Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. There are several prison's in the greater Leavenworth area besides the military and federal penitentiary. - FMC
Posted on 05/07/2005 10:32:50 PM PDT by Former Military Chick
Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. There are several prison's in the greater Leavenworth area besides the military and federal penitentiary. - FMC
This actually a distance photo, from a viewing deck, as you can see far away, again, this is the "Big House" the Federal Penitentiary. - FMC
For the life of me I cannot remember the type of animal (type of live stock) that is in the photo. Buffalo?? But, they are actually as well known as the Prison (federal pen). - FMC
Another view of the new military prison. - FMC
Plaque by the entrance of the old cemetery. - FMC
While I would not go out seeking this spot, those who were condemned many years ago, actually have a nice resting place. The weeping willow is magnificent. - FMC
First stone I came upon. - FMC
I am actually enclosing this one, because I like the angle and final result. - FMC
Another angle of the USDB cemetery. - FMC - FMC
The German headstones are all the way at the back of the cemetery. -FMC
When I originally posted this on FR and the Kodak Gallery site, I had been asked many times about the German grave marker's and the flowers and if I could find out what it is all about, as of this posting the following is what I have uncovered.<>
On August 25, 1945, seven U-boat POWs were executed at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas for the beating and hanging of another U-boat man--Werner Drechsler--at Papago Park POW camp in Arizona in March 1944. The U-boat men felt justified for their actions, as it was determined Drechsler had been working with American authorities to gain military information from other POWs.
On the back row, of the fourteen POW graves, the seven graves to the far right are the U-boat men's, from left to right...
Plastic bouquets and small faded flags were already in place at each headstone, indicating the local woman was still visiting this site quite regulalry.
A local German-American woman visits regularly by all accounts, and plastic flowers were still evident on many of the gavesites.
The other seven of the fourteen gravesites were German POWs executed for two separate deaths of another German POW, from left to right, with date of execution.
Walter Beyer, July 10, 1945
Berthold Seidel, July 10, 1945
Hans Demme, July 10, 1945
Hans Schomer, July 10, 1945
Willi Scholz, July 10, 1945
Erich Gauss, July 14, 1945
Rudolf Straub, July 14, 1945
***The first five (older sergeants in the Afrika Korps) were found guilty in the beating death of Johann Kunze at Camp Tonkawa in Oklahoma in November 1943. Kunze had been determined to have given the Americans information about secret installations in Hamburg, which would have been useful in Allied bombing raids.
***The last two (sergeants) were found guilty in the strangling death of Horst Guenther near Camp Gordon, Georgia in April 1944. Guenther had stood accused of warning American authorities of an ntended prisoner work stoppage and also that he liked jazz music, both indicating anti-German sentiments.
German POW grave marker. - FMC
German POW grave marker. - FMC
I believe this is the last one to be buried at this site. -FMC
The old "United States Disciplinary Barracks", it is currently being demolished but they were kind enough to give me access to photograph what is still standing. -FMC
Entrance. - FMC
I cannot describe this in a way that convey's the depth they put this prison into the earth. It is deep, indeed. Any cell's down there, well, you would never break free. - FMC
Watch towers. - FMC
Other watch towers. - FMC
I took this one because I thought it odd, to have just the top stoop with all the barb wire and not the rest of the stairwell. - FMC
Directorate of Programs and Services. -FMC
Medical and dental services - FMC
Evidently they still do use this as a current job in the prison (embroidery). - FMC
Where JAG was housed. - FMC
Have to tell you I am not sure what the purpose of the sunroom at the back of the building was for. - FMC
This is the first of 2 images, showing how vast the Prison was in it's day. - FMC
This is the same image as above only I zoomed and you can see the watch towers. - FMC
Installation and furniture repair and Parole and Classification - FMC
Another entrance to the old prison - FMC
The rocks you see to the left, along side the prison, is the actual rock that was used when the prison was first constructed, inmates putting it one on top of the other, real hard time for sure. - FMC
This the other side of the above sun room photo, who knows what it was used for. - FMC
Yes, it is fitting. How come there is no more hard labor? ACLU?
I suppose it is difficult to see the new prison from the shot's I posted, I will try to get a better angle. But, it is a college looking structure.
The buildings are air conditioned up through the closing of the "The Castle" inmates did not have AC, so it is a treat.
They have an excellent athletic area, to keep fit you know.
Their former establishment was built by the sweat of inmates who served before them.
it might be a little sterile but it is new and has AC, life is not really all that rough.
You are most welcome, I went, to try out my new camera, and in turn learned a great deal about the history of the prison and events of years past like the German POWs.
History should be told.
While there were items on the web there were no really good sites not only with background but with photo's.
Well, I finally put the right stuff into the search engine. So I am posting several web pages I found most interesting.
The actual movement of prisoners was actually an amazing choreographed event even with those who were stationed at Ft Leavenworth for career development, offering themselves to aide in the training for the big move to the new prison.
I think you will concur after reading Pamela Sue Ting's accounting of the prisoners moving to their new digs.
First if you like history this is an excellent site HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES DISCIPLINARY BARRACKS.
Another excellent site Combined Arms Research Library.
If you are interested in purchasing something from the prison here is their link my beloved just had his business cards made there and it appeared they did an excellent job.
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United States disciplinary barracks—on the move
Pamela Sue Ting
The rhythmic clink, clank, clink of full restraints echoed off the barren walls of the now empty Special Housing Unit (SHU) * as the last inmate left his cell and shuffled through the hall to an awaiting prison bus. Secured in leg irons, hand irons, belly chain, and black box lock, he was the last inmate to leave the 127-year-old United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB), Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He didn't say a word.
A couple of years back, the thought of moving the USDB seemed to be a task as monumental as the ominous, brown stone walls surrounding it. It would be the first move in its history. The plan had to be solid, rehearsed in detail, and executed as perfectly as humanly possible. Failure would mean risking yourself, your buddy, the local communities, and possibly your unit. Failure at any portion of the mission was not an option.
This article details the successful August to October 2002 operation that moved the USDB into its new facility. We dedicate it to the soldiers and civilians of the USDB and the 705th Military Police Battalion, Fort Leavenworth, which was augmented by the 411th Military Police Company; 720th Military Police Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas; and the Fort Leavenworth Garrison. Together, they dauntlessly transformed vision into reality without incident.
Old to New
The USDB is the only maximum-security prison in the Department of Defense. At one time, it housed almost 1,500 inmates. The new facility, with a price tag of $67.8 million, offers state-of-the-art security systems and improved cell and workspace designs that bring the facility in line with American Correctional Association standards. However, it was only funded to house a maximum of 515 inmates. Over a period of several years, the USDB reduced its population to meet this capacity by transferring some inmates to regional confinement facilities and others to federal penitentiaries. At the time of the move, there were 419 inmates, including six death sentence inmates, to transfer to the new facility. Move Planning
The timeline below depicts the overall plan to train up and transfer to the new facility. The training and certification had to be conducted while simultaneously operating the USDB. The USDB conducted split operations, on a limited basis, beginning on 1 August 2002 (when the "keys" to the new facility arrived), and then in synchronization during the move as each old wing was closed and each new housing unit was populated.
This was why the augmentation from the 411th was so crucial and deeply appreciated. Its soldiers worked in the vocational shops and held several key positions on every shift. This augmentation allowed each of the three guard force companies to be relieved from its shift, one company at a time, to train and rehearse. This support also freed personnel working in the vocational and operations shops so that they could train with one of the companies.
Phases of Movement
Once the mission analysis, planning, and training were conducted, the 705th refined its inmate movement plan. Each company had rehearsed inmate movement during the previous quarterly training and immediately before execution. The battalion divided the mission among each guard force company, the 411th, and the battalion Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT). It was a four-phased operation, lasting from 29 September to 5 October 2002; the custody and control of both facilities still had to be maintained.
Each day during the first phase, Company A inspected, inventoried, packed, loaded, and unloaded 50 to 80 inmates' authorized property. Company A also strip-searched and inspected inmates, reinspected the few personal hygiene items they were allowed to take to the new housing unit, and then escorted inmates to their preassigned cells in 6 Base, the cellblock in the SHU that was unoccupied and served as a maximum-custody isolation area. The inmates would spend one night in 6 Base and then be transferred the next morning.
In the second phase, Company C strip-searched, inspected, and secured each inmate, according to his custody level, and escorted the inmates to the bus at the loading dock outside 3 Base. The 3 Base cellblock area was empty and had been used for platoon and company training. Its final use was as the most secure and efficient route to transfer inmates from their staging area in 6 Base to the prison bus. Additionally, Company C inspected and cleared 6 Base before more inmates were brought down. The U.S. Penitentiary at Leavenworth provided a modified prison bus, greatly enhancing security during inmate transfer. The USDB had enjoyed a professional, reciprocal relationship with the penitentiary since its construction by USDB military inmates in 1897.
In the third phase, the 411th cordoned off and secured Area of Operation (AO) Vigilance (as the approximately 10-square-kilometer area encompassing the old and new facilities is known) before any inmate shipment. The battalion's CERT members reconnoitered the route, provided security using lead and trail vehicles and a response force for any contingency. No one, not even the chain of command, moved when AO Vigilance was closed.
In the fourth phase, Company B received, searched, inspected, and escorted the inmates to their newly assigned cells in the housing units. Additionally, Company B provided orientation classes and tours to familiarize inmates with the new facility.
Training
Several noncommissioned officers (NCOs) from each company were trained to use the security systems at the new facility. Then they prepared lesson plans, presentations, and hands-on practical exercises for the training and certification of soldiers and civilians. Units rotated by company through a two-week training and certification process that included the critical individual and collective tasks needed to operate the state-of-the-art facility and execute and fine-tune emergency action plans. Officers from the Combined Arms and Services Staff School greatly enhanced the training. On two occasions, they role-played compliant inmates to practice the movement security of over 400 personnel during the typical schedule of calls.
D Minus One
The normal quiet of the old USDB rotunda on a Sunday afternoon gave way to inmates' resounding whistles, hoots, and hollers when 7 Wing, which housed all the minimum-custody inmates, was ordered to lock down. At 1300, forty-five Company A soldiers entered the facility and began the move. Up until this moment, the inmates were unaware of the actual date they were going to move. The NCO in charge broke his platoon into several packing teams, quickly moving boxes into place. Clipboards, ration sheets, and inventories were at the ready. This was the minimum-custody wing and these inmates had the most property.
Company C had already inspected and cleared the cells in 6 Base. The mood of the first group of twenty inmates escorted to the SHU appeared to be upbeat. All inmates would not be processed in time for their scheduled evening meal, so cooks from the 705th Headquarters and Headquarters Company adapted by serving prepacked meals. Packing then continued and by 1830, the boxes had been palletized and loaded on a truck and the last inmate for the day was moved. Company A soldiers then went to the new facility to unload and secure inmate property. At 2000, the day's mission and after-action report were complete.
D Day
At 0500, the CERT conducted an accountability inspection and loaded ammunition. At 0530, Company C's escort teams assembled in 3 Base. Leaders briefed their personnel and inspected equipment and the 3 Base areas to ensure that it was clear. By 0600, the brigade emergency operations center and battalion Army logistics operations center (ALOC) were operational. By 0630, the CERT drew weapons and special equipment, performed preventive maintenance checks and services on vehicles, and conducted precombat inspections. Company C began the first ten strip searches in 6 Base, while Company A assembled upstairs, reviewed the day's manifest, and briefed personnel on changes.
At 0700, Company A began the next round of inspecting, inventorying, and packing inmate property in 6 Wing. Company C had completed inspections of inmates in 6 Base by 0800. The inmates were then escorted out of 6 Base, through the SHU, to 3 Base to be loaded onto the bus. The first busload of inmates was loaded and secured by 0930. On order, the 411th closed AO Vigilance, and the CERT reconnoitered the route. The CERT provided security as the bus--a virtual cell on wheels--departed through the old west gate, drove through AO Vigilance, and entered through the new west gate. Several CERT members, designated as a response force, were ready for any contingency. By 0945, Company B soldiers received the first inmates of the new USDB. The inmates were searched, inspected, and escorted to their newly assigned cells. Once all the inmates for the day arrived, Company B soldiers had the inmates inventory their property. Afterward, they gave the inmates orientation classes, a tour of the facility, and answered any of their questions. In the afternoon, Company A delivered boxes of inmates' property for the next day's move. Each day continued in the same manner until the mission was complete.
Conclusion
After the transfer of inmates, several system hiccups (that you could only find after several hundred people actually lived at the facility) challenged the engineer platoon but were resolved quickly. The dedication of the NCOs, specifically in the Directorate of Operations and the Directorate of Personnel Services, was impressive. They worked countless hours making sure the facility was ready. Without those soldiers, this move would not have happened as smoothly as it did. The USDB has some of the most professional military police men and women, as well as incredibly dedicated soldiers from twenty other military occupational specialties, serving anywhere in today's Army.
Facts About the New USDB
When you compare the old and new facilities, you'll notice tremendous physical differences. The new facility includes the latest in prison design--no stone walls or towers and no corrections specialists armed with shotguns looming overhead. Instead, a 12-foot interior fence and a 14-foot exterior fence, lined with intrusion detectors and razor wire, surround the facility. Incredibly cleat' closed-circuit cameras and monitors (170 of them) observe practically every inch of the facility. When linked with an exterior roving patrol, the facility is under constant surveillance, from every angle, every minute of every day.
Civilian and military staff members wear personal alarm locators (PALs) while inside the facility, replacing the old body alarm system. A PAL can be manually alarmed, and it will alarm if tilted beyond the allowable degree for more than 3 seconds. If it is detached from the staff member, it will also alarm. When a PAL alarms, it identifies the individual and his location so the staff can respond appropriately.
The new USDB contains the following:
* Administration offices
* Visitation room
* Chapel
* Classrooms
* Indoor gymnasium and weight room
* Outdoor softball field with stadium lighting
* Outdoor weight-training area
* Two outdoor basketball courts
* Craft shop
* Dining facility seating 204 * Library
* Vocational shops, such as laundry, barbering, embroidering, graphic art, woodworking, and sheet metal working
The general population of medium- and minimum-custody inmates stays in the bowtie-shaped housing units surrounding the recreation field. The bowtie design enhances security and also provides each inmate with natural lighting from windows in his cell. There are even designated disability cells on the ground floor of each housing area.
Specifics
Construction approved: 1994
Ribbon-cutting ceremony: 20 September 2002
Cost: $67.8 million
Size: More than 260,000 square feet of living, office, and workspace
Maximum overall housing capacity: 515 inmates
Cell size: 6 feet by 8 feet by 8 feet
Cell equipment: Built-in bed, toilet, sink, and desk
Number of SHU cells: 84
First inmates received at the new USDB: 1 October 2002
* The SHU houses death sentence inmates and other maximum-custody inmates, such as those with disciplinary problems, as well as protective-custody inmates. Inmates requiring special quarters for health reasons are also housed in the SHU.
Major Ting is the commander of Company A, 705th Military Police Battalion and Major Morris is the Brigade S3.
COPYRIGHT 2003 U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
Hard to say why they don't but I would guess we have become soft as a nation overall. We just do not force folks to do hard work. All though, Angola Prison in Louisiana still does have the inmates on a chain gang working the fields which they will eventually use in their dining facility.
Here at the USDB you can see where the old areas were that held the pigs, they actually have lambs on the asseveration, who would have guessed. You can see where the inmates once worked.
Now if you read the thread I just posted that talks of the move of the prisoner's from the old to the new, they are moving up in a big way. They have a craft area, who would have thunk it. LOL
They have great rec areas and their biggest thrill air conditioning. Whoooohooo!
Thanks for the comment.
And the prisoners still have more room than the old submariners had.
Thanks. Historically neat stuff. I am very interested in the history of my country..
Thank you for your comprehensive research and excellent photos.
Nam Vet
This is where Hanoi John Kerry should be living right now for his traitorous anti-American activities when he came back from Viet Nam.
Thanks again, FMC. You have done enough reaseach to write a pretty comprehensive book on the subject. I plan to get a lot of use out of the Combined Arms Research Library. Thanks again.
I know you had seen the photo's I added the articles at comment 84 with an article of their secured and success movement of the inmates to their new digs, a few older photo's and a couple of links I thought you might enjoy.
I always appreciate your comments, thank you.
As for my grammar, well, perhaps Hank has found another to pick on. Enjoy your weekend.
FMC
I appreciate your compliment and who knows what the future holds when it pertains to a book, but, I was happy to find several interesting web sites and the article that discussed what was involved in the logistics of moving the inmates to their new digs.
As for the CARL it is a fabulous website, beloved has always given it high marks, but did not know it had the history of the USDB until yesterday.
Oh the things we learn when we research on the net.
Thanx for the links, there's a lot of interesting information.
A quick google check says 25%. H2BM, why exaggerate it to 30%?
That is a big difference if you consider the actual number of people that includes.
Do your onward march against illegal immigration, but tell the truth okay?
Thanks for even more information about this. I feel like this is a history class. It's great!
I cannot tell you how interesting this has become. Beloved buys me a camera and in the process I come across so many new things through the lens of the camera.
There is so much interesting history out there. This might be an interesting lesson to share with teens, how the system works and how USDB came to be.
As I find more information I will update the thread.
Thanks for the comment.
Yes, it would.
Wow, really cool (and rare) pics that brought back alot of memories. I was a convict at the USDB from 91-94. I know alot of the answers to your questions and would be happy to help however I can.
What do you remember about Tracy Robinson?
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