Photographs of wounded veterans from World War II
From time to time we find and publish photographs that might be of interest to families and researchers. These are some we found at the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Links are included to the source.
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“Lt. Homer B. Pou, Northington General Hospital patient from Tuscaloosa, Ala., is shown with his first pay check since February 1944 – a check for $6,459! Back at our air base in England those USO units were really entertaining, said Pou. Despite air raids, the show always went on. Pou, first pilot on a B-17, was shot down March 8, 1944, by German Fighters on the second large Berlin raid. Two of his crew were killed, the rest bailed out and were captured by Germans. It was thirty hours after his capture that the lieutenant received treatment for his wounded arm, which had been broken by shell fire. “Our medical treatment was very inadequate,” said the lieutenant. “And the food given us by the Germans consisted mostly of potatoes and bread.” Around the first of this year the prisoners were forced to march 90 kilometers from their camp, Stalag Luft No. 3, to Bavaria, where they were liberated April 28 by U. S. troops. Pou, who was in the hospital with an infection of his arm bone, was sent to an American hospital in France before traveling to the States aboard a liberty ship. He arrived at Northington June 5, 1945. “At our P.O.W. camp we had an Alabama Club, composed of about 25 men from this state. Talking to our fellow Alabamians kept us from going off our nut.” Photographer, Northington PRO, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Q46249
Two wounded veterans recovering at Northington General Hospital. Tuscaloosa, Alabama ca. 1945– Cpl. William Garrett (left), Union City, Tenn. and Pfc. Rayphard Barrett, Lynn, Ala., are shown in one of the ward ‘bull sessions’ at Northington General Hospital, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. “While in the hospital overseas and here at Northington the U. S. O. Camp shows really have helped us pass away the long hours in bed,” the men stated. “They visit our wards and entertain us just as if they were on the stage.” Q46251
Alabama serviceman Beasley, a patient at Northington General Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Beasley is holding a cane. Q46239
Alabama serviceman Hammett, who was injured during World War II. Hammett is standing with crutches, on the steps outside a building; his foot is in a cast. He is probably a patient at Northington General Hospital in Tuscaloosa. Q46237
Alabama serviceman Huling, who was injured during World War II. Huling is reading a book in a hospital bed. He is probably a patient at Northington General Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.Q46238
Alabama serviceman Miller, who was injured during World War II. Miller is seated on a hospital bed, holding a pair of crutches. He is probably a patient at Northington General Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Q46240
Alabama serviceman Spikes, who was injured during World War II. Spikes is probably a patient at Northington General Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Q46241
Alabama serviceman Turner, who was injured during World War II. Turner is seated on a hospital bed. He is probably a patient at Northington General Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Q46242
[…] Photographs of wounded World War II veterans in 1945 at Northington Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama […]
My Father Robert L Hargrave
Was a surgeon at Northington General during WW11. Do you have any information @ him? I have a few pictures of him that I would be happy to share. Thank You!
Does anyone know where Northington Hospital was located in Tuscaloosa?
I went to school in that old hospital!!! Northington Elementary School, and yes, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
It was located where University Mall sits today.
My father was there after being wounded on Okinawa.
State Rd. 82 (McFarland Blvd. & 15 th St. Where University Mall is located
Thank you, Lanny! I had heard the name before, but had no idea!
You can see it being blown up in the movie Hooper.
Not a great movie, but it is of historical value for that reason.
They also had prisoners of war there.
Later it became Northington Elementary.
Fond memories.
University Mall is located on the spot where Northington used to be. If you watch the movie “Hooper”, you will see them destroying Northington.
My husbands father was from Georgia.
He was injured in North Africa.
He was at Northington during his surgeries and recoperation.
L.L. McCall.
He remained in Tuscaloosa.
The Northington Hospital buildings later became student housing for married couples of UA before they were demolished.
Looking for more information on the last picture. Man by the name of Turner. Where could I get more info?
Nothing ton was my first residence while at the University. I was only there about a Month but have good memories.
Some of the buildings were also used as an Elementary School. I attended first grade in 1958. Was so drafty and water came from the ceiling when it rained. I remember getting pneumonia, and it was so cold and bad inside, that my mother came and took me home after I had returned to school from being sick.
There also was a fire station , we used to sneak Cokes out………. LOL
I went to Northington hospital in the first grade. When Northington Elementary was completed
we gathered our books and walked to the new elementary school.
[…] Photographs of wounded World War II veterans in 1945 at Northington Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama […]
I recently acquired my great uncles pictures. Theres quite a few of other soldiers during that time. Id love to try to find their families but have no idea where to begin
For many pictures, displays and artifacts of WWII, visit the Currahee Military Museum, Toccoa GA. Home of Easy Company of Band of Brothers. There is an actual horse stable that paratroopers lived in while in England awaiting Don’tDay. It was dismantled, every board numbered, brought to GA and reassembled. Toccoa also has a military weekend festival in Oct each year. Many families are donating memorabilia to the museum.
Good grief, is autocorrect going to allow me to spell D Day
During the war my family and I lived across the street from the main gate. I talked with many of ambulatory men who were waiting to catch a transport bus and into town. They would let Mama and I ride also so I got to see some movies. for the first time ever. I remember the day that the war ended. I heard sirens. bugles whistles and you name it. I thought that we were under attack . I was scared to death for a few minutes. There was a German prisoner of war camp just up the street also. That was so long ago but I looked to see it I recognized anyone. That time is still so real to me