Salem's Prisoner of War
Private John Collins of 35 Dunlap Street is the only known Salem veteran to be taken prisoner by the Germans during the Great War. While serving with the 325th Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Division, he was captured by German forces in October of 1918 during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. First, he was taken to a prison camp in Montmédy, France and later transferred to a camp in Gorcy, France. While in Gorcy, he along with 57 other POWs attempted to escape, but were unsuccessful. However, just before the war ended, his second attempt was successful and he returned to the Allied lines.
On July 6th, 1919, Private Collins returned home on the U.S.S. Finland, unharmed and safe. Although he was born in Ireland, he had lived in Salem since 1909. Initially, his enlistment began in February of 1918.