Concentration Camp Liberators Oral History Project
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Interviewer
Hirsh, Michael
Publication Date
March 2008
Abstract
This is an oral history interview with World War II prisoner of war Morton D. Brooks. Brooks was a rifleman in the 42nd Infantry Division. During the Battle of the Bulge, he volunteered to repair a telephone line, following it into a bunker near the town of Hatten. He and several other men trapped there, realizing they had no other choice, surrendered to the Germans and were taken prisoner. Brooks was brought to Stalag IX B, where he and 80 other Jewish soldiers were separated; he was one of the 350 American POWs sent to Berga. He was assigned to work in the tunnels, hollowing out a mountain. In April the prisoners were taken out of the camp on a death march. While on the road, Brooks and a friend attempted to escape but were caught by a farmer and brought back to the group. A few days later, they were liberated by members of the 11th Armored Division. Brooks spent six weeks in England recuperating before going home. He discusses the effects of his experience and his readjustment to civilian life. Brooks regularly speaks at schools and has often been interviewed.
Keywords
Concentration camps--History--Germany, Death marches--Personal narratives, Ardennes, Battle of the, 1944-1945--Personal narratives, World War, 1939-1945--Concentration camps--Germany, World War, 1939-1945--Concentration camps--Liberation, World War, 1939-1945--Prisoners and prisons-Germany, World War, 1939-1945--Atrocities, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American, World War, 1939-1945--Veterans--United States, Veterans--United States--Interviews, Jewish veterans--United States--Interviews, Genocide, Crimes against humanity
Holding Location
University of South Florida
Language
English
Media Type
Oral histories
Format
audio/mp3
Identifier
C65-00013
Recommended Citation
Brooks, Morton D., "Morton D. Brooks oral history interview" (2008). Concentration Camp Liberators Oral History Project. 10.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/concentration_OH/10
Rights Statement
