Bill Honors Service of American Soldiers Detained at Nazi Camp in World War II

Washington, DC –  This week, Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) introduced legislation to honor the heroic service and sacrifices of 350 American soldiers who were detained at the Nazi camp at Berga, Germany, during World War II.  The bill, H. Res. 883, thanks these brave soldiers for their courage, and encourages greater recognition by all Americans of the service and loyalty of the soldiers detained at Berga, Germany. 

“The World War II soldiers who suffered through terrible conditions at the Berga camp are real life examples of American heroes,” said Rep. Baca.  “The courage and perseverance they demonstrated in enduring such inhumane conditions is awe inspiring.  It is only fitting that Congress honor these men, whose sacrifices have sadly been forgotten by too many Americans.”

In December of 1944, more than 23,000 American soldiers were captured by Nazi forces at the Battle of the Bulge.  In February of 1945, 350 of the soldiers were transported to a Nazi detention camp called Berga an der Elster.  There the men were kept in inhumane conditions and forced everyday to do back breaking labor by digging an extensive network of underground tunnels. 

The men were kept in horrible conditions for over 50 days, until the Allied forces freed them in late April of 1945.  At least 70 American soldiers died at Berga or on the death march there, making it the highest number of American military fatalities at any German camp.   

“As an Army Veteran myself, I was disheartened to learn that so many Americans were unaware of the sacrifices made by the soldiers at Berga,” commented Rep. Baca.  “The legacy their bravery has created should be a lesson we all will remember.”

Currently, the 13 remaining survivors of the Berga camp are spread throughout the country - in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, and New York.

“In an era of political rhetoric and posturing - the American soldiers at Berga show us what love of country and loyalty to comrades really means,” concluded Rep. Baca.  “I am proud to introduce this legislation that honors the Berga soldiers – and ensures their patriotism will never be forgotten.”

Rep. Baca, is a veteran who served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper with both the 101st and the 82nd Airborne Divisions from 1966-68.  H.Res. 883 has been referred to the House Armed Services Committee.