Cilivan POW

[simondavid2008]

Hi everybody, I am currently trying to find a relative who I believe was detained at Fort Missoula in Montana from 1939-1944, as part of the internment of Italian citizens during World War II. He was working on a ship(S.S. Conte Biancamano), which was seized before US involvement in the war. I believe most, if not all crew were then held at Fort Missoula.

I have contacted the US national archives who have said that all POW records were returned to Italy after the War. They have said it would best to contact the "Ministero della Difesa-Esercito". Therefore, I am just wondering if anybody would have an address or know of anybody in a similar situation, that may be able to help. Many thanks in advance.

[Tessa78]

While I can't provide you with the address of the "Ministero," this link may provide another way to get the information about the detainees.

The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula has an Alien Detention Center exhibit. Maybe the museum curators can give you some help. A contact link is at the bottom of this site...
http://www.fortmissoulamuseum.org/aliendetention.php

T.

[Tessa78]

Here is an interesting story about Umberto Benedetti, an Italian detainee at Fort Missoula, who died in November of 2009. In a sidebar on the page, it states,

MEMORIAL FUND

The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula has created a memorial fund in Umberto Benedetti’s name to provide for the preservation of Bert’s and other Italian internees’ records and to honor his life and contribution to Missoula. Checks can be mailed to the Umberto Benedetti Memorial Fund, Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, Building 322, Fort Missoula, Missoula, MT 59804.

It seems from the quote above that they have some records there...

Link to the page...
http://missoulian.com/news/local/articl ... 002e0.html

T.

[simondavid2008]

Hi Tessa, thanks for your reply, I have emailed a couple of times to no avail, so will probaly try to find a telephone number instead, as this may be quicker, thanks for your help.

[Tessa78]

Historical Museum at Fort Missoula

Bldg. 322, Fort Missoula, Missoula, MT 59804
Phone: 406.728-3476 Fax: 406.543.6277
E-Mail: ftmslamuseum@montana.com


T.