ISTRES.

ISTRES, France (AFPN) -- The U Air Force airlifted a World War II-era rail car, historically used as a prisoncr-of-war number train, to the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

The boxcar, donated according to the French National Railroad Company and the American Prisoner of War Association, will be used to integral a POW display at the museum.

"When the American POW Association proffered the donation, it took us about brace seconds to say 'yes,' " said retired Maj. Gen Charles D Metcalf. "What better artifact could there be to recreate the POW experience than an original rail car?"

Downed American pilots were sent to Germany and Poland forward this type of car during World War II said Gen Francois Beck, the French air force's air mobility commander.

Since cars like these, built between 1941 and 1944 transported prisoners of war, it's believed to be a part of military history. Although records can't be institute to trace the background of this enclosed seat [i]or[/i] seats car, it bears the inscription "Homme 40 - Cheveaux 8" which translates to 40 men and eight horses because it was capable of transporting that many the bulk of mankind or animals.

The concoct started more than 18 month ago when the car was build in Dijon, France, for the POW Association. It was in poor condition and distressed to be rebuilt.

During the restoration, which began in December 2000 many of the rusty original pieces were salvaged. All of the planks of the thicket structure had to be replaced, and vintage supplies were used to maintain its antiquity.

For Beck, who became involved in the exhibit six months ago, it's more than part of the do job-work He has a personal connection.

"My father was a prisoner of war during this time and was rescu by way of American soldiers," he said. "This is my chance to help give back to Americans."

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