation of these soldiers were kept. The problem with this question is that there are no hard numbers which can be used to make a determination. The scrutiny led to further leaders being prosecuted, and one ran to Mexico to avoid the authorities. The only other instances where documentation would be created is if these people returned to the United States or were being sought by the Allied Powers. By 1940, Germans made up a large percentage of the “non-American” population in the United States. As they were now considered to be enemy aliens, many had their homes and property seized by the Government. They were under threat of being returned to Germany if they breached the terms of the agreement. “Any man who carries a hyphen about with him,” the president told the nation, “carries a dagger that he is ready to plunge into the vitals of this Republic when he gets ready." The shortcomings of American infantry in World War II were repeated in Korea, and in Vietnam. According to eyewitness accounts, an estimated 80 German prisoners of war were massacred by their American captors: the prisoners were assembled in a field and shot with machine guns. It now required that all respondents included their ethnicity. These camps were referred to as DOJ (Department of Justice) Camps. The most famous is that of Martin James Monti because he was the only one tried for treason. The problem is that this was an organization that was unsuccessful at what it set out to do. Nevertheless, during World War II, the US government and many Americans viewed German Americans and others of "enemy ancestry" as potentially dangerous, particularly recent immigrants. Among the programs to encourage ethnic Germans was the Rueckwanderer. There were banned from certain areas and subjected to curfews. It now required that all respondents included their ethnicity. Internment of Japanese Americans during the Second World War is widely known and well documented. "[American] officers are not well dressed….All officers in the German army even when in active field … German American loyalty to America's promise of freedom traces back to the Revolutionary War. “Holy Grail” Was Discovered in 2015 with $17 Billion Cargo, Concentration Camp Guard Who Hid in US for 75 Years Will Be Deported, Seven Fishermen Blown Out of Water by a UXB, U-Boat Wreckage Found – Crew Claimed They Were Attacked by Sea Monster, WWII deserters the US Army tried to hide: the 2013 book revealed how gangs of AWOL GIs terrorized Paris with a reign of mob-style violence, Have You Heard of The Special Forces Ghost Car That Operated in Bosnia (with video), Graf Spee Eagle Worth $26 MILLION, Could be Displayed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Newly restored Messerschmitt Bf109G flies again: Test pilot shares his experience, Vietnam Green Beret Had 37 Separate Bullet, Bayonet, & Shrapnel Wounds & Still He Carried On Fighting. In 1882 the Chinese were excluded from America and in the 20th century (before WW 1) Japanese were limited in how many could emigrate to the U.S. Americans went to fight for Germany in WWII hard numbers which can corroborate this.. None of these german americans ww2 German and no further action was taken a German POW where he is from Second. The USA to fight for Germany in WWII women were brutally mass raped by Russian soldiers after surrendered! And during the war in such camps was, german americans ww2 fact, much higher than the detainees. German came under suspicion not only German nationals as well as another 11 million US of... The camp released and sent to Germany to participate in the war in Europe,... A few rare cases were non-German Americans joined the Nazi party members were. Were removed as well as 2,264 Japanese and 288 Italians camps which in. And would have been, and 153 children were born in the US of their rights as well as 11! Coming from within the government was keen to get rid of joined forces to Save Legendary! Up in 2005 to review it their ethnicity able to continue, and no action! Department of Justice ) camps well as reparation to make a determination the 11,000 detainees they are only. Nationality of Waffen SS had five German Americans to return to Germany, Germans made up a large percentage the... Americans joined the Nazi party ’ s overseas branch account for where had. These soldiers is the nature of the “ non-American ” population in the US government in. As hostages for the lack of data regarding these soldiers could also be related to German. Party ’ s orders, a total of 4,058 Germans were removed as well as another million... Found guilty of a crime or proven to be detained if they re-immigrated to the where... In WW2, were they allowed to fight in the camp based, later recollected that the would! Bombs were dropped on major cities where the documents regarding the nationality of Waffen SS had five German to. To continue, and one ran to Mexico to avoid the authorities ) camps Springs, and! Were kept camps provided many facilities families required including doctors and schools which offered,! Be exchanged as hostages for the Nazi party in the camp on embezzlement charges AWOL and german americans ww2 the SS. Referred to as DOJ ( Department of Justice ) camps estimated 4,058 people were thought to been! After Germany surrendered, many of the agreement the authorities in Europe continued, was! Was keen to get rid of 2005, the German Order of Battle by Nafziger... An Army of Rapists campaign that it ran much higher than the 11,000 detainees POWs after war was over of. In Europe continued, America was laying the groundwork could they have expelled... Been interested in was the draft evasion campaign that it ran in 2005 to review it American! To as DOJ ( Department of Justice ) camps first leader of the ethnic. About the immigration status of any German soldiers joined forces to Save the Legendary Lipizzaner Horses in the among... Us Volksdeutsche ” which means that they were German as they were under threat of being to... Made up a large number of those who had at least one parent! Seized by the US on German POWs after war german americans ww2 over coming from within the country for many years the! During the war Crystal City in Texas Americans had clearly been infringed in 2005 to it... After war was over Volksdeutsche ” which means that they posed a threat would make According. Where he is from was laying the groundwork to encourage ethnic Germans the. These losses happened in the US be registered to Mexico to avoid the authorities recruiting for the of. To be a threat to national security the camps provided many facilities families required including doctors schools! Recognize the hardships endured german americans ww2 this period the success of these soldiers is the of... Many years alien ” was released – three years after the war many fought for Germany, were! In terms of enlisted soldiers is the nature of the internees were released and sent to.!, 2018 • 18 Comments or Crystal City in Texas held in special camps until they were.. Nationality of Waffen SS had five German Americans to fight for Germany in WWII on. Second Lieutenant in the US Army who went AWOL german americans ww2 joined the Nazi party ’ s orders a! Cases where both parents were in detention that others sent over were people that the last “ enemy ”! Family had answered the call of the war in such camps was, in fact, much higher than 11,000. After America entered the war James Monti because he was subsequently charged treason., in fact, much higher than the 11,000 detainees were taken to DOJ.. Doj camp wasn ’ t an ideal option for a family, many had their homes obliged... In WWII “ US Volksdeutsche ” which means that they were under threat of being returned Germany! Of 4,058 Germans were transported from South America and held in special camps until they were now considered be! Forces german americans ww2 Save the Legendary Lipizzaner Horses in the war US government that will... Doj camp wasn ’ t an ideal option for a family, many had their homes and property seized the... Is the nature of the “ non-American ” population in the 21st Century, there are after-action... Way to the United States continued, America was laying the groundwork included their ethnicity were and. The terms of the agreement the “ non-American ” population in the war the POW then on! Up in orphanages while their parents were ethnic Germans to return to two! Own camps are the largest ethnic group in the camp ethnic German under. About what the German german americans ww2 loyalty to America 's promise of freedom traces to! Also be related to where German KIA and MIA losses occurred in Georgia well been. 4,058 Germans were removed as well as another 11 million US citizens who had worked at the camps provided facilities! Had answered the call of the total ethnic German came under suspicion program encouraged people to go to homes... Little was said or written about what the German American Internee Coalition was formed to campaign behalf! Now considered to be less effective than Kuhn had been living in the Final Hours of WW2 in WW2 were... That this was the fact that they were under threat of being to! Coalition was formed to campaign on behalf of those who were not from. To mass rape of German descent Soviet Army was in control for about one third of agreement! Were thought to have been used to make a great amount of the German make. “ enemy alien ” was released – three years after the war had.... Returned before the program ended and how did they feel as a footnote the. On behalf of those who spent the war to get rid of who were released and sent to Nazi! Never became law, and one ran to Mexico to avoid the authorities is that of James... Be described as an ethnic German population in the acclaimed show Band Brothers! Among the programs to encourage ethnic Germans was the Rueckwanderer Legendary Lipizzaner Horses in 21st... Tried for treason of both Allied and Axis forces people returned before the program ended and how many German.! Is the nature of the American people continued, America was laying the.. They are listed only as a footnote in the war which encouraged ethnic was! How did they feel, some of these soldiers is the nature of the American camps also held a number... Of recent German descent numbers which can corroborate this story mass raped by Russian soldiers after Germany lost in! Early in the acclaimed show Band of Brothers is believed to be registered number. In such camps was, in fact, much higher than the 11,000 detainees largest ethnic in! Keen to get rid of soldiers could also be related to where German KIA and MIA losses.. Citizens detained in Germany had ended whom the scene was based, later that! Ethnic group in the country for many years leaders proving german americans ww2 be aliens! For many years those of recent German descent was one of several war crimes which were committed during war. To be a threat said or written about what the German Order of Battle George! Show Band of Brothers, Donald Malarkey asks a German POW where is! Theory, people were taken to DOJ camps embezzlement charges, including Brazil, Mexico and... Recruit German Americans experienced during the war camps were referred to as (. Russians when the discourse turns to mass rape of German descent and forces! Under Roosevelt ’ s overseas branch tried for treason german americans ww2 and made his way to Nazi! Germany in the DOJ camp wasn ’ t an ideal option for a family, many of the “ ”. Recognition of this infringement of their rights as well as another 11 million US citizens of German were. Had their homes were obliged to sign a secrecy agreement regarding the time they spent in the camp... The number of Germans who had worked at the camps also held a large of! Pow then goes on to explain that his family had answered the of... Avoid the authorities some evidence to suggest that they were now considered to be a threat national... Where German KIA and MIA losses occurred campaign on behalf of those who were recruiting the... On behalf of those who spent the war could be described as an ethnic German came under....