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A Nebraska Marine survived a POW camp in World War II. His bag survived, too

Dan Crisler World-Herald Staff Writer
Jun 27, 2026
Jun 27, 2026 Updated 8 mins ago
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6 min to read

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Pvt. Mathew Stohlman, a U.S. Marine from Louisville, Nebraska, poses for a headshot taken at boot camp in 1939.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORPS

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Mathew Stohlman radio operator — Pvt. Mathew Stohlman, a U.S. Marine from Louisville, Nebraska, was a radio operator during his deployment to China. He can be seen sitting here reading a Life magazine in Fall 1940.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORPS

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Mathew Stohlman POW — Mathew Stohlman, a U.S. Marine from Louisville, Nebraska, lost about 60 pounds while being held captive by Japan during World War II from December 1941 to September 1945.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORPS

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Mathew Stohlman bag — U.S. Marine Pvt. Mathew Stohlman, Louisville, Nebraska native, bought and had this valise customized while stationed in China in the early 1940s. Decorations on the bag include four Chinese dragons, the Marines' Devil Dog emblem and the Eagle, Globe and Anchor insignia of the Marines. Stohlman also listed the Chinese cities he was stationed in.
JOSE ESQUILIN, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORPS

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