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Leon developed a bad leg and was taken to a German hospital sometime in May. That forced Kazmer to find another buddy, whose name was Gus. Kazmer pointed Gus toward a column of French refugees pulling their wagons and going home down a different road than the POWs were on. The two agreed to sneak away. To accomplish this, they had to sneak past two guards who were too engaged with their conversation to notice the men, or they simply did not care. Kazmer and Gus had escaped! The French refugees welcomed the two men into their column and shared some of their food. The marched until they came to a small town that evening. The town lights were shut off and most of the windows were covered with white cloths. In the center of town was a barrier and a bonfire. The caravan approached to within 200 feet when an American voice shouted out, "Halt!" Kazmer responded that he was an American POW and had a buddy with him. The soldiers told him to advance with his buddy, but kept the French refugees away from the barrier. After presenting their dog tags, they were allowed in while the refugees were sent on their way. The two men were fed a mean of bacon and eggs. The soldier cooked plenty to eat and Kazmer had to make them stop. The two former POWs slept in a real bed that night and were fed a sumptuous feast again in the morning. Gus and Kazmer were transported to Camp Lucky Strike near Paris where they got real food, showers and fresh clothing. Within a week they were on their way home, during which time President Roosevelt died. Their escape got them home a month earlier than the other POWs. |