Ida --

This sequence of events sounds a bit odd, but you must be citing exactly what the soldier's military service file states. Usually exchanged prisoners received immediate medical attention near the point of exchange. Afterwards they received a furlough home (as long as sixty days), and then reported to their commands.

Is the "prison in MD" Point Lookout MD or Fort Delaware DL? The actual date and place of exchange will appear in fine print at the bottom of a POW card.

I'm having a hard time imagining why an exchanged POW would be transported hundreds of miles cross country to die in a small out-of-the-way post hospital. Did he live near Strawberry Plains?