The largest and most dramatic prisoner of war escape from an American compound took place right here in Phoenix at the Papago Park POW Camp during World War II.

Keith Warren Lloyd, author of The Great Desert Escape, brings to light the little-known escape by 25 determined German sailors. The disciplined Germans tunneled unnoticed through rock-hard, sunbaked soil and crossed the unforgiving Arizona desert headed for Mexico where there were sympathizers who could help them return to the Fatherland.

It was the only large-scale domestic escape by foreign prisoners in U.S. history. At 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Fountain Hills Community Center, 13001 N. La Montana Drive,  author Keith Warren Lloyd describes how the flight of 25 German Prisoners of War sparked one of the largest manhunts in American history.

Pre-registration is required for this presentation. It is free for Community Center members with a $5 charge for non-members. Register online or call the Community Center at 480-816-5200 for more information.

This program is sponsored by the Town of Fountain Hills Community Center.