Civilian labor units assigned to US military in Germany WW2

Displaced Persons records have been found, sometimes, among the Civilian Personnel Records at the National Archives in St. Louis. This would occur if they were employed at the Displaced Persons camp by the Department of the Army/Air Force or Labor Service. We also have the Official Personnel Folders of the Displaced Persons Commission (DPC), however this does not imply that it includes those forced laborers. The goal of the DPC was to eventually repatriate if possible, and therefore records on individuals and their “employment” were rarely kept.

There are also records of the Displaced Persons Commission kept in Washington. A description of them can be found at; https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/278.html and https://www.archives.gov/research/military/ww2/refugees.html#iro .

My Polish father was a POW in Germany and he too worked for the US army for a couple of years after the war ended. It was my understanding that this happened frequently. I have in my possession a certificate which gives him clearance as an employee of US Army but I have yet to find any files or records of his in any official capacity. He was in Bensheim Germany. Good luck with your research, I hope my information helps a little.

MaryAnne Melbourne, VIC Australia

Hello.  My father was also taken from his home in Poland during WWII and became a forced laborer in Germany during WWII.  After being liberated at the conclusion of the War, he became a civilian in the US Army.  He received many certifications and picked up many skills.

I do have many of my father's original paperwork, including his DP Card and also his discharge papers from the US Army (he requested discharge in order to emigrate to the US; his request was granted due to his service.

According to what I remember my father saying and also according to his "story" that he hand wrote and I found following his death, he asked to be accepted in the US Military, and he was thrilled at being given the opportunity.

I do have photos not only of the documents I refer to above, but also pictures of him and others in uniform.  I also have his original documents from when he was in forced labor under Hitler. 

I am happy to provide copies if you are still seeking the same.  Just let me know.

Here is a picture of my dad in uniform. Alone and with some others on a bench.  Not sure exactly what that uniform is but may be military police?

I am attaching some other documents that showed various training courses that my father was provided with an opportunity to complete.

Here is my father's "Temporary Registration with the Military Government of Germany" (after he was freed from forced labor):

Lots of info in the thread

Hello,

I am Raymond Zawalski, a former member of the Labor Service organization. Actually I was borne into the organization, since my Father was also a member since Dec 1945. I am also the informal Labor Service historian and I am currently helping three Groups in Poland, France and Germany to understand what Labor Service was all about.

Just let me know what you are Looking for and I may be able to help

Raymond