Concentration Camp Liberators Oral History Project
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Interviewer
Michael Hirsh
Publication Date
March 2022
Date
September 2008
Abstract
John E. Critzas was a gunner in the 12th Armored Division, which liberated Landsberg, one of the Dachau sub-camps, on April 29, 1945. The division arrived in France in November 1944 and immediately proceeded on campaign. In April 1945 they crossed the Danube River and encountered the concentration camp, the tanks driving through its walls. Some of the buildings had had bombs planted, with the prisoners still inside. The commanding officers arrived shortly after Critzas and the tankers, and ordered them to leave the camp and continue the attack. In this interview, Critzas describes entering the camp and seeing the prisoners. He frequently speaks at schools and local museums about his experiences, and is the editor of the 12th Armored Division's website and newsletter.
Keywords
World War II (1939-1945), Holocaust (1939-1945), Concentration camps, Concentration camps--Liberation, Tank warfare, Veterans, Genocide, Crimes against humanity, United States. Army. Armored Division 12th, Landsberg (Concentration camp)
Extent
00:29:17; 19 page transcript
Subject: geographic
Landsberg am Lech (Germany)
Language
English
Digital Date
2022
Media Type
Oral histories
Format
Digital Only
Identifier
C65-00024
Recommended Citation
Critzas, John E., "John E. Critzas Oral History Interview" (2022). Concentration Camp Liberators Oral History Project. 18.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/concentration_OH/18
Rights Statement
