We screen and discuss Steven Mancini’s new documentary Fedeltà, Soldier, Prisoner explores the remarkable and largely untold history of 1,231 Italian prisoners of war (POWs) held at Letterkenny Army Depot in Pennsylvania between 1943 and 1945. Captured during World War II in North Africa and Sicily, these soldiers were among the 52,000 Italian POWs sent to camps across the United States. Rather than enduring harsh imprisonment, most of them willingly swore allegiance to America and served in Italian Service Units, helping to support the U.S. war effort by working in munitions and logistics.

The documentary, produced in collaboration with Blacksheep’s Production, sheds light on what Mancini describes as a “golden captivity.” The Italian soldiers at Letterkenny lived in relative comfort, wearing uniforms, receiving good healthcare, and even enjoying free time for activities such as music, theater, sports, and study. They were allowed to visit cities like Philadelphia and formed strong bonds with the local Italian-American community, leading to lifelong friendships and even marriages.

A major highlight of their time at Letterkenny was the construction of an Italian-style church, now known as the Church of Peace. Built in just 50 days using salvaged materials, the chapel remains a lasting testament to their resilience, faith, and cultural heritage. Today, the chapel is part of the Franklin County Military Trail of History and is maintained as a site of historical and cultural significance.

The documentary is based on extensive research, including letters, photographs, and interviews with descendants of the 1,200 soldiers assigned to the 321st Italian Quartermaster Battalion. Mancini worked closely with historian Alan Perry and the Association for the Memory of Italian Prisoners (A.M.P.I.L.) to reconstruct this history. The film incorporates archival footage from the U.S. Army, personal collections, and Italian Service Unit records.

Since its premiere at the Capitol Theater in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, on September 6, 2024, the film has gained international recognition, with screenings in Rome, Milan, and at the University of Notre Dame in Rome, where it received patronage from the municipality. The Franklin County Visitors Bureau has also launched an exhibit dedicated to the Letterkenny Italian POWs, open until November 11, 2024.

Mancini, an American of Italian descent and a U.S. military veteran, was inspired to make the film after uncovering numerous stories and documents detailing the extraordinary experiences of these POWs. He hopes to preserve this history before it fades and to highlight the unexpected friendships and lasting connections between Italy and the United States. The film has been entered into the 2024 Montreal Independent Film Festival, bringing this forgotten chapter of history to a wider audience.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!