MEIN LEBEN: My Life

This book is about the life of a young man growing up during the Hitler time in Germany. It covers his childhood, Hitler youth and the war years. At age sixteen he joined the German army, fought on the eastern front and became a prisoner of war in Russia. After spending three years and six months in Russian labor camps he was then returned to his homeland. In 1955 it looked like the future of Germany was still rather uncertain and Klaus Penning decided to immigrate to the United States. He was married by now and in February 1957 he, his wife and daughter started a new life in California.There were many obstacles to overcome but mostly learning to speak and write the English language. Klaus was a farm worker, got into sign painting, started his own business. He was a board member of the chamber of commerce and a three time president of the Sierra Edelweiss German American club. After retirement at age 65 he worked as Ski instructor and tour guide at the Yosemite National Park.
Klaus is now really retired and he never regretted the move coming to the United States.