HansWarTHQ – Central Territory Museum

Black and White graphic label showing two single engine trainer aircraft from the 1940s with text "Hans's War: The Salvation Army Story of Hans Mach"

In 1941, eighteen-year-old Hans Mach had a choice: he could wait for the draft notice to arrive and almost certainly serve in the Army infantry, or he could volunteer and select the Air Force or Navy. Either way, he was required to become a cog in the German war machine.

Hans spent more than three and a half years in nineteen different prisoner of war camps in Europe and the United States. During this time he learned a new language, found a career, made life long friends, and became a soldier (church member) in The Salvation Army.

Hans’s War: The Salvation Army Story of Hans Mach traces his experiences during World War II, his prisoner of war experience, immigration to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and how The Salvation Army led him back to Jesus and made a lasting impact on his life.

Color photograph showing a hallway with four exhibit cases positioned against a wall

The Salvation Army Central Territory Museum

The Central Territory Museum provides context and relevance for The Salvation Army’s spiritual, theological, chronological, and global activities for The Salvation Army and general public. It collects, preserves, researches, educates, and exhibits materials that reflect the development, ministry, and social work of the Central Territory and its place within The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The Salvation Army Central Territory Headquarters
Serving communities in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North & South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and Indiana
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