Life of Italian POWs in the U.S. During World War II: An Engineer’s Perspective

During World War II, the experience of Italian prisoners of war (POWs) in the United States varied greatly from the harsh conditions in other countries to the relatively comfortable life in certain camps, particularly in Boston. This article explores the unique experiences and stories of Italian POWs, focusing on their daily life, interactions with the local community, and their contributions to the camp infrastructure.

Introduction to Italian POWs in Boston

Boston, with its large Italian American community, became home to a small yet significant number of Italian POWs during the war. The American community was known for its welcoming and inclusive nature, which extended to these prisoners. Many recent Italian immigrants had settled in the area, creating a rich cultural tapestry that influenced the camp environment.

Community Involvement and Cultural Celebrations

One of the most notable aspects of life for Italian POWs in Boston was their cultural integration and participation in community activities. For instance, on special occasions, the Italian community would provide ingredients for traditional Italian meals, alongside music, which not only helped to maintain the prisoners' cultural identity but also facilitated meaningful interactions with the locals. These events often began with a mass, a religious service that served as a way to identify and exclude any supporters of Mussolini, ensuring a safe and unified camp environment.

Personal Accounts from Late Grandfather's Experiences

My late grandfather, an officer in the Italian army, shared many stories of his time as a prisoner of war in the United States. He came from a modest family background but was fortunate enough to receive a good education due to his parents' support. Before the war, he was a promising athlete and almost made the Italian Olympic team. Instead, he was drafted into the Genio Telegrafisti (Signal Corps) and fought in significant battles such as El Alamein and the retreat to Tunisia. His capture by the Allies led to his internment in a POW camp, which he believed was the best possible outcome for an Italian soldier during the conflict.

The life of a prisoner of war was not solely about hard labor or monotony; my grandfather often spoke about how he volunteered for a desk job as an accountant, thus learning English and improving his fluency, which proved beneficial once the war ended. His story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of POWs in the face of adversity.

Construction and Infrastructure

One of the most remarkable contributions of Italian POWs was the construction of a tennis court in the prison camp. My grandfather, an engineer by profession, designed and built the irrigation and drainage system using spare materials. This structure was so effective that it became the preferred choice for the American commanding officer, who opted to play on this court rather than at the officers' club. This not only provided entertainment and recreation for the prisoners but also demonstrated their technical prowess and adaptability.

Comparative Analysis of War Experiences

My grandfather believed that being a prisoner of war in the U.S. was one of the best possible outcomes for him. The alternatives were far less desirable: being captured by the British and receiving better but not optimal treatment, being captured by the Soviet Union, with a low chance of survival, joining the puppet Nazi state or Repubblica Sociale Italiana (RSI), or fighting in partisan brigades, which involved killing fellow Italians.

Conclusion

Life for Italian POWs in the U.S. during World War II was uniquely shaped by their interactions with their captors and the surrounding community. While many other captors during the war faced harsh conditions, the Italian POWs in Boston often had a more comfortable experience, and their engineering skills played a significant role in improving the quality of life in the camp.