Hancock County

T/Sgt. Maynard Schoneman

 


 

NAZI GIVES UP TO GARNER YANK
German Officer Asks to Be Taken Prisoner

Garner - Mr. and Mrs. Bert Schonemann of Garner received word from their son, T. Sgt. Maynard Schonemann, who is with the 5th army in Italy, that he had a novel experience while returning from the front line.

A sniper opened fire on Maynard and, quoting his letter, "I hit the ditch flat and fast and I looked up and saw a fellow by me so asked if he was hurt. He said 'I am a German. I am your prisoner. Will you take me back with you?' I couldn't just then but turned him over to a lieutenant and sergeant whom I met on the way back. He was a German officer and well armed while I was unarmed and yet he gave up to me. Maybe he, like many others, are tired of it all."

Sgt. Schonemann has been in the European war theater since early 1942. He is a co-owner with his twin brother, Marvin, of the Garner cafe here. The cafe is being operated by his parents while the boys are in service.

His brother, Cpl. Marvin Schonemann, is stationed with the marines at San Diego, Cal.

Source: Mason City Globe-Gazette, October 21, 1944 pg. 6 (photo included)

NOTE: Find-A-Grave records the last name as spelled Schoneman (with only 1 n at the end of the surname.)