History By Geoff Yarema | Sun May 28, 2023 | 3:59pm

A Memorial Day Salute to a Father Who Loved the Sky

World War II Story of Young Soldier’s Amazing Escape from Infamous POW Camp

A Memorial Day Salute
to a Father Who Loved the Sky

World War II Story of Young Soldier’s
Amazing Escape from Infamous POW Camp

By Geoff Yarema | May 29, 2023

Second Lieutenant Steven Yarema, United States Army Air Corps. | Credit: Courtesy

Steve had been praying for this night for months — moonless pitch black would make him difficult to spot; bitter cold and snow would render heavily armed guards less attentive; howling winds would cover betraying sounds. No clouds ensured bright constellations.

Perfect for a navigator. He just loved the sky.

At 22 years of age, he had survived exactly 195 caged nights in German prisoner-of-war camps. He was determined next daylight would not find him again inside this hellhole.

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