FIRST - Used in 1943 for Italian Prisoners - near Hereford, TX
Posted by: YoSam.
N 34° 47.866 W 102° 25.378
13S E 735763 N 3853643
This marker, to the north of the camp, points you south to locate the site.
Waymark Code: WM1310R
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 08/23/2020
Views: 0
County of Marker: Deaf Smith County
Location of Marker: US-60, turnout on N. service rd., 1 mile SW of Hereford
Marker Erected by: Texas Historical Commission
Date Marker Erected: 1982
Marker Text:
PRISONER OF WAR
CHAPEL
(3.5 mi. S)
A prisoner of war camp, used primarily for Italian soldiers, was in operation near this site during World War II. Known as the Hereford Military Reservation and Reception Center, it was first used in 1943 for prisoners captured in an invasion of North Africa. Many of the approximately 7000 Italian soldiers imprisoned here became friends with local residents and with American troops. Since the war, some have returned for visits and others have settled in the region. The camp chapel, constructed by the prisoners, is the only building remaining at the site.
(1982)
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