Tag: Wolfe V. Freudenheim

New Guinea Passover: Letters from Wolfe Freudenheim, WW II – July, 1943

Some nine months after The Jewish Exponent’s publication of letters sent by Pvt. Wolfe V. Freudenheim to his parents in Philadelphia (see New Guinea New Year), the Exponent published more of Wolfe’s letters.  The first dealt with a Passover Seder held in New Guinea, and the second described the living conditions, climate, and wildlife (even the proverbial – and quite real! – bird of paradise) to be found on the island. 

This was the second (and last) occasion on which the Exponent published Pvt. Freudenheim’s letters.

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Passover in New Guinea – Crocodile Hunting

The Jewish Exponent
July 9, 1943

Pvt. Wolfe Freudenheim, stationed in new Guinea, wrote the following letters to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Freudenheim of 6237 Christian Street.  Pvt. Freudenheim’s letters have appeared in THE EXPONENT before, and his latest batch is even more interesting.

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New Guinea, April 29, 1943

Dearest Everybody,

I’m just returned from the Passover celebration here in New Guinea.  Rabbi Levy was there.  I had arrived at 7:30, and since the crowd was so large the service was discontinued in favor of eating.  All the men brought their own mess kits.  The dinner was served buffet style.  I can safely state that it was the largest grouping of any religious sect.  (Amount censored.)  It would have done your hearts good to see the men grabbing for “Matzos” and what wine there was.  I believe that every Jewish man in the Australian Army and U.S. forces was there.  Among those present: Lt. Max Daroff, Sgt. Herb Glonin, Eddie Eisenberg of Atlantic City.  I could just go on listing them, but it would sound like a roll call.  Pictures were taken by a war correspondent and also by the U.S. Army Photo section.

The Chaplain admitted that he never anticipated such a large mob.  For that reason the service was terminated and we spent the rest of the time meeting new people – and in general “swapping the best rumors”.

Naturally the “four questions” were asked, but they were never answered.  Undoubtedly they will be answered by the men in the forces in a different manner.  Next year we might be able to answer in peace.

Enough “Matzos” were on hand for every man to have at least one pound each.

Oh yes:  two nurses came.  Nobody looked at them – much.  First the upper strati of the commissioned officers held them enthralled.  A little later 1st and 2nd lieutenants took over.  Almost before anything else happened, a bunch of infantrymen, in their “zoot suits” (jungle uniforms) made a blank attack, and they never relinquished the hold they held – not even for the major, who wanted to take them “home”.  Over a box of “matzos” they spoke of “Seder” night at home.

In a corner a bunch had gotten together for a “go” at “Chad God Yah” – what a noise!  But it was beautiful.

Begging for order, the Chaplain called to the men for the benediction.  After reading an order from “the” General concerning the holiday, we left.

MENU
Matzo
Real Fruit Cocktail
Fresh Meat

WOLFE

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New Guinea, May 13, 1943

Dearest Everybody:

“MY DAY OFF”
or
‘HOW NOT TO REST”

The morning was perfect, as _____ _____ days go, in New Guinea.  Of course it was hot, and the humidity was quite high.

[Being] my day off, I planned [to do] a bit of crocodile hunting on my own.  If I knew what was to transpire, I might have hesitated.

[By 4:15] A.M. I strapped a web belt about my waist, a canteen, jungle knife and a sharp dagger.  Slinging a bandolier and a rifle over my shoulder, then putting two packs of cigs in my pockets with a box of matches, plus four bars of chocolate, which was to be my lunch, I started out.

Hopping a ride was an easy matter, and after two hours we arrived at the habitat of the “crocs”.

Walking through this stinking swamp, down dried-up creeks and streams, was quite an experience.  The place was chockful of tracks and – being ever on the alert – deeper into this Eden I went.  Once I took a pot shot at a large snake, but he was too fast.  Lizards of the larger variety were to be found in abundance.  The reports which came from my rifle made them run in all directions.  Working my way up, I finally reached the summit of this mountain.  Here I met an English-speaking native policeman.  He was a swell fellow – offered me tea and biscuits.  The mountain was 5,000 feet.  Crocodiles?  “Oh, many miles up river, Towhada” (big white man).  He told me of the bird of paradise which roamed the nearby jungle – but telling me that it was against the law to shoot one.  He was quite emphatic about this.

Going back down into the jungle of this mountain took some time.  Then, part way down, I heard a chucking sound and saw a bush move – there walking across the track, not 25 yards away, was a real live bird of paradise in all his glory – strutting as though he were the kind of all he surveyed.  Gee, he was beautiful.  I couldn’t take my eyes off him.  About this time it began to rain, but slowly and quietly I followed my gorgeous friend.  Deeper and deeper into this heavy foliage he went, until he came to an overhanging boulder, under which was a round dry mound.  His lair!

The ground was becoming soggier, and it took quite and effort to pick up my foot, but quite a simply matter to put the other back in the goo.  Reaching into my pouch for a bar of chocolate, I soon found to my utter amazement that a whole colony of ants had beaten me to the draw.  Throwing the bars away, I dug deep into my pockets for a cigarette – only to find them all saturated by the rain, except one, which was only wet at the tip.  Breaking the wet part off, I put my hand into my pocket, and withdrew a broken match box and a few red dyed matches.  Their tips were gone.  Here a wallaby sloshed up the track and further on, I could see through the rain a few large rats.  By a lucky shot, I dropped one.  I noticed a curious feature about this animal – his front legs were much smaller than his hind legs!

I turned back, because it was getting colder and fog had started to close in.  Boy oh boy, how “the rains came”.  Never had I seen it like this before.  The going became tougher.  Hungry, the coveralls became heavier and now a headache started.  What a mess!

Coming onto the road, a truck picked me up, and at the pass we were stopped by an M.P., who advised us to walk because of landslides crossing the road at a few points.  Hitting the road again – road, did I say? – really only a wide mountain track over which cascaded new-made swirling streams, thundering over into an abyss.  Here a lorry was stuck in the mud and further down a boulder had come loose and planted itself in the middle of the track.  At last we made the bottom, where we found a small hospital.  We were fed warm soup and hot bully beef, which tasted just like steak – almost.  Outside a jeep had a flat tire.  I helped the fellow repair it and he took me to where I wanted to go. 

The rain had ceased at last.  Gee but my camp looked swell.  Home and bed!  What a comforting thought.  That last stretch – it looked like a concrete highway – that is, it looked like one, but in reality it wasn’t.  Taking a few steps, I fell into a deep mud hole.  My gun was just coated with mud, and when I opened the bolt the brown slimy stuff oozed out through the barrel.

I showered and crawled slowly into bed.  Then I thought – all the trouble – discomfort – the long trek – was it worth all I had seen and experienced.  I’ll say.

Love, WOLFE

New Guinea New Year: Letters from Wolfe Freudenheim, WW II – November, 1942

During the Second World War, Philadelphia’s The Jewish Exponent reported upon the military service of Jewish soldiers in a variety of ways.  These comprised brief and specific accounts – sometimes based on official documents – of a soldier’s experiences in combat or other activities; announcements about casualties (wounded, missing, prisoners, and deaths in combat), and, brief biographies.  These news items were often accompanied by photographic portraits, both formal and candid.

Curiously; oddly, despite the duration, scope, magnitude, and nature of the war, the Exponent published very few news items about military service that were genuinely “at length”.  However, the few news items of this nature that were published make fascinating and illuminating reading.

One such item follows below.  It’s comprised of letters written by two Philadelphia servicemen who were mutual acquaintances – Lieutenant Maxwell A. Daroff and PFC Wolfe Velvel Freudenheim – concerning life in New Guinea in late 1942.  Especially moving is their mention of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur services.

Though Lt. Freudenheim’s military unit is unknown, Lt. Daroff’s letter reveals that he was a member of the Army’s 440th Signal Battalion.  The Battalion, created in 1942 and eventually disbanded in 2008, served in the Second World War, the Korean War, and Iraq.

PFC Freudenheim, born in Media, Pennaylvania in January of 1914, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham and Mamie Freudenheim, his parents residing at 6237 Christian Street (Cobbs Creek section) in Philadelphia.  Married to Ruth V. Freudenheim at the time of his military service, the couple’s postwar address was 5850 Chestnut Street. 

Wolfe Freudenheim passed away in December of 1987.

In 1943, the Exponent published a second article comprised of letters penned by PFC Freudenheim.  That will appear in a future post.

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Local Jewish Boy Writes Home of His Experiences in New Guinea

Wolfe Freudenheim of West Philadelphia Now Stationed in the Pacific War Theatre
Relates Many Interesting Stories

The Jewish Exponent
November 6, 1942

Editor’s Notes: – Herewith is a series of letters written by Private Wolfe Freudenheim, to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Freudenheim of 6237 Christian Street.  Private Freudenheim is currently on duty in New Guinea, and although we’ve deleted certain personal passages, which we’re sure would be of no interest to the general public, there still remains in each letter a kaleidescopic report of life in that God forsaken island.  Some of the things he does, his emotions, and reactions may give you an idea of what some one very dear to you is undergoing.  The first letter is from another Philadelphia boy, Lt. Maxwell A. Daroff who left for New Guinea after Wolfe did, and then wrote Mrs. Freudenheim that he had met her son.  Some of the incidents are really exciting, especially the letter in which Wolfe describes the High Holiday services in New Guinea.

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New Guinea
Sept. 19, 1942

Dear Mrs. Freudenheim:

Wolfe has most likely written and told you of our meeting ‘way over here.  I am sure that when you saw me that day on 63rd street and told me that Wolfe was in Australia you never even dreamed that in just a few short months I would be able to tell him about it.  This certainly is a small world.  When I left home I knew there were at least two people in Australia that I would know.  My brother and Wolfe.  I found my brother right off the bat.  We had quite a reunion and were together for some time.  However, we were separated again.  But that is war.  We are close enough, however, so that mail to each other gets through in a few days.  As for Wolfe, I had to wait until I got to this God-Forsaken place to find him.  I went to Rosh Hashonah services and there he was.  It so happened that I was the only officer present, so between us we conducted the services.  Me with my rank, and he with his knowledge, as limited as it was, although he remembered a little more than I did.  We had a pretty good service, too.

Earlier this month I wrote to my mother and told her about this.  I also gave her your phone number.  I have a very good memory for phone numbers.  So she may call you. 

I won’t try to tell you anything about this place.  I know Wolfe has already more than adequately described it.  However, if it will ease your mind any, I can tell you truthfully that Wolfe is in damned good health, fairly happy (we all want to get home) and not in any danger at all.  So don’t worry about him.  He will be all right and he knows how to take care of himself. 

Well, this is all.  Give my wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year to Mr. Freudenheim, Babe, Top, and Selma.

Sincerely,
Max.

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Lt. Maxwell A. Daroff, 0-358639
1st Plat. Co. A 440 Sig. Bn.
(Const.) APO 929
c/o Postmaster, San Francisco

Sat., Sept. 12, 1942
New Guinea

Dearest Family:

“Le shonah tovo teeosevu (Hebrew).  [The word “Hebrew” was inserted by the writer for the benefit of the army censors. – Ed. Note.]

In the event that you didn’t receive my last greetings, which I wrote Thursday, services were held here in New Guinea – Friday night at 7 P.M.  Twenty-five men attended – including Lt. Max Daroff.  Really, you could have knocked me over with a pin.  Yep, he is here.  His brother, Lt. Sid Daroff, is in “Aussie”.  He told me about all of you, for which I am very much thankful.

Light night Max and I conducted, but today, at 9 A.M., 50 men were present – I did a solo.  The boys admitted that it was conducted quite well – (mind you, I know very little).

Incidentally, my tour of one week’s K.P. has ended – I am very thankful.  Pop’s package of Dunhills, razor blades, and matches came this P.M.  Gee, but they came in damm handy – all three items!

How I miss you all – you’ll never know.  Oh, yes, after services today Max, Sgt. Herb Glovin (who’s from Wynnefield) and I were talking about what we would be doing were we home.  Max and I agreed that we would be standing outside the West Phila. Com. Center.  Herb, undoubtedly would be at Horn and Hardart’s for coffee.  It was suddenly busted up when I had to wash 6 tubs and cut wood for the next fire.  Chopping with an axe, here, does one good.  Sweating profusely – is the main attraction.  But it really builds one’s shoulders and arm muscles.

It has been almost 10 days since I last heard from you.  We, here, haven’t gotten a thing, even from “Aussie”.

Let me now, before I go on further, reassure you that I am OK – fit as a fiddle, and away from any danger.  Since I haven’t a camera I’m having a portrait done here – by one of our lads.  You probably have received my native pieces and Top [brother] has his boomerang.  Also, I’ve sent a portrait of a native family to you.  Hope you get the lot.  Possibly I’ll be able to procure a few more novelties, grass skirts – arrows, native instruments, things that are not too large to be mailed.  If I mailed a lizard, he’d die enroute.

Last night I went to the movies and saw “Three Sons” – Boy, it was from hunger.

Received cigs from Syl’s sister and brother-in-law.  Nice people.  Stepped on a nail last P.M. about 20:00 hours and got a tetnus “shot”.  Jeeze, but it’s hot!  I change clothes twice a day and shower twice – when it can be done.  Naturally, we dress on Sunday.  Yep – I put my socks on.  Abbreviated shorts, shoes and sun helmet I wear everyday, but I like to dress up on Sunday – I put on socks.  Ho, hum.

Saw a short concerning skiing – darned near caught a cold.

From what the boys (new arrivals) have told me – the people in the States don’t even know that a war is going on.  They had better be careful.  We do need a lot of things.  I hope production will be speeded up more – we that we may be able to use some of it.

Did you ever taste “Aussie” baked beans?  No – DON’T.  I think one word to the wise is sufficient.

Come on gang – news is the thing, and not about the war, either.  I love you all and miss you all horribly.

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New Guinea
Sept. 23, 1942

Well, well, it’s 4 days, or is it 5, since I last wrote you?  Have been very, very busy here of late.  I no longer count the days since we’ve left.  They seem no longer to hold any significance.  Each day being more like the preceding one.  Of course there are moments of tribulation, but they don’t remain as a memory.  All I personally think about is 6237 [Christian Street].  Naturally, things happen here, that don’t occur at home, but I can assure you, that when we do get home – you’ll hear very little from me – concerning New Guinea – I shall relate, however, the funnier side, the side that really, to us, is the morale builder.  Enough of my sentimentality.  What’s new?  How is everyone?

Big news!  We are to get a furlough!  Vacation to you people.  Not all at once – just a very few at a time.  Sort of a rest – if you want to call it that.  Where are we going?  Well, that all depends.  All, I’m sure are going to “somewhere in Australia” – I, back to see the “Greens” and “Cromwells” and a host of friends.  Regardless of the length of time we get – I’m sure that we will spend it having a grand time.

I still don’t drink – and I’m still not tatooed.  Then after that is over – back to New Guinea.  When will it begin?  There again, I can’t answer.  I don’t know.  Maybe a month, maybe two – who knows?  We talk about it incessantly.  Plan – and re-plan.  Jeezel – but it will be great.  I mean it will be something.  Enough of this.

Heard station KWID, San Francisco, the other night.  Bing Crosby, James Cagney, and a host of others.  Sorta made me feel good.  Last night, we heard a bit of propaganda from Japan – what a mess of junk.  Said we lost our whole fleet at Coral Sea, Midway, and one other action.  Can’t see how anyone can believe that stuff.

Last evening I met Lt. Max Daroff and a Major Williams, also Captain (I forgot his name).  Well, the Major had asked me (when we held “Yom Kippur” services), if I could get together a “minyon” for him.  So we held a “minyon” (in my tent) by flashlight!  Never was “Kaddish” said in such environs as this, and I’m sure never under such circumstances – possibly better, but I can assure you never worse.

Well, that’s that.  Maybe you’d like a description of it?  Maybe Rabbi Matt wouldn’t consider it absolutely right, but nevertheless, in New Guinea it was perfect (at least the Major thought so).  Dad, here it goes.  Let me know what you think, please!  Well, we had 12 men to begin with – some wore sun helmets – some helmets – other caps and overseas caps – most had shorts, another had his coveralls – of course, all the officers were dressed in sun tan uniforms.  With my (“sider”) and flashlight, held by me, over the Major’s shoulder, we began.  (“Sheer Hama alos henay”) to (“Vahed V’ahl coll Ma-Ahson) then they said (the two mourners) (“Yiskadahl Va – Yiskadash”).  So, handshaking went the rounds – they left the gang busted up.  There you have it.  Short and sweet – but if it isn’t exactly so, believe me – it was said from he heart.  I guess that’s what counts.  Incidentally, you ask, “Where did you get a “sider”?  Well, when we were in Australia – I had asked a certain Rabbi for one – he obliged.  So there you have it.  I believe I told you in a previous letter all about it.

What’s new here?  Read your daily papers.

I miss you more and more each day, and love you twice as much.

Wolfe

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New Guinea
September 26, 1942

Dearest Everybody:

What do you think happened today.

First, I picked up a small bundle of newspapers and the N.Y. Times magazines.  Papers were grand.  Everybody loves them – naturally, when I’m finished I pass them around to the other boys.

Then the other package was from Isabelle Cohen – 1 carton cigs, 1 Yardley shaving cream cup – 4 boxes chicklets and 2 small cans of tuna packed in peanut oil.  My eyes virtually popped out, at such an array.  The tuna was swell – of the cigs – no mention is made – that is, after you roll them for a while – chicklets – superb.  As for the shaving cream – we won’t use it for a while – due to the fact that (as I’ve told you) I’ve a goatee and a muzzy.

I’m well – weigh 11 stone 10 lbs., which equals 164 lbs.  Don’t worry about me for I shall be, and am, quite safe.

Well – folksies – that’s all for this P.M. – so I’ll sign off.

But before I do I wish to be remembered to all our neighbors, and friends, and by all means, Clifton.  Bye now –

I love and miss you horribly.

Wolfe

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August 20, 1942

Dearest Everybody:

Today I sent you a V … – letter – tomorrow a cable.  I must tell you what happened to me today.  First came the Bulletin and the Readers Digest from you –

Coming down the list, you first Dad.  J.N.F. year book pages.  Whoa – I made the book – not bad.  Thanks, Dad.  Confidentially, your picture (with the old guys) is not so hot.  You’re much to [sic] young to be associated with those old “shleppers”.  Before I forget – one of the Jewish boys in our outfit received a letter from his brother telling of the death of their mother.  I got together a “minyan” for him and I made him say “Kaddish” – probably the first time a “Minyan” was ever held in New Guinea.

Love,

Wolfe

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New Guinea
Sept. 27, 1942

Dearest Family:

Check your notes on your letter to me dates Aug. 30.  As per your request I shall answer all your questions as concise and as clearly as possible.  Meanwhile, thanks for your picture taken behind the garage.

Mother:  I’m glad you received my gifts – and liked them – this is the first notice that I have had to the effect that they arrived safely.  I have answered pertaining to my work – but I shall do so again.  When I was at Jefferson Barracks I took the necessary examinations – so far as I know, I did pass them for aviation mechanics.  But as the schools were complete and they (the army) had no calls for mechanics at this time – we were told that we would have to wait.  Then, I was asked by a Lieutenant if I would be the announcer for the Pres. Ball in St. Louis.  Well, a “shipping list: had been already made and nothing could be done to get me off.  We did practice – but that is where I left them.  Then to Mitchell Field – before we could turn around to find out what was what – we all entrained for Bangor, Maine.  Immediately, we knew what was in the wind.

Well – that’s the story.  My first job was when we arrived in “Aussie”.  “M.P.” or security section – but after a few months I was relieved – believe you me, was I relieved!  So, from there I took over the “Rec Hall” (recreation hall).  Ran table tennis tourneys – had guest players give exhibitions – checker tourneys – chess and any other games the boys wanted.  When our unit came to this island –naturally, me, too – what I had anticipated was just a trifle different. 

Quite different – read your newspapers – that’s all.  Now, I’m on different details (a detail is a working unit) – we do a load of things.  Yep – I had to come all the way to New Guinea to get K.P.  Now, I ask you – hain’t that something?  I do have a little belly – actually it is exceptionally small – quite – my weight is just 11 stone 10 lbs. – which equals 164 lbs.

Side note – I’m sitting now, in front of a short wave radio – just heard “Hi Neighbor” program.  Darned good.  Back to your letter.  The radio – playing “I’m getting sentimental over you.”  Personally speaking – I’ve been and continue to be sentimental over all of you.  To Mr. Berkowitz – my best regards, I’ll eat every end of bologna he has in stock – I can just taste them – even over the “Bully Beef”.  When his pickled lox does arrive – yeh man, out of my way!  Hope it doesn’t curdle, or whatever pickled lox does.

Dad: your carton of cigs hasn’t yet arrived.  Maybe tomorrow.  Wrote you last nite.  I told you about receiving Bulletin of July 21 and 22 for which – thanks, Dad.

Damm glad you got my cables.  Can you comprehend them?  I’m positive you folks write me often – but when one is here – his head does funny things.  Such as – thinking his folks and friends don’t write.  But we know you all do, but the mail is slow.  This letter was a rare exception (yours of today).  I did not  as yet, receive your cable of July 16th.  Tell that to Western Union.

Love,
Wolfe

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Reference

440th Signal Battalion, at
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/440th_Signal_Battalion_(United_States)