The FReeper Foxhole Profiles The American Ex-Prisoner of War Organization - Dec. 20th, 2002

American Ex-POW Organization ^

[SAMWolf]

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Click on the pix

A brief history of the
American Ex-Prisoner of War Organization

In 1942, information was leaking out about the atrocities and sub-human treatment that American prisoners of war were receiving in Japanese prison camps in the Pacific. When wives and mothers heard about their sons and husbands who had been taken prisoners, they started calling and writing their Congressmen in an effort to find help or get assistance for their loved ones. Finally, two mothers whose sons were members of the 200th Coast Artillery and had been captured by the Japanese came up with an idea.

It was Mrs. Charles W. Bickford and Mrs. Fred E. Landon who, on April 10, 1942, persuaded other parents and relatives to hold a mass meeting and formed an organization to get relief to the captured boys on Bataan. On April 14th, the Bataan Relief Organization was formed with Dr. V. H. Spensley, of Albuquerque, as Chairman. Their motto was "We will not let them down."

This group was very active trying to get relief to the POW’s and exchange of information as it came through. From this group in Albuquerque, other chapters sprang up all over the United States. The "BRO" was incorporated September 8th, 1943.

In 1945, the control of the Bataan Relief Organization was turned over to the liberated members of the New Mexico’s 200th Coast Artillery Regiment at an annual meeting held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 1946, the name was changed to Bataan Veteran’s Organization.

The first National convention was held May 14, 1948, in Albuquerque. The second National convention was held in Hollywood, California, April 1949. At this convention, it was voted to change the name to American Ex-Prisoners of War and change the name of the bulletin to XPOW. The reason for the change was so veterans from the European Theater would realize that they were eligible for membership. By changing the name to American Ex-Prisoners of War, it would welcome all former POW’s from any war. There were 800 at the 1949 convention.

In 1949 there were 7 local groups within the framework of the organization:

The Bataan Veteran’s Organization, The Lost Battalion

The Seattle Barbed Wire Club, Orphans of the Pacific

The Dad MacMannis Post, The Southwest Barbed Wire Club

The Barbed Wire Club of North Carolina.

Click on the Logo to Visit Their Site

The AX-POW emblem was designed as a lapel pin by former prisoner of war, Bryan T. Doughty of Denver, Colorado, in 1949. The heraldic symbols, representing Justice, are balanced on swords. The curves at the top of the shield portray the two massive military defeats suffered by the United States Armed Forces in World War II: Bataan and the Belgium Bulge. Later, the Ex-POW motto was adopted: NON SOLUM ARMIS, Latin for "Not by Arms Alone."

[MistyCA]

Thanks for that post, Jen. :)

[SAMWolf]

That "Panthers" painting is great!

[MistyCA]

Prayers for your dad, Jen...and for the entire family.

[MistyCA]

[MistyCA]

WOW!

[MistyCA]

[MistyCA]

That Panthers graphic was breathtaking...for sure!

[MistyCA]

World War 2 graphic

[Light Speed]

Aussie F-111C dumping fuel

Swiss Mirage IIIRS

[sarasmom]

Last official title:NCOIC Combat Intelligence Operations.

That, and $1.25 buys me a cup of coffee.LOL!

[SAMWolf]

You're on a roll with the graphics tonight.

[sarasmom]

Sir, Yes Sir!Thank you.

I am always readily available to serve as a deterrent threat! LOL

[MistyCA]

Those are just awesome! I am so glad I live during a time when I can see the magnificence of technology against the beauty of the sky! And down on earth, give me an old fashioned funny car or rail! :)

[Jen]

I think I'm thinking of 271x0. It's been many, many years since I was one and CRS disease is flaring up today. I worked in Current Ops for 3 years before cross-training into public affairs.

[MistyCA]

:)

[Jen]

Thanks Sam. I hope docs are wrong too.

[Victoria Delsoul]

So sorry, Jen. My prayers are with your dad and you as well.

[SAMWolf]

Great pictures as usual Light Speed.

[SAMWolf]

You can find coffee for a $1.25!!

[MistyCA]

I hope they are wrong too, Jen.