There were five repatriations of American Fliers who were interned in Switzerland during WW II that I am aware of.  The first was on 3 March 1944 when 6 internees and one evadee were exchanged on a 1-1 basis with German internees.  The second exchange was on 21 October 1944 when four Americans were repatriated, also on a 1-1 basis.

The third exchange took place on 17 February 1945. The exchange ration was 2-1 (two Germans exchanged for each American).  The number of Germans exchanged was 1,288.  The Americans exchanged totaled 482.  It appears that 43 British were also exchanged at this time.  The American's were left with an exchange credit to be used later.  A rear party of 45 Americans remained at this time.  This exchange was months in the making.  Part of the agreement was that the repatriated fliers not return to the European Theater.

The fourth exchange took place on 7 March 1945.  One hundred and nine were repatriated and 40 remained.

The last group left on 17 May 1945.  It consisted of 86 men.  In addition, two were assigned to Legge's office and one remained in the hospital.

Roy Thomas

Great post.

CPT(VT) W.P. Sullivan
HQ Company - Asst G-3
Camp Johnson, VT

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Kilroy was here