RELEASED BY: LT. COL. GREG HAPGOOD

     PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
     OFFICE: (515) 252-4582
     CELL: (515) 971-6385
     HOME: (515) 986-5725

RELEASE: IMMEDIATE

WWII POW TO MEET IOWA LIBERATORS
 

Sami Jalilov, a citizen of Tajikistan and a WWII veteran of the Soviet Red Army, will meet former Soldiers of the 34th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, who liberated Mr. Jalilov and his fellow Prisoners of War (POWs) during WWII. The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa will host the meeting on Friday, September 7, 2 p.m., during the 60th reunion of the of the 34th Infantry Division (“Red Bull” Division). The public and media are welcome and encouraged to attend the event, meet Mr. Jalilov and 34th Infantry Division veterans, and learn about their experiences during WWII.
 

Due to road construction, please access Camp Dodge via the N.W. 70th Ave. entrance from Merle Hay Road. Adults must present photo identification to enter Camp Dodge (a driver’s license is acceptable). There is no charge for admittance to the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum.
 

During combat in September 1944, Jalilov was injured and then captured by the Germans. When he awoke from his injuries, he found himself in a railroad cattle car en route to the German concentration camp at Auschwitz. After several months of incarceration at Auschwitz, Jaliliov and other prisoners were force-marched to Augsburg, Germany during the bitter winter of January 1945. Many of the prisoners on the march perished due to the brutal conditions. Despite starvation, freezing weather, and grave mistreatment, Jalilov survived.
 

The prisoners were then transported to Italy, where they were liberated in May 1945 in the vicinity of Brescia, by members of the U.S. Army’s 34th Infantry Division, (most likely by members of the Iowa National Guard’s 168th Infantry). Barely alive upon liberation, Jalilov was first taken to a collection point and then to a temporary camp, where he spent several months recuperating from his wounds under American care.
 

He was then transferred back to the Red Army, where he was allowed to return to duty as his Red Army identification card had not been discovered or confiscated during his ordeal. In 1946 he was discharged from the Red Army and returned to his native Khujand, where he taught school. Jalilov was later recognized by his government for his accomplishments and bestowed the title of Distinguished Educator.
 

Mr. Jalilov’s visit is sponsored by the Institute for Holocaust Education. During his two-week United States visit in early September, Mr. Jalilov will also visit relatives, students and community members in Omaha, Neb., and then travel to the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
 

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Established in 1985, the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum is the only federally-recognized repository for military artifacts in the state of Iowa. The mission of the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum is twofold: to preserve Iowa’s military history and honor the military service of all Iowans.
 

The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum’s permanent exhibits tell the stories of Iowans who have served in defense of their state and nation, beginning with the early settlement of the state in the 1840s, through the Global War on Terror. An extensive exhibit honors the 34th Infantry Division (“Red Bull” Division), which holds the distinction of serving the most continuous days in combat of any U.S. division in the European Theater of Operation during World War II. The museum also contains one of the finest military small arms collections in the Midwest. Additionally, an exhibit detailing the history of the Iowa State Patrol is also on display.
 

Group tours are welcome and available by appointment; contact the museum for scheduling. For additional information or questions about the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, contact the Museum at (515) 252-4531 or visit the museum website at www.iowanationalguard.com.
 

For questions concerning this release as well as additional information about the operations, training, and activities of the Iowa Army and Air National Guard, contact Lt. Col. Greg Hapgood, Iowa National Guard Public Affairs Officer at (515) 252-4582 (office), (515) 971-6385 (cell), or (515) 986-5725 (home), or by email at gregory.hapgood@ia.ngb.army.mil. You may also contact Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden at (515) 252-4666 (office), (515) 480-7647 (cell), (515) 251-7335 (home), or by e-mail at duff.mcfadden@ia.ngb.army.mil.

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