Donald L. Hildenbrand papers

Identifier
irn639632
Language of Description
English
Alt. Identifiers
  • 2018.608.1
Level of Description
Item
Languages
  • English
Source
EHRI Partner

Web Source

https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn639632

Extent and Medium

folders

6

Creator(s)

  • Donald L. Hildenbrand

Biographical History

Donald L. Hildenbrand (1924-2017) was born in Baltimore, MD to Jack Hildenbrand (d. 1928) and Lillian Hildenbrand Herder (d. 1980). He was drafted into the army in 1942 and first served as an MP in Africa. He was reassigned to the 7th Army, 100th Infantry Division and sent to France. In early January 1945, his platoon was separated from their company. Hildenbrand volunteered to seek out company headquarters for orders. He was captured by Germans and transferred to Stalag IX-B (Bad Orb). In February he was one of 350 American POWs transferred to the Berga concentration camp, a subcamp of Buchenwald, in contravention of international law. He was evacuated from Berga in April and was liberated by the 11th Armored Division in Cham, Germany on April 23. Hildenbrand returned to the United States in June. He was awarded a Silver Star for bravery.

Archival History

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Acquisition

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of Bruce, Janice and Philip Hildenbrand

Donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2018 by Bruce, Janice and Philip Hildenbrand, the children of Donald Hildenbrand.

Scope and Content

Collection of materials that document Donald Hildenbrand’s experiences as one of the 350 American POWs selected from Stalag IXB and sent as a slave laborer at the Berga concentration camp. The collection includes his Selective Service classification card, clippings, booklet, documents, photographs, and correspondence and telegrams sent to his mother in Baltimore.

System of Arrangement

The Donald L. Hildenbrand papers are arranged in two series: Series 1: Correspondence, 1943-1951 Series 2: Photographs and printed materials, circa 1942-1970

Conditions Governing Reproduction

Copyright Holder: Mr. Bruce Hildenbrand

People

  • Donald L. Hildenbrand

Corporate Bodies

  • Berga (Concentration camp)
  • United States. Army

Subjects

  • Prisoners of war--Germany--Bad Orb.
  • Prisoners of war--Germany--Berga (Thuringia)

Genre

This description is derived directly from structured data provided to EHRI by a partner institution. This collection holding institution considers this description as an accurate reflection of the archival holdings to which it refers at the moment of data transfer.

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