Lt. Norman A. Ulrich
STALAG LUFT III POW
Sagan, Germany
Kriegsgefangnen #5487
These notes became tags to accompany the works of art and/or displays.
- The Liberation of Moosburg: April 29, 1945
Barron Storey, illustrator and designer
Printed Poster with hand drawn design
This poster commemorates the 45th Anniversary of the Liberation of Moosburg, Germany and is inscribed: “For Norm with my best wishes.”
This print includes the remarque of Lt. Ulrich’s image from his German prison record and makes this copy a single issue.
- Boy—This is the Breakfast for Me! KriegeKrunchies,
Lt. Norman A. Ulrich
Indian Ink and Water Color on Paper, 1944
Lt. Ulrich used his creative cooking skills and made a breakfast cereal the men of his compound enjoyed with water, dried milk and sugar. To share the “recipe” and encourage other compounds to toast the crusts for cereal, he began an advertising campaign to introduce this new idea.
His audience was grounded air officers who longed for the day to return home and learn to fly the new jets they heard about. Also, a side effect of the cereal was intestinal gas, so it became announced: “Eat KriegeKrunchies and be Jet Propelled.” The slogan appealed to the officers; using art materials donated to them by the American Red Cross, the campaign began.
- March of Rhyme
Lt. Norman A. Ulrich
Graphite Drawing, 1944
This work, drawn by Lt. Ulrich in 1944 at StalagLuft III represents one of various cartoons he created with materials sent to the prisoners by the American Red Cross. Prisoners asked him to draw the cartoons, which were often personalized for them, and in turn they would trade candy bars or cigarettes or another item which could be used or traded further.
This drawing was returned to Norman Ulrich in the early 1900’s by its owner, one of the surviving WWII veterans who still had it in his possession.
- Someone Yelled “Fighters”
Lt. Norman A. Ulrich
Graphite Drawing, 1944
This work, drawn by Lt. Ulrich in 1944 at StalagLuft III represents one of various cartoons he created with materials sent to the prisoners by the American Red Cross. Prisoners asked him to draw the cartoons, which were often personalized for them, and in turn they would trade candy bars or cigarettes or another item which could be used or traded further.
This drawing was returned to Norman Ulrich in the early 1900’s by its owner, one of the surviving WWII veterans who still had it in his possession.
- It’s GreatKriegeKrunchie
Lt. Norman A. Ulrich
Indian ink and Water Color on Paper, 1944
Lt. Ulrich used his creative cooking skills and made a breakfast cereal the men of his compound enjoyed with water, dried milk and sugar. To share the “recipe” and encourage other compounds to toast the crusts for cereal, he began an advertising campaign to introduce this new idea using art materials donated to them by the American Red Cross.
A fellow POW was 2nd LT. Bruno Branch from W. Virginia, a bombardier and well-known in Camp for his boxing skills. Due to his easily recognized image, he became the ‘poster boy’ for the cereal. He died February 19, 2012 in Wellsburg, West Virginia at the age of 93.
- Black and White Photographs
Edith Spiess, photographer
Thephotographs in this frame, taken of Lt. Ulrich’s crashed B-17, Ol’ Dog, were snapped by Edith Spiess, who was about 13 years old on that day.
When the plane came to rest in the potato field in Packebusch, Germany and Lt. Ulrich and his crew disembarked the craft, they were surrounded and arrested by older men carrying WWI rifles and interested children and women. Young men of the town were away fighting in the German army.
Ulrich with some family members returned to Packebusch in the 1980’s. He recognized the potato field and realized that the town had not changed in its 40+ years since he had been there. The town’s mayor was excited to meet Norman and his family and planned a celebration for the community titled The Day the War Came to Packebusch. Norman and his wife Ella May returned to Packebusch a few months later to attend the event, and at that time Edith Spiess presented him with the photographs. “I always knew you would come back some day, so I kept them for you,” she said.
- Black and White Photographs Co-Pilot of German War Aircraft, photographer
The photographs in these two frames were taken by the co-pilot of the plane responsible for bringing down Lt. Ulrich’s B-17, Ol’ Dog.
At a time in the early 1900s when surviving members of WWII returned photographs and artifacts to others, these photographs were mailed to Norman Ulrich from the co-pilot of the German war craft. The post mark showed that the German Luftwaffe officer was living in Canada.
- Sepia photograph
March, 1944
Photographer Unknown
2nd Lt. Norman Ulrich as Pilot in a B-17 aircraft.
Freeman Army Field, Seymour, Indiana
9. Personalcarte 1: German Command War Document
German administration kept excellent records on their prisoners and each POW had their photo and description on file.
On May 29, 1945, General George S. Patton and his forces of the 86th Infantry entered MoosburgStalag VII to liberate the POW’s.
“Bullets were flying, the chatter of machine gun fire and spasmodic rifle reports, punctuated by the heavy explosions of large guns made a fitting background for the long anticipated liberation. Tanks were sighted on the hill and believed to be ours. Many “Kriegies” are eating what we hope to be our last “Kriegie” meal behind barbed wires. A heavy explosion brought down a spray of plaster from the ceiling and walls and the Air Force officers, experiencing a ground battle, felt very much out of place.
“We were all nervous, but our morale was very high. There was no sign of panic. Smiles were worn by all, and in spite of the apparent danger, we agreed that it is a “good show.” A direct hit in Moosburg, the nearest town, sent up a cloud of smoke and even Kriegie burners [the cook stoves] were going full blast. Food was still an important item and we were all determined to eat. A Kriegie tasted hunger and did not find it to his liking.
“The “Goons” fired from a visible church steeple in Moosburg, a good reason for damaged cathedrals that we read so much about in German propaganda. We Kriegies had been under the German heel too long to be fooled by their propaganda and feel much sympathy for them at this time.
“The American flag went up over Moosburg at 12:15 and our camp hoisted the same at 13:05 – a truly wonderful sight!! At 1:45 2 jeeps and a tank rolled into camp, barely recognizable because of the men clustered upon them. They received a deafening ovation.” This account of the Liberation of the POW Camp at Moosburg, Germany was taken from the Wartime Log of Lt. Harold W. Gunn, POW #1613.
As the story indicates, some POWs found good reason to eat as the events of the liberation proceeded. Another POW took the opportunity to ransack the offices of the German officers and “liberated” personal documents of other POWs. This one was returned to Lt. Ulrich.
10. Photo Montage created by Norman A. Ulrich
The images in this photo are of Norman Ulrich’s family. He and his four brothers were in the service during WWII and three are pictured in uniform.
His father, Alois Joseph Ulrich, (image upper left and lower right), volunteered with the American Red Cross and spent time oversees. His mother, Della Muhlenhaupt Ulrich is center.
During WWII, sugar, butter, flour, meat, gasoline, fabric, shoes, and many other items were in short supply so the government introduced rationing. War ration books and tokens were issued to each family which limited how much of any item one person could buy.
It was said that Della Ulrich didn’t know that flour and sugar were subjected to rationing until near the end of the war. Everyone knew that her kitchen supplied her neighbors and helped the war effort since she regularly sent her baked goods to the servicemen overseas. When Mrs. Ulrich went into a store with a written list of the ingredients she needed, she was always, without question or argument, supplied with the items she requested.
11. Clipped Wing
Commemorative Coin and Postage Stamps
Norman A. Ulrich, Designer
The “Clipped Wing” logo was designed by Norman Ulrich while living as a POW and is a modification of the Pilot’s Wings a pilot was issued when commissioned to fly. He wore the pin on his uniform.
The “Clipped Wing” logo symbolizes the reality that the air force officers faced-- as POW’s in the German camp they were no longer in able to fly their aircraft.
The photograph included in this commemorative montage is Lt. Norman A. Ulrich.
12. First American Daylight Bombing of Berlin 4 March 1944
Photographer Unknown
Print illustration of the 95th Bomb Group signed by 6 of the 7 members of Lt. Ulrich’s crew, August 18, 1992.
13. 1963Art Director’s Club of Chicago Advertising Poster
Norm Ulrich Studios, photograph
Each year the Chicago Art Director’s Club selected posters for advertising and there is not much history on this one. What is known is that it is from the 1960’s decade, that it was photographed for the ADCC at Norm Ulrich Studios, and that there is no use of computer generated imaging.
The model from the Chicago Playboy Club was photographed actually lying under and buried beneath the mound of horse dung (note the horse). Easily seen, the hand is holding up a rose.
What is the title? It could be anyone’s guess, but the photograph symbolizes hope in the middle of chaos, or good can be found even in bad (or****) situations.
14. Receive This Child in My Name
Norman Ulrich, illustrator
lithograph
Prototype for the Christmas Seal design published: 1979
15. 15 Minutes West of Chicago
Norman A. Ulrich
Ink Drawing on Paper
In post-WWII, Norman Ulrich followed his artistic path as an artist, illustrator, and designer and eventually opened his own commercial art studio, Norm Ulrich Studios, Advertising Art and Photography, in Oak Park, IL.
At that time Oak Park was a long way from Chicago and people thought that the distance from the city was a bad decision. But as the firm grew he challenged the idea of distance. Eisenhower Highway put his studio only 15 minutes west of Chicago which became easy access and is illustrated in this work.
Norm Ulrich Studios advertised for many large companies including the meat packagers Armour and Company, Swift and Company, Dial Soap, Mars Candy, Apian Way Pizza, St. Charles Kitchens, and many others.
16. Clown
Norman A. Ulrich, artist
Oil Painting on Panel, 1967
17. Still Life
Norman A.Ulrich, artist
Oil Painting on Canvas, 1962
18. Flower Still Life
Norman A. Ulrich, artist
Oil Painting on Canvas Board, 1968
19. Norman Ulrich, Still Creative on September 23, 2015
Photographer BozanaSazdovski
Keeping busy with his art instructor at Plymouth Place, La Grange Park, IL, Norman Ulrich enjoys the colors and design. A shot-down member of the 95th Bombardier Group, Ulrich will be 95 years old on December 15, 2015.
20. Hall of Fame Award, 2009
Lyons Township High School, La Grange, IL
21. Members of Duffy’s Tavern
Black and White photograph
This photograph is of the “well-fed” members of Lt. Ulrich’s compound in StalagLuft III. 2nd Lt. Norman Ulrich is back row left.
22. Crew of Ol’ Dog
Black and White photograph
Most of the airplanes flying in WWII were christened with names, and Lt. Ulrich’s plane was Ol’ Dog. This photograph is the members of his crew.
2nd Let. Norman Ulrich is front row right.
23. American Poster ‘63
Art Directors Club of Chicago
Book records events of ADCC for 1963 with Norman Ulrich as President.
24. Prisoner Of War 40th Anniversary Commemorative Plate
Norman A. Ulrich, Designer
Porcelain, 1945-1985
The plate was created to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the end of WWII. Signatures of former POW’s are on the reverse of some of the plates and were gathered at the 40th anniversary POW convention.
25. Black and white photograph
Photographer Unknown
This collection of photographs illustrates life as a POW in StalagLuft III. Norman Ulrich was given these copies at one of the POW conventions he attended.
26. Clipped Wings
Bound and Published Memory Book
Text and photos of Prison Camp Life. The signatures are from former WWII POWs as they were added at a POW reunion.
27. Rejoice in the Lord
Norman Ulrich, designer
Palm Sunday Banner Design
Cut paper maquette pasted on cardboard
28. Good Friday Banner Design
Norman Ulrich, designer
Cut Paper Maquette pasted on cardboard
The symbols of this design are the three crosses at Calvary. Nailed to the crosses were dying thieves, one on each side of “Jesus Christ the King of the Jews,” the note ascribed by the Romans to identify Jesus’ crime. At death, the thief on the right asked Jesus to “remember [him] when He went into His kingdom.” The cross on the right touches the center cross and both of these crosses are rooted into the ground with the lily. The Easter lily blooms from a seemingly lifeless bulb and symbolizes Christ’s Resurrection. The thief on the left of the center cross had no interest in the conversation and symbolically remains distant and unattached.
29. Air Force J.R.O.T.C. IL-961
Lifetime Achievement Award, 2007
Issued to Lt. Norman Ulrich
30. Easter Sunday Banner Design
Norman A. Ulrich, designer
Cut paper maquette pasted on cardboard
31. Frosted Gingerbread Cookie with Print Label
Norman A. Ulrich, designer
Cookie with painted label
During the 25 years of Norm Ulrich Studios, Ulrich sent annual Christmas greetings to his clients, employees, and friends in the form of Gingerbread Cookies. Each year he designed a different label for the cookies and as expected, they became anticipated and not too many of these Christmas “cards” survived.
32. Sculptures: Working Metal Prototypes
Norman A. Ulrich, designer
1979-1980
The Apple and Owl sculptures are working kitchen timers referred to as Timing Devices. Although people had been using timers in their kitchens and homes, there were none manufactured with interesting or unique designs as there are today.
These “timing devices” designed in the Apple and Owl shapes and made of colored metal are “prototypes” of potentially manufactured kitchen timers and were sent to potential customers as examples, along with intricate CAD illustrations of how they would be made. Some of these customers included hallmark Company,
33. Soaprize from Dial
Norman A. Ulrich, designer
Printed box with soap
Among the clients for Norm Ulrich Studios was Dial Soap Company, and in the 1960’s Era Dial sold the Soaprize for children’s baths. As identified on Ebay, “It’s a floating bar of soap with a capsule buried inside with a prize for taking baths. It’s a floating soap that’s shaped like a toy.”
There were various soap shapes to choose from including this whale and an alligator and the toy was always inside!
34. The Pad: Phoenix National Society of Art Directors
Christmas Book, Dec.1965
Bound and Published Book
Norm Ulrich Studios opened a branch office in Phoenix, Arizona, and this book was a gift to the studio’s clients, employees, and friends. The book is President Ulrich’s introduction to the region with his print image and brief autobiography.
35. Rock Art
Norman A. Ulrich
Painted Rocks, 1963
Summers spent at Lake Michigan at a Lutheran family camp, Camp Arcadia, in Arcadia, MI were always interactive, but became creative for Norman in 1963.
Felt-tip markers had become available by the late 1950’s and in the early 1960’s Norm Ulrich Studios was illustrating boxes and creating ads to help market the products. In summer 1963 he took a box of markers with him to Camp Arcadia and painted found rocks which he gave to other campers as summer souvenirs.
36. Oh Give Thanks
Norman Ulrich, designer
Felt banner
The tiniest of birds, the hummingbird is truly a wonder. Among other scientific research recorded on this fowl, it becomes lifeless and seems to die on cold nights but miraculously returns to life in the day. It symbolizes rebirth or resurrection.
37. Christ the Solid Rock
Norman Ulrich, designer
Printed Rug
The symbols of the cross and the Rock collectively represent Christ as the firm foundation. “On Christ the Solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.”
The symbol of the two leeters which look like P and X in the English alphabet are actually chi (looks like the X) and rho (looks like the P) from the Greek alphabet. These are the first two letters of “Christ” in Greek (Christos) and makes the chi-rho monogram a symbol of Christ and Christianity.
38. Let Christ’s Freedom Ring
Norman Ulrich, designer
Silkscreen Banner
This banner was designed for St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC and hung during the years President George W. Bush attended their worship services.