Donald L. Hildenbrand papers

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum 

Donald L. Hildenbrand papers 

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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. 

Copyright Holder: Mr. Bruce Hildenbrand 

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

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.