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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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WWII GI Returns Looted 16th Century German Books

Vet took 400-year-old legal volumes home as souvenirs

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(Newser) – Retired optometrist Robert Thomas handed a pair of books he filched as an 18-year-old GI 64 years ago to the German ambassador in a ceremony at the National Archives this week. Thomas, 83, found the 400-year-old legal volumes stashed among millions of others in a salt mine while inspecting recently captured areas in World War II and kept them as souvenirs. "I've had these books since I was 18 years old," Thomas said. "I'm relieved. I wanted to return them to the original owners, but I had no clue where to start."

The two 16th-century books returned by Thomas are seen on display during a news conference at the National Archives Building.
The two 16th-century books returned by Thomas are seen on display during a news conference at the National Archives Building.   (AP Photo/ Haraz N. Ghanbari)
Thomas says he never read the books, but kept them in a cool, dry location.
Thomas says he never read the books, but kept them in a cool, dry location.   (AP Photo/ Haraz N. Ghanbari)
World War II Army veteran Robert Thomas, left, presents two 16th Century books to German Ambassador Klaus Scharioth during a news conference at the National Archives Building in Washington.
World War II Army veteran Robert Thomas, left, presents two 16th Century books to German Ambassador Klaus Scharioth during a news conference at the National Archives Building in Washington.   (AP Photo/ Haraz N. Ghanbari)
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4 comments
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George_Taylor
Oct 8, 09 3:41 AM CDT
Holy Jeez. This made my heart jump! Roman laws and Prussian policy, oh my! Reply
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bewilderbeast
Oct 8, 09 6:00 AM CDT
Philistine!! :D
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George_Taylor
Oct 8, 09 6:04 AM CDT
ouch. Reply
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linkthewindow
Oct 10, 09 6:40 AM CDT
Good on him. Reply
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