Original U.S. WWII AAF Prisoner of War Ephemera Grouping - Bronze Star Recipient Harold R. Decker - Stalag Luft III

Original Items. One-of-a-Kind Group. This is a lovely small ephemera grouping belonging to Lieutenant Colonel Harold R. Decker. During World War II, Decker was a P-38 Pilot and was flying a mission in Tunisia when he was shot down and taken prisoner by the Germans. He was held in Stalag Luft III for 27 months.

The group includes:

- Bronze Star Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal - not engraved.
- Air Force Commendation Medal citation certificate reading: “Lieutenant Colonel Harold R. Decker distinguished himself by meritorious service while assigned to the Secretariat, Air Force Educational Requirements Board from 24 June 1962 to August 1965• During this period Colonel Decker's professional skill, knowledge and leadership aided immeasurably in the determination of Air Force officer educational requirements, and the development of techniques and procedures for the improvement of management of educational resources within the Air Force.As a result of his contributions, reports of quantitative educational requirements for all specialties were developed as the primary planning documents for officer education, and significant improvements in education reporting were made utilizing modern electronic data processing techniques. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Decker reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”
- Sterling Silver Pilot wings with later butterfly catches and one AAF collar insignia with one post missing. 
- 1942-dated Air Corps Training Center Twin Engine pilot’s course certificate diploma to Decker, dated June 23rd, 1942. 
- Stalag Luft III 47th Anniversary reunion booklet.
- Stalag Luft III 50th Anniversary reunion booklet.
- Three large photos of Decker in groups outside of a building. All men in uniform.
- Twelve large photographs of Decker in uniform, Decker speaking with other officers, Decker after receiving his Bronze Star, etc. There are several copies of some of the photos. 
- Laminated newspaper clipping “POW Reunion renew memories for Auburn Bronze Star winner”. Shows Decker in old age next to photo of P-38 Fighter which he flew when he was shot down in Tunisia. 

Decker was shot down on January 31st, 1943 along with three others in his flight group near Gabes, Tunisia, by ME-109 German plans from General Rommel’s Africa Corps. Shortly thereafter he was taken prisoner. While being transferred to a prison, he was in Rome with three German NCOs and escaped, but was quickly recaptured within the hour. He eventually ended up in Stalag Luft III where he remained until April 29th, 1945 when his prison was liberated by Patton’s 3rd Army.

At Stalag Luft III, Decker volunteered his skills for the camp’s clandestine radio operations that allowed the prisoners to keep up to date on the progress on the war and to receive instructions from allied headquarters. Decker took messages in shorthand, decoded them, and delivered them to the highest ranking officer for distribution. This was the action that awarded him his Bronze Star.

This is an outstanding group, ready for further research and display.