Aliceville Museum Director Visits Former German POW in Florida

At left is a photo of Aliceville Museum Director Ann Kirksey visiting former German POW Hermann Blumhardt outside his apartment building in Umatilla, Florida. The story of Hermann's experience as a German soldier and then as a POW at Camp Aliceville (and later Camp Blanding in Florida) is told in great detail in my book, Guests Behind the Barbed Wire.

Ann wrote to say the following about Hermann's life today as an American citizen who retired after working in the printing industry for many years:

Hermann was bright and cheery. He is 87 years old and doing great. This was taken on the morning of September 2, 2008, at Hermann and Katie's apartment in Umatilla, Florida. It was so great to see him. He sends you all his love. He has a great view of a lake from his apt. He loves to walk around the lake on nice days. Hermann swims every day for an hour at a fitness facility close to his home. John Gaffey is one of his best friends and they are still performing for groups.