Wisconsin Public Television: Wisconsin Stories: Letters

Paul and Loa Fergot
Miami Beach, Florida.
August-September 1945.
Photo loaned for
copying by Paul Fergot of
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, June 1992.

Paul Fergot was a student at Oshkosh State Teachers College and just three-months married to fellow student Loa Hutchins when he enlisted in the Army Air Forces in November 1942. Fergot was missing in action after his plane was shot down on Oct. 10, 1944, over northern Italy. While Loa anxiously waited for any bit of news, Fergot hid with Italian partisans through mid-December until he turned himself in to avoid capture and execution. Finally in March 1945, Loa learned her husband was a POW at Stalag Luft I. Fergot was liberated two months later by the Russians, and the two were finally reunited on June 24. Fergot's letter observes that the Army is breaking racial barriers.

Wisconsin Historical Society, Paul and Loa Fergot Papers, 1942-1945.

France
June 10, 1945

Sweetheart,

Went to church tonite. Was delighted again to see colored & white boys worshipping together. I sure hope some of the principles of democracy learned in the army will carry on after the war. — Boy am I messing this up! — Poor Pen! Don't know if it'll last through this letter or not.

Wish I knew how you're making out, Honey. — New Pen — If I'd known I would be here this long, I'd have managed to get an answer some how. But they keep telling us — "You have to be out by June 1st" and such stuff — However, if the latest rumor developes, I'll be on my way on the 13th and in the states by the 20th.

I think of you so much, Honey & wonder how you are, what you are doing, etc. It makes it hard to write not knowing a thing about home.

Roll call at the German Prison Camp Stalag Luft I, Barth Germany
Paul Fergot is in the front row center (marked by white arrow on photo)
wearing high white sox and scarf. Photo loaned for copying by
Paul Fergot of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, June 1992. WHi (X3) 47090

Some one on the radio is singing "Always." — I will be loving you always, Dearest. And right now, I'm wanting you so much I can hardly stand it. — Be with you soon, though. — By the way, things change pretty rapidly in the army, but right now the War Dept. says Ex P.W.'s won't be deployed to the Pacific — and that suits me. See you soon, sweets — Loads of Love Always. l In fact, all my Love always!!

Paul