Hello Christoph!
Hooray! You are here and me too!
I really appreciate your analysis of the expression "Man Of Confidence." I assumed it was kind of a title that was used and I did google it. In Dad's case, because it was not a real POW camp, and people got lucky to stay there until they were well enough to be moved along, someone maybe told Dad to use that title at some point. He clearily was not elected to the position. And maybe there were other American prisoners there that used the title and helped in the way Dad did. He never mentioned them to me but by the way we are getting this figured out maybe we will get that figured out too
It was not an expression that my Dad ever used after the War, not that I can ever recall. He had some real weird ramblings that he would do, but I stupidly never specifically asked him about each one of them. It was kind of like rolling your eyes, but only to myself, and then moving on. There were always a few in the morning - like A ttention, and this is you friendly platoon leader, and so many more... There were some things that I realize now he said and did to help himself handle what he had experienced.
I went to Amazon and found the book. It is pricey but then somehow I found a "alibris" site and that may be the best place for me to get it. Also there is a book by a French prisoner with a chapter in it with that Vert. name. Much less expensive on Alibris site so I will think about it.
I will look at the other 2 references after sending this - because I know I will probably lose this otherwise.
More to follow, and Thank You,
Jean J