For six years the prisoners, under the lead of Colonel Robert Hogan (played by former KNX radio air personality Bob Crane), managed to outwit the incompetent and inept Nazi Colonel Wilhelm Klink (played very competently by Werner Klemperer [2-time Emmy-Award winner for his role]) and Nazi Sgt. Shultz (played quite deftly by John Banner).

The prisoners finagled, cheated and tricked the Germans so they could feed classified information to the Allies, help fugitives escape from Germany, etc. They managed, through their conniving, to live in luxury. Robert Clary played the Frenchman Louis LeBeau, who prepared fine French cuisine for his fellow prisoners. A steam room, a barbershop and many other creature comforts added to the amusement of the viewers

Those who watched the antics in Stalag 13 will remember the comedy and pathos brought to the small screen by POWs: Sgt. Andrew Carter (played by Larry Hovis); radioman Sgt. James Kinchloe (played by Ivan Dixon); and Peter Newkirk, the English corporal (played by Richard Dawson, later of Family Feud).

Some thought it almost sacrilegious to make light of a POW camp. However, much can be learned through comedy. With tongue in cheek, Hogan’s Heroes educated and entertained.

Now, a new generation, along with old fans, can be entertained by Hogan’s Heroes, through the book, Hogan’s Heroes; Behind the Scenes at Stalag 13, written by Werner Klemperer with Brenda Scott Royce.