HITCHCOCK

Wayne Hitchcock was elected and installed as National Commander of the American Ex-Prisoners of War on September 27, 1987, at the 50th National Convention held in Tacoma, WA after serving in all the chairs and several years on the legislative committee, the past 3 years as chairman. Wayne continue his duties as legislative reporter through September 1999. Hitchcock, reared on a farm in Indiana, graduated from a small country high school, attended Ball State University, Muncie, IN for a short time, entering the service in 1942. Assigned to the Army Air Corps, he was sent to Aerial Gunnery School, Buckingham Air Base located near Ft. Myers, Florida and remained there for a time as an instructor, later joining a combat crew and trained for overseas duty in B-24s. Upon arriving in Foggia, Italy, his crew was assigned to B17s. Hitchcock, flying as tail gunner, was shot down, April 3, 1944, over Hungary on his 14th mission and after a few infamous box car rides, spent the next 13 months in Stalag 17B, Krems, Austria. The camp was evacuated April 8, 1945 and the prisoners were marched across Austria and liberated on May 3, 1945 by Patton's 3rd Army. Returning to Indiana, Hitchcock became a home builder, land developer and real estate broker, later returning to government service and retiring after 30 years, the last 23 as postmaster. He and his wife, Joanna (Jo) retired to Florida in 1979. Since retirement, they both have donated full time to the American Ex-Prisoners of War Organization. He has held office and/or served on essential committees at the department and national level sin 1982. This past year he served as senior Vice Commander, National Legislative Chairman and Legislative Reporter. A life member of the VFW, American Legion, DAV and American Ex-Prisoners of War, a member of the Methodist church, spent 20 years as Boy Scoutmaster and a 50 year member of Lions International. Hitchcock was awarded, among others, the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf, European Campaign Medal with 3 Stars and the Prisoner of War Medal. Hitchcock was instrumental in obtaining funds for the National Prisoner of War Museum at Andersonville, GA. The museum was dedicated on April 9, 1998 during his term as Commander. Also he was privileged to speak along with President Clinton on Veterans Day (November 11, 1997) at the Arlington National Cemetery. Hitchcock and his wife of 56 years have traveled extensively throughout the word and are the parents of one daughter, one son (now deceased), 5 grandchildren and one great grandson. Wayne Hitchcock passed away after a long illness Dec. 2nd 1999 in Clearwater Florida. His services to the American Ex-Prisoners of War efforts will be long remember by many POWs, Friends. Acquaintances.