In response to the May 16 letter regarding the need for Holocaust education submitted by a survivor, Hilda Mantelmacher, I was prompted to submit the following personal observation, which happened in late 1945.
Being a part of a group of American Air Force POWs forced to march from Stalag 17 westward in order for the Germans to distance themselves from the advancing Russians, we passed the concentration camp Mauthausen, which was visible. What was so visible was its stone quarry where inmates were worked to death carrying stones on their backs up numerous steep steps.
A short time after passing the camp, we heard small-arms shots. We saw a group on the road being marched toward us with German guards. When they were near, we saw that they were Jews. Many were holding each other upright. It was apparent that if one fell by the wayside unable to continue, their escort shot them where they lay. We passed a number of those executed on our march. It was obvious that these prisoners were unloaded from a rail car close by and destined for the concentration camp.
It is important that these observations be a part of the Holocaust education.
JOSEPH KOCHER, Marysville