WAPPINGERS FALLS – The third Friday in September is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. It honors those who were prisoners of war (POWs) and those who are still missing in action (MIA). The day of remembrance is most closely associated with the Vietnam War although there are former POWs from WW II that help keep memories alive.
Henry “Hank” Hochlowski was the honored speaker at the Friday night memorial in Wappingers Falls.
Mr. Hochlowski was born in Poughkeepsie in 1925. While attending Poughkeepsie High School, he was drafted into the Army in 1943. After completing basic and advanced infantry training, he was shipped off to Europe. While fighting the Germans in France, he was forced to surrender to Hitler’s troops and became a POW.
Mr. Hochlowski recalled the day when he was captured by German soldiers on Friday night. His interview can be viewed here.
