Local author: Lisa Spahr
The book: “World War II Radio Heroes: Letters of Compassion” (Intrigue, $15.95)
The author: Lisa Spahr is a native of York County. She attended schools in he
Northern York County School District and graduated in 1991 from York County High School. She holds degrees in psychology and investigative psychology from Temple University and the University of Liverpool. She is the owner of Spahr Consulting, a life coach company based in Pittsburgh.
What it’s about: “During WWII men, women and children would tune into enemy radio to learn the fate of American GIs,” Spahr said. “Some of them would write letters and postcards to POWs’ families to alert them of their status. My grandfather, Robert May pahr, was a POW for 26 months. His mother learned of his imprisonment via 70 postcards and letters received from these radio listeners, all strangers to our family.”
Dear Mrs. Spahar (sic) —
Saturday May 8th from 8:05 to 8:15 p.m. Central War Time, a German short wave radio station read messages from ten Americans who are prisoners of war in Germany. A message to you from Robert Spahar read:
“Arrived safe in Germany as a prisoner.”
It was announced that these men had recently been transferred from a camp in southern Germany to one in northern Germany.
I would be interested in knowing whether you have received any other reports.
John R. Fike
To buy: The book can be purchased at Borders Books & Music, 3000 hiteford
Road, Springettsbury Township, and on amazon.com and www.powletters.com.
Interesting fact: The Spahr family immigrated to York County from Germany
in 1740. All of Lisa Spahr’s family remain in York County. She discovered the material for her book at her aunt’s home in Wellsville.
Quote: “I’d like to see a documentary on this topic (radio heroes).”
GLORIA JEAN FOGAL
Daily Record/Sunday News
Patricia Keller · February 11, 2008 9:08 AM
This book was very interesting. It made me aware of something that I didn't know had happened in WWII. These people that felt lead to notify the families needed to be commended for what they did. Being a military mom, I can appreciate what they did to bring comfort to the families of these American prisoners.
I work with Lisa's aunt, who provided the letters that inspired this book. I appreciate Lisa's willingness to inform others of what these American Radio Heroes did. I'd also love to see this put into a documentary and inspire additional books.