Harold J. Erickson
PRISONER IN GERMANY
Private Joseph M. Derouin, whose father, Joseph Derouin, lives in Thorp, and Private First Class Harold J. Erickson, whose father, Perry B. Erickson, lives at Menomonie, are listed by the War Department among 494 U.S. soldiers held prisoner of war in Germany.
War Prisoner

F/O HAROLD ERICKSON
Flight Officer Harold Erickson, Menomonie, who was shot down over France, has been a German prisoner of war since January. He was a pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress.

In a recent communication to his father, Perry B. Erickson, Colfax, he said that he was well and not receiving bad treatment.

“Everyone is more than grateful for the Red Cross. Cigarettes are the medium of exchange here, and we do our own cooking. Dull life, but we can manage. I am at a permanent camp now.”  

The letter was dated February 16, 1944.