During World War II, the United States housed hundreds of thousands of enemy soldiers who had been captured as prisoners of war. Camp Papago Park, located in Phoenix, was built to hold captured German U-boat crew members, some of the most well-trained and ardent members of the German military. Authorities hoped that the harsh Arizona desert would deter any escape attempts, but they underestimated the German soldiers’ determination to return to battle.

Under the watchful eyes of the American guards, over 20 German soldiers dug their way out Camp Papago Park and kicked off the largest manhunt in American history. 

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