But it wasn't official policy
People in the heat of the moment do things, we all know that. But we didn't order our men to shoot, starve, or beat the captives. I don't know about Mac, in the European Theater Ike's opinions seemed to range from an acceptance that bad things happen to demanding courts martial.
At the end of the war it became a tactic for the Germans to jump out and fire a panzerfaust at an American tank, then drop his weapon and raise his hands. I get that the Americans nearby weren't likely to let bygones be bygones. But if that guy made it back behind lines, there wasn't this systemic abuse.
I recall the scene from Band of Brothers after their assault on the dike where Winters was worried that his soldier may kill the German POW's he is ordered to escort back. So he grabs the man's rifle and removes all but one bullet. He tells the man that if he drops one the others will now know they can jump him. Since that is Hollwood, here is the story from the book
Then he remembered that Liebgott, a good combat soldier, had a reputation of "being very rough on prisoners." He also heard Liebgott respond to his order with the words, "Oh, Boy! I'll take care of them."
"There are eleven prisoners," Winters said, "and I want eleven prisoners turned over to battalion." Liebgott began to throw a tantrum. Winters dropped his M-1 to his hip, threw off the safety, pointed it at Liebgott, and said, "Leibgott, drop all your ammunition and empty your rifle." Liebgott swore and grumbled but did as he was ordered.
"Now," said Winters, "you can put one round in your rifle. If you drop a prisoner, the rest will jump you." Winters noticed a German officer who had been pacing back and forth, obviously nervous and concerned over Liebgott's exuberance when he first got the assignment. Evidently the officer understood English; when he heard Winters' further orders, he relaxed.
Then he remembered that Liebgott, a good combat soldier, had a reputation of "being very rough on prisoners." He also heard Liebgott respond to his order with the words, "Oh, Boy! I'll take care of them."
"There are eleven prisoners," Winters said, "and I want eleven prisoners turned over to battalion." Liebgott began to throw a tantrum. Winters dropped his M-1 to his hip, threw off the safety, pointed it at Liebgott, and said, "Leibgott, drop all your ammunition and empty your rifle." Liebgott swore and grumbled but did as he was ordered.
"Now," said Winters, "you can put one round in your rifle. If you drop a prisoner, the rest will jump you." Winters noticed a German officer who had been pacing back and forth, obviously nervous and concerned over Liebgott's exuberance when he first got the assignment. Evidently the officer understood English; when he heard Winters' further orders, he relaxed.
The heat of battle is one thing. Just like if someone jumps out at you with a knife and you are able to pull a gun and shoot him to death. Most people wouldn't accuse you of murder nor convict you. But if you show up to the county jail and shoot him as he's being transported to court and I don't think the law will understand.
