A fantastic collection from a single American Prisoner of War, a Clifford J. Olsen of Iowa, who was captured in North Africa in 1943 and imprisoned in Stalag III B in Germany until the end of the war. 

This story begins with an MIA letter, includes five photos and ten letters sent to and kept by him in Stalag III B, plus two letters he sent back home, and ends with a German train ticket, Red Cross coupon, and two sets of orders from his release. It also includes photos of his colleagues and wife. More particularly, it includes:

 - A March, 1943 signed letter from the prisoner's US Congressman to his parents, expressing sorrow about their son being MIA -- and hope that he is a Prisoner of War.

 - Ten (10) letters sent to the POW in Stalag III B from various people in the United States. All have Censor markings. There are seven envelopes and letters delivered to the POW, all bearing Stalag stamps as shown in the photos. Three others are marked as returned for improper addressing, but show signs of heavy postal and use wear anyway. One is a Christmas card with a long letter inside. Another returned envelope has no letter but is from his parents in 1943, right after his capture. Poignant.

 - Five (5) photographs of his children, parents and evidently favorite horses sent to the POW by his wife and kept with him until after the war. Her captions are written on the back and they are stamped Stalag III B as well.

 - One Prisoner of War folding post sent to the POW from a person in Britain and showing a British censor stamp.

 - Two (2) folding posts sent home by the POW. One appears to be sent to his mother.

 - Some type of ticket record for perhaps a train or trolley in 1945 Germany with the POW's name. Enlighten me, please.

 - Half of a Red Cross coupon ticket.

 - An immunization register with the POW's name.

 - A Notice to Returnee instructions and form on back for requesting spousal accommodations.

 - A two-page set of orders forbidding escaped or liberated POWs from saying too much about it, dated 1945.

 - Thirteen (13) 2.5" x 3.5" photos of the soldier and his comrades, obviously taken before he was captured. A few have names on the back.

 - Two (2) 2.5" x 3.5" photos of the soldier and his wife, both with sweet captions.

There are 38 total pieces in the collection. The condition ranges from fair to good as shown. They make an amazingly powerful display.

A museum-worthy archive and a substantial addition to just about any collection anywhere. I ship every day the post office is open with your items safely packed for protection using all new materials. I always combine shipping.Please see the  Fighting Fascism in WWII section and the rest of my store for more rare, quality artifacts of history.