Category: American Jewish Soldiers

Soldiers from New York: Jewish Soldiers in The New York Times, in World War Two: Sgt. Simon Fogelman – Forward to Memory – December 14, 1944

When the obituary and photograph of Sergeant Simon Fogelman – son of Lazar Fogelman, editor of the Jewish Daily Forward, appeared in The New York Times on June 5, 1945 – few readers if any would have been aware that his image appeared in the press nearly six years earlier, during a moment of promise and hope. 

That event was his 1939 graduation with honors from Stuyvesant High School, as reported in the Forward.

Simon’s portrait was one of fifteen images of high school and college graduates which were published under the heading “Scholastic Honor Roll – Pictures of Honor Graduates Submitted by Readers of the Forward” in the newspaper’s July 16, 1939 issue. 

This page is presented below, with Simon’s portrait at the bottom center.

Top Row

Rabbi Morris M. Mathews

The three children of Dr. and Mrs. Hyde: Leroy and Bernard Hyde (graduates of Cornell University, and Anita S. Hyde, graduate of Erasmus High School)

Dr. Irving H. Itkin, son of Irving H. Itkin of Woodhaven

Middle Row

Miss Tillie Alderman, Miss Gertrude Thurm, Leon N. Satenstein, Jack Irwin Kaufman, George Perkel,

Bottom Row

Isidore Kraitsik, Wallen Paley, Simon, Aaron Baer, Hyman Simon

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Simon’s portrait, and caption

“Simon Fogelman, 17-year-old son of Dr. and Mrs. Lazar Fogelman of Brooklyn, who was graduated with honors from Stuyvesant High School.  Dr. Fogelman is a member of the Forward editorial staff.”

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Simon’s name appeared in a Casualty List published in the Times on February 15, 1945, and in the Memorial section of the Times’ Obituary page on December 14th of 1945 and 1946.  He name is listed on page 311 of American Jews in World War Two. 

This is his obituary, from the June 5 issue of the Times. 

Brooklyn Honor Student Killed With Third Army

Sgt. Simon Fogelman of 625 Caton Avenue, Brooklyn, was killed in action with the Ninety-Fifth Infantry Division in Germany on Dec. 14, according to word received here.  He was 22 years old.

He was an honor student at Stuveysant High School and later attended Brooklyn College.  He was assigned after his induction to the University of Pennsylvania, where he attended engineering classes.  He served with Lieut. Gen. George S. Patton’s Third Army and the Purple Heart was awarded posthumously to him.

He is survived by his father, Lazar Fogelman, editorial and feature writer for the Jewish Daily Forward; his mother, Sarah, and a brother, Edwin.

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Simon’s portrait, showing him wearing his uniform, was published in the Forward on January 7, 1945.

“FALLEN HERO. – Sergeant Simon Fogelman, son of Dr. L. Fogelman, prominent Forward writer, and Mrs. Sarah Fogelman, who died in action on the Western Front.  One of the finest and brightest boys we have known, Sergeant Fogelman was 22 years old and fought with an infantry unit of General Patton’s Third Army.  Surviving besides his parents, who reside at 625 Caton Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y., is a 14-yar-old brother, Edwin.”

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Simon was a member of the 379th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division (serial number 32689852).  Born in 1923, he is buried at Mount Lebanon Cemetery, in Glendale, New York (Block WC, Section 5, Line 28, Grave 11, Workmen’s Circle Society). 

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Below is a 2016 Google Street view of the Fogelman family’s home at 625 Caton Avenue, in Brooklyn.

Some other Jewish military casualties on Thursday, December 14, 1944, include…

Killed in Action

– .ת.נ.צ.ב.ה. –

Bensaid, Norbert, Soldat de 2eme Classe
Armée de Terre, 17eme Régiment Colonial du Génie
Nécropole nationale “Rougemont”, Rougemont, Doubs, France – Tombe individuelle, No. 588
Information from SGA “Sepultures de Guerre” database.  Not in SGA “Seconde guerre mondiale” database.

Burness, Irving, 1 Lt., 0-863230, Bombardier / Navigator, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart
United States Army Air Force, 20th Air Force, 40th Bomb Group, 25th Bomb Squadron
Mr. and Mrs. Leon B. [12/17/85-9/21/89] and Sylvia (Rashove) [10/15/97-3/23/84] Burness (parents), 139 Ardmore Ave., West Hartford, Ct.
Possibly from Philadelphia, Pa.
Born 1917
MACR 10401, B-29 42-24726; Pilot: Capt. Howard L. Gerber; 12 crewmen – no survivors
Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines
Emanuel Cemetery, Wethersfield, Ct. – Plot R, 30 (Commemorative Monument)
FindAGrave profile of Lt. Irving Burness
American Jews in World War II – 62, 514

Blitzer, Morris, S/Sgt., 32409763, Purple Heart (Germany, Nordrhein-Westfalen)
United States Army, 78th Infantry Division, 310th Infantry Regiment, F Company
Mrs. Pauline Blitzer (mother), 1100 Gerard Ave., Bronx, N.Y.
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip and Fannie Blitzer (parents); Louis, Minnie, and Rebecca (brother and sisters)
Born 9/28/16, Bronx, N.Y.
Place of burial unknown
American Jews in World War II – 279 (National Jewish Welfare Board biographical cards state “No Publicity”)

Cohen, Leon, PFC, 42036404, Purple Heart
United States Army, 45th Infantry Division, 180th Infantry Regiment
Mr. David Cohen (father), 41 E. 89th St., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Cypress Hills National Cemetery, Brooklyn, N.Y. – Section 3, Grave 123
American Jews in World War II – 291

Elsner, Harry, Sapper, 2132044
Royal Engineers, 220th Field Company
Mr. and Mrs. Wolf and Eva Elsner (parents), Manchester, England
Born 1908
Forli War Cemetery, Vecchiazzano, Forli, Italy – III, A, 1
We Will Remember Them (Volume II) – 10

Epstein, Louis Canner, PFC, 11131816 (Germany)
United States Army, 90th Infantry Division, 358th Infantry Regiment
Mr. and Mrs. Arnold H. and Yetta (“Ethel”) Epstein (parents), 48 Commonwealth Ave., Lynn, Boston, Ma.
Born Massachusetts, 1926
Place of burial unknown
American Jews in World War II – 156

Friedman, Albert L., Pvt., 42107361
United States Army, 99th Infantry Division, 395th Infantry Regiment
Mrs. Roselia S. Friedman (mother), 308 Renner Ave., Newark, N.J.
Born 11/13/25
B’Nai Jeshurun Cemetery, Hillside, N.J.
Casualty List 3/3/45
War Department Release 2/12/45
American Jews in World War II – Not listed

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There sources of information pertaining to Jewish genealogy and military history are many and varied.  But sometimes, one learns about the past simply by chance.

Nearly two decades ago, while doing genealogical research at Mount Sharon Cemetery, in Springfield, Pennsylvania, I chanced across a pair of matzevot (Hebrew – plural – for tombstones) for a Lieutenant Alfred G. Frost, and his parents, David and Anna.  Previously, this man was unknown to me.  His name is not present (well, many names are not present…) in American Jews in World War Two, and no mention of him ever appeared in wartime issues of The Jewish Exponent, of Philadelphia, though his name did appear The Philadelphia Bulletin in January of 1945.

His story was an enigma.  He was an enigma.

It was only years later, through a fortunate meeting with Albert’s relative Susan, and then correspondence with his relatives Steven and Linda Korsin, that Lt. Frost’s story emerged:  He served as an infantry Lieutenant in the Army’s 36th (Texas) Infantry Division, and was awarded the Silver Star (and an Oak Leaf Cluster to the Silver Star) for military service in Italy. 

The citations for these awards, an account of his death written by Chaplain Charles W. Arbuthnot, Jr., and genealogical information about the Lieutenant and his family, are presented below.

Frost, Albert G. (Avraham Gitye bar David Henekh), 1 Lt., 0-1307533, Company Commander, Silver Star, Purple Heart, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
United States Army, 36th Infantry Division, 143rd Infantry Regiment, A Company
(Previously wounded on 6/1/44)
Mr. and Mrs. David [6/28/59-1969] and Anna [11/2/82-1993] Frost (parents), 333 Lincoln St., Woodbury, N.J.
Born 6/13/13
Mount Sharon Cemetery, Springfield, Pa. – Section I (Buried 9/19/48)
Philadelphia Record 1/9/45
Jewish Exponent 9/24/48
American Jews in World War II – Not listed (National Jewish Welfare Board biographical Card states “No Publicity”)

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The citation for Lt. Frost’s Silver Star award. 

C O N F I D E N T I A L
HEADQUARTERS 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION
APO #36, U. S. Army

AG 200.6                                                                                       25 April 1944

Subject  :  Award of Silver Star.

To        :  Second lieutenant ALBERT G. FROST, 01307533,
143d Infantry Regiment, APO #36, U, S. Army.

Pursuant to authority contained in Amy Regulations 600-45, you are awarded a Silver Star for gallantry in action:

C I T A T I O N

     ALBERT G. FROST, 01307533, Second Lieutenant, 143d Infantry Regiment, for gallantry in action on 20-21 January 1944 in the vicinity of ANTRIDONATI, ITALY.  Company C, the assault company for the First Battalion, crossed the swift flowing and treacherous Rapido River despite a heavy concentration of enemy artillery, mortar and snail arms fire.  Lieutenant Frost, assigned the task of evacuating the wounded, swam back across the icy stream to secure a boat.  Realizing one boat would be insufficient to evacuate the men fast enough, he personally supervised the construction of a foot bridge from salvage material.  The bridge and boat then became the immediate target of enemy fire.  Dauntlessly, with great physical endurance and aggressiveness he continued to expose himself to the withering fire as he paddled the boat back and forth across the river until all the wounded were evacuated.  His calm courage and outstanding leadership saved the lives of many of his men and greatly inspired all who witnessed his deeds.  His gallant actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.  Entered the Service from Woodbury, New Jersey.

Fred L. Walker
FRED L. WALKER
Major General
U.S. Army Commanding

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His award of the Oak Leaf Cluster to the Silver Star.

HEADQUARTERS 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION
APO #36, U. S. ARMY

AG 200.6                                                                                         25 July 1944

SUBJECT  :  Award of Oak leaf Cluster

TO           :  First lieutenant ALBERT J. FROST, 01307533,
143d Infantry Regiment,
APO #36, U. S. Army

Pursuant to authority contained in Army Regulations 600-45, you are awarded an Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a second Silver Star for gallantry in action.

C I T A T I O N

      ALBERT J. FROST, 01307533, First Lieutenant, 143d Infantry Regiment, for gallantry in action on 1 June 1944 in Italy.  Lieutenant Frost, leader of the weapons platoon of company C, was instructed to support the 3d Platoon, in an attack against strongly fortified enemy positions.  The heavily wooded terrain afforded poor observation, and Lieutenant Frost determined to move forward and lay a wire line for a sound power phone in order to direct mortar fire on the hostile emplacements.  He advanced under intense artillery, mortar and small arms fire until he reached the 3d Platoon positions.  When he was told that the platoon leader had been wounded and evacuated, he immediately assumed command and led the men forward through barbed wire entanglements, pressing on against stubborn enemy resistance.  When the platoon was ordered to retire under the intense hostile fire, Lieutenant Frost, although wounded by a hurtling shell fragment, directed an orderly withdrawal, then reorganized the platoon and held the new positions until the unit was relieved.  His gallant actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.  Entered the Service from Woodbury, New Jersey.

JOHN E. DAHLQUIST
Major General, U. S. Army
Commanding

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A letter to Mrs. Frost from Chaplain Arbuthnot, concerning Lt. Frost’s death.

Office of the Chaplain
143rd Infantry A.P.O. 36
c/o Postmaster, New York, N.Y.

17 January 1945

Re:  1st Lt. Albert G. Frost, 0-1307533

Mrs. Anna Frost
555 Lincoln Street,
Woodbury, New Jersey.

Dear Mrs. Frost:

As Chaplain of the unit in which your son served so well I want to tell you briefly the circumstances of his death.  I realize I cannot even attempt to allay your sorrow but as spiritual advisor to the men, Albert was one of “my boys” and his friends and I share your loss.

In the stress of war one is not permitted to tell very much.  His burial place cannot even be divulged at this time though you may write to The Quartermaster General, ASF, Washington, D.C. and receive its location later.  Here is an extract from the official narrative, the only approved information:  1st Lt. Frost was the Commanding Officer of Company “A”.  On 14 December 1944, the company was holding an Alsatian town against increasing enemy opposition. Lt. Frost started to leave the Company Command Post when a burst of enemy machine gun fire hit him.  Lt. Frost was killed instantly.

After Albert’s death he was interred with the rites of his religion by a Hebrew Chaplain.  We all stand humbly with heads bowed before this soldierly example of the supreme sacrifice for a cause that must and will survive.  To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Our Father who giveth life and returneth it unto Himself, has been faithful and present to Albert; and I hope that your courage, though tested, may be deepened and strengthened with the assurance of the resurrection of all faithful souls.

Sincerely yours,
Charles W. Arbuthnot, Jr.
CHARLES W. ARBUTHNOT, JR.
Chaplain, 143rd Infantry.

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Lt. Frost’s Purple Heart Citation.

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The reason for the absence of Lt. Frost’s name from records of Jewish WW II military casualties became clear after searching Ancestry.com.  Lt. Frost’s “National Jewish Welfare Board – Bureau of War Records” index card, on which was recorded information which would – in theory – have been the basis for his record in 1947’s American Jews in World War Two, had been stamped “NO PUBLICITY”. 

He was to remain anonymous.  Thus, his name would not appear in that book.

Lt. Frost’s very brief – almost enigmatic – obituary appeared in The Jewish Exponent, on September 24, 1948.

The Jewish Exponent
September 24, 1948

Lt. Albert G. Frost

Services for First Lieutenant Albert G. Frost were held Sunday at Asher-Berschler’s, 1927 N. Broad St.  Internment was at Mr. Sharon Cemetery.  He was killed in France on December 14, 1944.  His Parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Frost, of 333 Lincoln St., Woodbury, N.J., survive.

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Gendler, William, PFC, 32544532, Purple Heart (Germany, Nordrhein-Westfalen)
United States Army, 78th Infantry Division, 309th Infantry Regiment, E Company
Mr. and Mrs. Louis and Dora F. Gendler (parents), 17870 Montgomery Ave., New York, N.Y.
Born Bronx, N.Y., 1913
Place of burial unknown Casualty List 2/20/45
American Jews in World War II – 319

Goldstein, Charles J., PFC, 36840619, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart
United States Army, 2nd Infantry Division, 9th Infantry Regiment
Mr. Max Goldstein (father), 4905 North Kimball Ave., Chicago, Il.
(Also Bronx, N.Y.?)
Kinishiner Cemetery, Forest Park, Il.
American Jews in World War II – 101

Greenblatt, Harry, Pvt., 42126718, Purple Heart (Germany)
United States Army, 95th Infantry Division, 377th Infantry Regiment
Mrs. Julianna Greenblatt (wife), 402 Williams Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Born 1916
Place of burial unknown
War Department Release 2/12/45
Casualty Lists 1/26/45, 2/13/45
American Jews in World War II – 335;

Handel, Asher Arnold, PFC, 12221153, Purple Heart (Germany, Nordrhein-Westfalen)
United States Army, 78th Infantry Division, 310th Infantry Regiment, C Company
Mr. and Mrs. Sol Z. and Etta Handel (parents), 136 Wallace Ave., Mount Vernon, N.Y.
Born Mount Vernon, N.Y., 1926
Place of burial unknown
Casualty List 2/27/45
American Jews in World War II – 340

Katsev, Bentsel, Pvt. (Saldus, Latvia)
16th Lithuanian Rifle Division, 167th Infantry Brigade
Born 1915
Mr. Israel Katsev (father), Pvt. Moshe Katsev (brother)
Place of burial unknown
Road to Victory – 285

Kaufman, Henry L., S/Sgt., 32296100, Purple Heart
United States Army, 77th Infantry Division, 305th Infantry Regiment
Mrs. Bessie Kaufman (relationship unknown), 942 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, N.Y.
David M. Gottlieb (brother in law)
Born 1914
Mount Judah Cemetery, Cypress Hills, N.Y. – Section 2, Block 2, Grave 068, Path R07, Chaim Berlin Society – Buried 5/1/49
Casualty List 3/31/45
American Jews in World War II – 359

Krevsky, Herman J., Pvt., 12206509, Purple Heart
United States Army, 87th Infantry Division, 346th Infantry Regiment
Mrs. Rose Z. Krevsky (mother), 223 3rd St., Elizabeth, N.J.
Born 1925
Lorraine American Cemetery, St. Avold, France – Plot K, Row 12, Grave 5
Casualty List 2/15/45
American Jews in World War II – 243

Kushner, Ruben, Pvt., 32631835, Purple Heart
United States Army, 778th Tank Battalion, Headquarters Company
Mrs. Fannie Kushner (mother), 14-12 Charlotte St., New York, N.Y.
Born 1922
Beth David Cemetery, Elmont, N.Y. – Section A, Block 6, Chev. Bain Abraham A. Treistiner Society – Buried 9/12/48
Casualty List 2/13/45
American Jews in World War II – 370

Libkovitz, Benyamin, Pvt. (Jaunberze, Latvia)
16th Lithuanian Rifle Division, 249th Infantry Brigade
Born 1912
Mr. Tuvia Libkovitz (father)
Place of burial unknown
Road to Victory – 296

Rappaport, Manley Samuel, PFC, 12227002, Purple Heart (France, Petit Rederching)
United States Army, 87th Infantry Division, 347th Infantry Regiment
Mrs. Sadie Rappaport (mother), 90-34 214th St., Queens Village, N.Y.
Born 1/6/26 or 4/8/25
Mount Lebanon Cemetery, Glendale, N.Y. – Block PK, Section 27, Plot 25, Line Rear, Grave 3, West End Society
Casualty List 2/20/45
New York Times Memorial Section 12/14/45, 12/14/46
New York Times Obituary section 1/6/49
American Jews in World War II – 410

Reingold, Frank, PFC, 12206588, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart
United States Army, 87th Infantry Division, 347th Infantry Regiment, K Company
Mr. and Mrs. Irving and Anna Reingold (parents), 289 Weequahic Ave., Newark, N.J.
Born 1/5/26
King Solomon Memorial Park, Clifton, N.J.
Casualty List 2/17/45
American Jews in World War II – 249

Saltzman, Max (Mordekhai bar Moredekhai), S/Sgt., 33338623, Purple Heart (Germany)
United States Army, 83rd Infantry Division, 329th Infantry Regiment
Mrs. Rosa (Stutman) Saltzman (wife), Philadelphia, Pa.
Mrs. Dora Saltzman (mother) [5/25/86-2/2/76], 5929 York Road, Philadelphia, Pa.
Born Odessa, Russia, 3/10/18
Montefiore Cemetery, Jenkintown, Pa. – Section I, Lot 464-A, Grave 1; Buried 4/15/48
Philadelphia Inquirer 4/14/48
American Jews in World War II – 548

Shamitz, Joseph, Cpl., 35711928, Purple Heart
United States Army, 87th Infantry Division, 347th Infantry Regiment
Mr. Herman Shamitz (father), 200 Riverside Drive, New York, N.Y.
Lt. Milton Shamitz (brother), Mrs. Lothar Davids (sister), Great Neck, N.Y.
Born 1/2/22
Westchester Hills Cemetery, Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.
Philadelphia Inquirer 3/3/45, 3/12/45
Philadelphia Record 3/21/45
New York Times Memorial Section 12/14/46
American Jews in World War II – 439

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Civilians (Killed during German V-2 ballistic missile strike on Brownlow Road, London)

Members of the Belasco family – mother and two daughters – at 139 Brownlow Road, Southgate, England.  All listed in Metropolitan Borough of Southgate, Section of the Civilian War Dead Register

Belasco, Estelle Esther
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel and Sarah (Harris) Belasco (parents), Marion Belasco (sister)
Born 1924

Belasco, Marion
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel and Sarah (Harris) Belasco (parents), Estelle Esther Belasco (sister)
Born 1932

Belasco, Sarah (Harris)
Mr. Samuel Belasco (husband); Estelle Esther and Marion (daughters); Mr. and Mrs. Henry and Matilda Harris (parents)
Born 1899

This image shows a 2016 Google (…what else but Google…?) Street View of Brownlow Road, with a view of houses along the Road’s “130” section.

The location of Brownlow Road relative to central London, with Google Maps’ ubiquitous red pointer designating 139 Brownlow Road.

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Killed (non-battle)

Cohn (Cohen?), Herbert Shelton, Ensign, Fighter Pilot (Died of injuries in training in United States)
United States Navy, VF-98 (Fighter Squadron 98)
Mr. Morris Cohen (father), 7444 Georgia Ave., Northwest, Washington, D.C.
Born 1923
Aircraft: F4U-1D Corsair, Bureau Number 82239
From War Diary of “Comwest Seafron 251” at Fold3.com: “Crashed on final approach 500 yards west of Ventura County Airport.  The pilot, Ens. Herbert S. Cohn, was severely injured.  The plane was a complete loss.”
Place of Burial unknown
Aviation Archeology Database of United States Navy F4U Corsair Accident Reports
American Jews in World War II – 76

Prisoners of War (Europe)

Gelb, Emanuel S., Sgt., 32172295
United States Army, 36th Infantry Division, 143rd Infantry Regiment, A Company
POW at Stalag 13C (Hammelburg Main)
Mr. Isaac Gelb (father), 909 Beck St., Bronx, N.Y.
Born 1914
Casualty Lists 4/24/45, 6/7/45
American Jews in World War II – Not listed

Gordon, Gerald Stanford, PFC, 16146591, Medical Corps, Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart
United States Army, 36th Infantry Division, 143rd Infantry Regiment, Medical Detachment
POW at Stalag 7A (Moosburg)
Mrs. Lillian Ruth (Rosen) Gordon (wife), 515 Noyes St., Saint Joseph, Mo.
Mr. Harold Gordon (father), 306 Victorian Court, Saint Joseph, Mo.
Cpl. Mark Gordon (brother), Elkhart, In.
Jewish Post (Indianapolis) 10/19/45, 11/16/45
American Jews in World War II – 211

Raiken, Nathan I., Pvt., 13129798 (Captured in France)
United States Army
POW at Stalag 7A (Moosburg)
Mrs. Frances Raiken (wife), Sherrie Ellen Raiken (daughter), 1929 S. 7th St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Mrs. Ethel Raiken (mother), 1713 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, Pa.
Born Philadelphia, Pa., 8/11/22
Philadelphia Inquirer 6/12/45
Philadelphia Record 4/26/45
American Jews in World War II – Not listed

Prisoners of War (Asia)

Levine, Joseph, 1 Lt., 0-811683, Bombardier, Bronze Star Medal
United States Army Air Force, 20th Air Force, 40th Bomb Group, 25th Bomb Squadron
Mrs. Lillian Levine (wife), 2065 Dean St., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Prisoner of War, “Burma #5” (Moulmein & Rangoon Jail)
MACR 10378, B-29 42-24457; “Battlin’ Beauty”; Pilot: Capt. Cornelius C. Meyer; 12 crewmen – all survived
40th Bomb Group Memories: Mission of December 14, 1944, by Norman Larsen
25th Bomb Squadron, 40th Bomb Group Crew List
40th Bomb Group Prisoners of War: 1944-1945
American Jews in World War II – 377

“Battlin’ Beauty“, from the 40th Bomb Group website.

The nose art of “Battlin’ Beauty”, from the 40th Bomb Group website.

This is Joseph Levine’s postwar Casualty Questionnaire concerning the December 14, 1944, loss of Battlin’ Beauty, and three other 40th Bomb Group B-29s (42-24574, 42-93831, and 42-24726) during the Group’s mission to Rangoon. 

Paul, Chester E., 1 Lt., 0-807505, Co-Pilot, Air Medal, Purple Heart
United States Army Air Force, 20th Air Force, 40th Bomb Group, 45th Bomb Squadron
Prisoner of War, “Burma #5” (Moulmein & Rangoon Jail)
Mrs. Shirley (Bagley) Paul (wife), 130-33 226th St., Laurelton, N.Y.
Mr. Henry Paul (father), 130-65 225th St., Laurelton, N.Y.
MACR 10377, B-29A 42-93831; “Queenie”; Pilot: 1 Lt. Wayne W. Treimer; 11 crewmen – 6 survivors
40th Bomb Group Memories: Mission of December 14, 1944, by Norman Larsen
25th Bomb Squadron, 40th Bomb Group Crew List
40th Bomb Group Prisoners of War: 1944-1945
Brooklyn Eagle 8/15/45
Long Island Daily Press 7/28/43, 8/17/43, 7/25/44
The Aluminum Trail – 316
American Jews in World War II – 403

“Queenie“, from the 40th Bomb Group website.

The nose art of “Queenie“, from the 40th Bomb Group website.

In 1945, Co-Pilot Norman Larsen wrote this remarkable account covering the loss of Queenie, and the fate of his fellow crewmen.  In April of 1990, Issue # 32 of the 40th Bomb Group Memories published the “other half” of Mr. Larsen’s story:  His account of his experiences as a POW of the Japanese, particularly including his sentence of “execution” by the Japanese.

Wounded

Gottlieb, Gerald Jerome, Pvt., Purple Heart (Germany)
United States Army
Born 1925
Mr. Harry Gottlieb (father), 72-72 112th St., Forest Hills, N.Y.
Long Island Star Journal 3/9/45
American Jews in World War II – 332

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Kozower, Sanford U., PFC, Medical Corps, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart (Europe)
United States Army
Wounded while administering first aid amidst enemy small arms and mortar fire
Mr. Abraham Kozower (father), 25-40 31st Ave., Long Island City, N.Y.
Born 1925
Pre-Medical Student at Temple University
Casualty List 4/19/45
Long Island Star Journal 2/4/39, 4/12/45, 4/18/45
American Jews in World War II – 367

From the Long Island Star Journal, April 12, 1945…

Private Kozower, 20-year-old medical corpsman of the 7th Army, was cited for the calm and efficient manner in which he administered first aid to members of his armored infantry unit during an advance in the face of enemy mortar and small arms fire on Dec. 14.

“His courage and devotion to duty were of substantial aid in the expeditious evacuation of wounded personnel,” according to the citation accompanying the award.”

Overseas since last October, Private Kozower was a pre-medical student at Temple University, Philadelphia, prior to his induction in August, 1943.

The son of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Kozower, he is a graduate of Public School 5, Astoria, and Stuyvesant High School, Manhattan.

______________________________

Steinberg, Hyman, Pvt., Purple Heart (Europe)
United States Army
Mrs. Yetta Steinberg (wife), 300 North Fulton Ave., Baltimore, Md.
Mr. Samuel Steinberg (father), 2012 Linden Ave., Baltimore, Md.
Baltimore Jewish Times 3/23/45
American Jews in World War II – 145

Acknowledgements

     I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Susan Frost, and, Steven and Linda Korsin, for sharing documents concerning Lieutenant Albert Frost.  Without their help, Lt. Frost’s story and courage would have remained untold.

References

The Forward (at National Library of Israel)

Historical Jewish Press at the National Library of Israel (at National Library of Israel)

V-Weapon Attacks on Enfield (at Terror From the Sky)

40th Bomb Group History and Memorabilia (at 40th BombGroup.org)

Dublin, Louis I., and Kohs, Samuel C., American Jews in World War II – The Story of 550,000 Fighters for Freedom, The Dial Press, New York, N.Y., 1947

Leivers, Dorothy (Editing and Revisions), Road to Victory – Jewish Soldiers of the 16th Lithuanian Division, 1941-1945, Avotaynu, Bergenfield, N.J., 2009

Morris, Henry, Edited by Hilary Halter, We Will Remember Them – A Record of the Jews Who Died in the Armed Forces of the Crown 1939 – 1945 – An Addendum, AJEX, United Kingdom, London, 1994

Quinn, Chick Marrs, The Aluminum Trail – China-Burma-India World War II 1942-1945 – How and Where They Died, Chick Marrs Quinn, 1989 (Privately Printed)

Soldiers from New York: Jewish Soldiers in The New York Times, in World War Two: Sergeant Michael E. (“Mickey”) Drucker – May 7, 1944

On June 23, 1944, the Times published a Casualty List encompassing the states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, comprising the name of 3,073 soldiers “Missing  in Action” in the Asian, European, Mediterranean, and Southwest Pacific Theaters of War, as well as an extensive list of men reported as prisoners of war in Germany.  Of the Missing, the overwhelming majority were reported from the European and Mediterranean Theaters of War, with only seven soldiers – airmen, specifically – reported from the Southwest Pacific.

Missing in the Southwest Pacific was Sergeant Michael E. Drucker.  An aerial gunner in the 64th Bomb Squadron of the 43rd Bomb Group (5th Air Force), his B-24D Liberator (42-40525, “Toughy“), piloted by 1 Lt. John E. Terpning, vanished during a mission from Nadzab, to Sarmi.  On March 5, 1946, almost two years later, with no further information forthcoming, Sgt. Drucker’s obituary – transcribed below – was published in the Times. 

Now Listed as Killed In New Guinea Mission

Sgt. Michel [sic] (Mickey) Drucker of the Army Air Forces, who was reported missing in action on May 7, 1944, while on a bombing mission from Nadzab, New Guinea, is now presumed to be dead, the War Department has informed his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Marcy Drucker of 359 Fort Washington Avenue.  Sergeant Drucker did radar and radio work on a B-24 Liberator bomber.

Born in New York on Jan. 27, 1922, Sergeant Drucker was graduated from Haaren High School, where he was a member of the swimming team, and then attended New York University.  Later he was associated with a wholesale hardware concern, the Guarantee Speciality Company, 60 Lispenard Street, in which his father is a partner.  He enlisted on Aug. 15, 1942.

Besides his parents, he leaves a sister, Miss Eveline Drucker of New York.

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Here are three pages of the Missing Air Crew Report (#5664) for Toughy and her crew. 

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Toughy was originally assigned to the 529th Bomb Squadron of the 380th Bomb Group.  The image below, from the 380th Bomb Group wesbite, gives a nice impression of her nose art, which consists of a simple nickname.  By the time the aircraft has been transferred to the 43rd Bomb Group, the bombardier’s nose “greenhouse” had been replaced with a field-installed A-6 tail turret, giving the aircraft better protection against head-on fighter attack.

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Nineteen years after they went missing, the remains of Toughy and her crew were discovered in mountainous terrain five miles northeast of Nadzab. 

The remains of the crew were interred at Arlington National Cemetery, in a group burial, on October 18, 1974.  (Section 30, Grave 486)  In April of 2013, after further investigation of the crash site, the remains of S/Sgt. Raymond E. Thompson (whose name also appears on the monument) were buried at Olney Cemetery in Pendleton, Oregon.  

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The image below is a contemporary (2017) Google Street view of the wartime residence of the Drucker family, at 359 Fort Washington Ave., in the (I assume…?!) Washington Heights section of New York. 

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Some other Jewish military casualties on Sunday, May 7, 1944, include…

Killed in Action
– .ת.נ.צ.ב.ה. –

Friedland, Max, Lt., 96919V, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner (At Maleme Airdrome, Crete)
South African Air Force, No. 24 Squadron
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac and Sarah Friedland (parents), 9 Alexandra Ave., Oranjezicht, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Born 1917
Aircraft: Martin Marauder II; Serial number: FB508 (“T” – “HonkyTonk”); Pilot – Lt. Deryk Broosbank; 6 crew – no survivors
Buried at Suda Bay War Cemetery, Crete, Greece – Collective Grave 13,B,12-15
http://aviationarchaeology.gr/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Martin-B26-Marauder-losses-in-Greece-1943-1945.pdf
Eagles Victorious – 189
85 Years of South African Air Force – 292, 416
South African Jewish Times 9/7/45

Klippel, John Owen, F/O, 412149, Navigator
Royal Australian Air Force, No. 31 O.T.U. Unit, Debert / Headquarters, Ferry Command, Royal Air Force / Number 45 Atlantic Transport Group
Mr. and Mrs. Alec and Haidee Klippel (parents), Eridge Park Road, Bowral, New South Wales, Australia
Born Turramurra, New South Wales, Australia; 11/28/21
Mosquito XX, KB220, Pilot – F/Lt. George H. Wood; Aircraft lost during severe icing conditions on ferry flight between BW1 airfield, Greenland, and United Kingdom, via Iceland
Commemorated at Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England – Panel 257
World War II Crash Sites in Iceland
Aviation Safety Network
The Jewish Chronicle 5/26/44

Silverman, George S., 2 Lt., 0-688116, Navigator, Air Medal, Purple Heart, 18 Missions
United States Army Air Force, 5th Air Force, 43rd Bomb Group, 64th Bomb Squadron (also in the Toughy crew)
Miss Florence Langbaum (fiancé), 70-39 Kessel St., Forest Hills, N.Y
Mrs. Lena Silverman (mother), 111-14 76th Ave., Forest Hills, N.Y.
Mr. Harry N. Below (brother in law), 111-32 76th Ave., Forest Hills, L.I., N.Y.
Born 3/19/19; Last letter to fiancé written 5/6/44
Casualty List 6/23/44
Long Island Daily Press 6/22/44
American Jews in World War Two – 444

Aviator – Prisoner of War

Barron, Israel Manuel, 2 Lt., 0-684468, Co-Pilot, Air Medal, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, 13 Missions
United States Army Air Force, 8th Air Force, 801st Bomb Group, 406th Bomb Squadron
(Also wounded 8/9/43)
Stalag Luft III (Sagan), Stalag VIIA (Moosburg)
Mrs. Eleanor J. Barron (wife), 160 University Road, Brookline, Ma. / 146 River Road, Winthrop, Ma.
Born Roxbury, Ma., 2/19/20
MACR 4603, B-24D 42-40530, Pilot – 1 Lt. George Pipkin, 8 Crewmen – 7 survivors
Aircraft shot down by Feldwebel Hugo Fütscher (Fintscher?) of 12 / NJG (Nachtjagdgeschwader) 3
Casualty List (Liberated POW) 6/4/45
American Jews in World War Two – 150

The photograph and other images below are part of the Israel Manuel Barron collection at the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.  The digitized items include Israel’s German POW information card, transcribed Missing Air Crew Report, and POW Diary (“A Wartime Log”).  Through the generosity of Mr. Barron and the foresight of the Veterans History Project, the documents are fully; openly available to the public, the pages on display “below” giving an impression of the nature of this material, which is as fascinating as it is moving. 

The Israel Barron collection also includes a video file of an interview with Mr. Barron, conducted on November 11, 2002. 

References

General

Dublin, Louis I., and Kohs, Samuel C., American Jews in World War II – The Story of 550,000 Fighters for Freedom, The Dial Press, New York, N.Y., 1947.

B-24D 42-40525 “Toughy“

History of Aircraft (at website of 380th Bomb Group)

Loss and Postwar discovery of aircraft (at Pacific Wrecks website)

Burial of crew at Arlington National Cemetery (at ArlingtonCemetery.net)

Israel Manuel “Red” Barron and B-24D 42-40530

Collection at Veterans History Project (General Description)

Digital Collection

POW Diary – “A Wartime Log” (27 pages)

B-24D 42-40530 (Description of loss of aircraft and fate of crew – “Airwar Over Denmark” website)

Loss of 42-40530 also described at juhlerdenmark (Kim Juhler) website

Max Friedland

Brent, Winston, 85 Years of South African Air Force – 1920-2005, Freeworld Publications, Inc., Nelspruit, South Africa, 2005

Martin, Henry J., and Orpen, Neil, South African forces, World War II. Vol. 6, Eagles victorious : the operations of the South African forces over the Mediterranean and Europe, in Italy, the Balkans and the Aegean, and from Gibraltar and West Africa, Purnell, Cape Town, South Africa, 1977

Martin B-26 Marauder Losses in Greece, at Maritime Aviation Archeology

Soldiers from New York: Jewish Soldiers in The New York Times, in World War Two: Private Marc C. Dauber – November 18, 1944

The name of Private Marc C. Dauber, a resident of Brooklyn, appeared in The New York Times on February 4, 1945, in a list of soldiers killed in action in the European Theater of War.  His obituary – shown below – was published on September 26 of that year.

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Second Highest Honor Awarded Him After Death

The nation’s second highest honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, was awarded posthumously yesterday to Pvt. Marc C. Dauber, 22 years old, a Brooklyn soldier who was killed in action in the Huertgen Forest at Hamich, Germany, after twice leaving “safe” Army assignments to get into front-line action.

At a ceremony at 90 Church Street, Col. John R. Reitmeyer, Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Defense Command, presented the award to the soldier’s father, Emanuel Dauber of 1574 Fifty-Sixth Street, Brooklyn.  Private Dauber was killed last November while serving with Company L of the Sixteenth Infantry Regiment, of the First Division.  Badly wounded in a German counter-attack, he defended his position until he was killed, shouting and throwing grenades, and drawing enemy fire away from the rest of his platoon.

He had left his engineer camouflage unit to stow away on a landing barge, for the D-Day landing.

Assigned to a desk job in Brittany, he again transferred himself to the infantry unit, and served so well that his commanding officer requested his official transfer.

Before entering the Army he was a senior at Brooklyn College.

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The official citation for Private Dauber’s DSC award, available at Military Times Hall of Valor, states:

A member of 3rd Battalion, L Company, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, he was killed in action on November 18, 1944.  A recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, the citation for his award states, “During action near Hamich, Germany, Private Dauber assumed command of his platoon when the platoon and squad leaders became casualties. He led a group of men into the town, silenced a German machine gun with a grenade, courageously advanced alone on a second machine gun nest and eliminated that position with rifle fire. He continued to lead his men until nightfall when the enemy counterattacked and surrounded his platoon. Although seriously wounded he defended his position with heroic determination against overwhelming odds until he was killed. Private Dauber’s inspirational leadership and supreme devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.”

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Born in Germany on October 24, 1922, Private Dauber is buried at the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery, in Henri-Chapelle, Belgium, in Grave 18, Row 6, Plot B.  A photograph of his tombstone, by WW II military history researcher Des Philippet, can be found at his biographical profile, at FindAGrave.com.

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A late-2016 Google view of the residence of Marc and his parents – Emanuel (a veteran of the German Army in WW I) and Pauline – in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn, appears below.

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Some other Jewish military casualties on Saturday, November 18, 1944 include…

Killed in Action
– .ת.נ.צ.ב.ה. –

Egel, Ely, PFC, 37619938, Purple Heart
United States Army, 26th Infantry Division, 101st Infantry Regiment
Mr. and Mrs. Simone and Minnie Egel (parents), 956 Hamilton Ave., St. Louis, Mo.; Mr. Sam Goldblatt (best friend), St. Louis, Mo.
Place of burial unknown
Saint Louis Post Dispatch 3/5/45
American Jews in World War II – 209

Ellman, Alan H., Pvt., 32978581, Purple Heart
United States Army, 95th Infantry Division, 377th Infantry Regiment
Dr. Isadore William Ellman (father), 701 Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Born 1924
Place of burial unknown
American Jews in World War II – 302

Emmer, Raymond Philip, Pvt., 37618928, Purple Heart
United States Army, 99th Infantry Division, 394th Infantry Regiment, F Company
Mr. and Mrs. Vivien Horace and Blanche (Nathan) Emmer (parents), 6304 Rosemary Drive, St. Louis, Mo.
Born Saint Louis, Mo., 4/6/25
American Jews in World War II – 209

Raymond P. Emmer and Carol Strauss, at Beverly Hills, California, in 1942.  (Photo c/o Robert Alyn)

Fried, Louis, Pvt., 35233154, Purple Heart, Casualty in France
United States Army, 95th Infantry Division, 379th Infantry Regiment
Mr. Samuel Fried (father), 139 Roslyn Drive, Youngstown, Oh.
Born 1923
Place of burial unknown
The Jewish Times (Youngstown, Ohio) 12/22/44
American Jews in World War II – 486

Kaufman, Arthur S., Pvt., 32525103
United States Army, 32nd Infantry Division, 32nd Signal Company
Mr. and Mrs. Meyer and Mollie Kaufman (parents); Irvin and Norman (brothers), 1735 Walton Ave., Bronx, N.Y.
Born 1921; City College of New York Class of 1942
Place of burial unknown
Casualty List 2/6/45
New York Times obituary page (Memorial Section) 11/17/46
American Jews in World War II – 47, 359

Schlamowitz, Milton, Pvt., 32803627, Purple Heart, Casualty in Germany
United States Army, 29th Infantry Division, 116th Infantry Regiment, B Company
Mrs. Jennie Schlamowitz (mother), Herbert (brother), 1234 Vyse Ave., New York, N.Y.
Born 1925
Place of burial unknown
Casualty List 3/6/45
American Jews in World War II – 431

Schor, William, PFC, 42056382, Purple Heart, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Casualty in France
United States Army, 103rd Infantry Division, 411th Infantry Regiment, Anti-Tank Company
Died of Wounds 12/5/44
Mrs. Mina R. Schor (mother), 3640 (3650?) Rochambeau Ave., New York, N.Y.
Place of burial unknown
Casualty List 1/28/45
American Jews in World War II – 433

Sussman, Daniel, Pvt., 36727698
United States Army, 95th Infantry Division, 377th Infantry Regiment
Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Bess (Kaiserman) Sussman (parents), Chicago, Il.; Mrs. Thelma Friedman (sister)
Westlawn Cemetery, Norridge, Chicago, Il. (Buried August, 1949)
Chicago Tribune 8/4/49
American Jews in World War II – 118

Wiesen, Fred R., PFC, 18151571, Purple Heart, Casualty in France
United States Army
Mr. and Mrs. Alex and Ruth Wiesen (parents), New York, N.Y. / Orleans Parrish, La.
Mrs. Estelle (Wiesen) Levine (sister), Harold and Lois (?); Lenore and Milton, Seasonwein; Gertrude and Arthur Holzsager; Naomi Hicks; Fred and Clara Penner; Carl, Julius, Charlotte, and Harold
Place of burial unknown (Buried 5/21/48)
New York Times Obituary page 5/20/48, 5/21/48, 5/22/48;
New York Times Obituary page Memorial section: 11/18/45, 11/24/26
American Jews in World War II – 472

Died of Wounds
– .ת.נ.צ.ב.ה. –

Captain Wallace Nathan Emmer, USAAF (brother of Raymond Philip Emmer), Capt., 0-730422
United States Army Air Force, 9th Air Force, 354th Fighter Group, 353rd Fighter Squadron
138 combat missions
Silver Star
Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Service Cross,
Air Medal with 24 Oak Leaf Clusters
Purple Heart
Born Omaha, Nebraska, 11/18/17
Shot down by flak 8/9/44; Prisoner of war; Died 2/15/45 at Wetzlar / Lahn, Klosterwald, Germany, of a heart attack, from effects of severe burns received when his Mustang was shot down.
MACR 8149, P-51D 44-13948, No Luftgaukommando Report
American Jews in World War II – Not listed

Unlike all other soldiers listed in this post, Captain Wallace N. Emmer was not a casualty on November 18, 1944.  Information about him is presented here because he was Private Raymond P. Emmer’s brother. 

Raymond and Wallace are among the numerous sets of brothers profiled in Helen Kantzler’s article “Double Gold Stars”, which was published in the Jewish Criterion (Pittsburgh) on September 20, 1946.  The Emmer brothers were buried alongside one another at New Mount Sinai Cemetery, in Saint Louis, Missouri, on April 21, 1948.  (Section Q, Lot 25)   For more information about Raymond and Wallace, visit their biographical profile (by Trip Alyn) at FindAGrave.com.

The image below, reproduced from a photographic print loaned to me by Robert Alyn, shows Wallace’s personal P-51D, “Arson’s Reward”.  Very (very, very!) close magnification of that photographic print showed that this aircraft’s serial number is 44-13400.      

According to the Aviation Archeology database, 44-13400 was wrecked in a landing accident Criqueville, France, on August 3, 1944, while being flown by Franklin Rose, Jr.  This was six days before Captain Emmer was shot down in P-51D 44-13948. 

Though low resolution, the image below, from the book History in the Sky: 354th Pioneer Mustang Fighter Group, clearly shows the wreck of “Arson’s Reward”.  The picture shows the plane’s nickname on its forward cowling.  (Plus, a rather broken left wing.)

Notice that while the photo above shows the plane with 11 crosses denoting German planes shot down, the image below shows 16 crosses.  Based on the dates (in USAF Historical Study 85) of Emmer’s 13 full-credit and two half-credit aerial victories, this suggests that the above photograph was probably taken in very late June through mid-July of 1944.

Therefore, it seems that 44-13948 – the aircraft in which Wallace Emmer was shot down – was not “Arson’s Reward” and thus, not his “personal” Mustang.

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Since information about Captain Emmer abundantly exists in digital and print formats, the following two pictures are included here as representative images.

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This superb photograph shows Captain Emmer standing before a P-51B Mustang fighter, at the 354th Fighter Group’s base at Boxted, England.  Curiously, it is not an official USAAF photograph.  Instead, it was obtained through Britain’s Imperial War Museum, where it has been cataloged as image EA18248.  It may have been taken by Childs & Coxey Photographers, who apparently visited Boxted for a photo session early in 1944.

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This photograph, of Raymond and Wallace’s parents, Vivien Horace and Blanche (Nathan) Emmer, accompanied by Robert Alyn, was taken in Saint Louis on July 14, 1951.  They passed away within a day of one another in October, 1975.  (Image c/o Robert Alyn.) 

Wounded in Action

Burstein, Charles, 2 Lt., 0-1822586, Purple Heart
United States Army, 702nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
Mrs. Mary Burstein (mother), 1002 Keniston Ave., Los Angeles, Ca.
Casualty List 1/31/45
American Jews in World War II – 286

Friedenwald, Aaron, Capt., Silver Star, Purple Heart
United States Army, 29th Infantry Division
Miss Dorothy Lane (fiancée)
Dr. and Mrs. Edgar B. Friedenwald (parents), 1616 Linden Ave., Baltimore, Md.
Baltimore Sun 1/21/45, 1/26/45
Jewish Times (Baltimore) 2/2/45
American Jews in World War II – 138

Epstein, Herbert W., Pvt., 12225760, Purple Heart, Severely Wounded, France
United States Army,
Mr. Samuel S. Epstein (father), 229 Van Cortlandt Park Ave., Yonkers, N.Y.
Born 1925
Casualty List 1/31/45;
The Herald Statesman (Yonkers) 12/21/44
American Jews in World War II – 303

Prisoners of War

Feier, Joseph Arthur, Pvt., 42109607
84th Infantry Division, 334th Infantry Regiment
Stalag 2B (Hammerstein)
Mrs. Elsie Feier (mother), 153 Grove St., Passaic, N.J.
Casualty Lists 4/6/45, 6/13/45
American Jews in World War II – p. 232

Hanowitz, Stanley, Pvt., 33588225
84th Infantry Division, 334th Infantry Regiment
Stalag 2A (Neubrandenburg)
Mrs. Rosita Hanowitz (wife), 601 West 163rd St., New York, N.Y.
Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Albert and Frances Hanowitz (parents), 5058 F Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Born Philadelphia, Pa., 4/26/24
The Jewish Exponent 4/13/45; The Philadelphia Inquirer 4/5/45, 6/10/45; The Philadelphia Record 1/23/45, 4/5/45
American Jews in World War II – Not listed

Sackter, Arnold M., Pvt., 36864894
26th Infantry Division, 104th Infantry Regiment
Stalag 12A (Limburg an der Lahn)
Mr. Jacob Sackter (father), 3824 Humphrey St., Detroit, Mi. / 446 1/2 North Curson, Los Angeles, Ca.
Casualty Lists 5/4/45, 6/19/45
American Jews in World War II – Not listed

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References

Brown, Arthur F., History in the Sky: 354th Pioneer Mustang Fighter Group, San Angelo, Tx., 1946

Dublin, Louis I., and Kohs, Samuel C., American Jews in World War II – The Story of 550,000 Fighters for Freedom, The Dial Press, New York, N.Y., 1947.

The 16th Infantry: 1798 – 1946, Edited by Lieutenant John W. Baumgartner, 1st Sergeant Al De Poto, Sergeant William Fraccio, and Corporal Sammy Fuller

Brooklyn Eagle, February 23, 1946, “96 Jewish Vets Get State Service Cross” (p. 2)

New York Post, October 6, 1945, “Parents Seek Word of Son” (p. 11)

New York Post, October 10, 1945, “Seek Word of Missing Relatives” (p. 11)

Military Times Hall of Valor – DSC Award for Private Marc C. Dauber, at
http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=22028

USAF Credits for the Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II, Albert F. Simpson Historical Research Center, Air University, Office of Air Force History, Headquarters USAF, 1978 (Wallace N. Emmer, pp. 60-61)

Soldiers from New York: Jewish Soldiers in The New York Times, in World War Two: First Lieutenant David Chrystall – January 4, 1945

First Lieutenant David Chrystall (0-452872), born in 1918, who served in the 550th Airborne Infantry Battalion, was killed in action in Belgium on January 4, 1945.  His name appeared in a Casualty List published on March 8 of that year, while his obituary – transcribed below – appeared in the Times a little over one year later: On January 6, 1946. 

He is buried at the Luxembourg American Cemetery, in Luxembourg, at Plot E, Row 8, Grave 41. 

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Officer Lost in Action With Airborne Infantry

The War Department has notified Maurice M. Chrystall of 311 East Seventy-Second Street, that his son, Lieut. David Chrystall of the airborne infantry, was killed in action in Belgium early in January.  He was 27 years old.

Born in New York City, he attended public schools in Paterson, N.J., and was graduated from Cornell University.  He enlisted in the Army in December, 1940, and attended the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Ga.  He later attended the Advanced Infantry School at Fort Benning and was promoted to a first lieutenancy.

In addition to his father he is survived by a sister, Mrs. Claire Seckler of Brooklyn.

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An image (from Apartments.com) of the building where the Chrystall family resided: 311 East 72nd Street, in New York City..

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Some other Jewish military casualties on Thursday, January 4, 1945…

Killed in Action
– .ת.נ.צ.ב.ה. –

Brafman, Arthur A., PFC, 42134385, Purple Heart, Killed in France
United States Army, 70th Infantry Division, 275th Infantry Regiment, C Company
Mr. Samuel Brafman (father [12/26/50]), 128 Bay 28th St., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Born 1926
New Montefiore Cemetery, West Babylon, N.Y. – Society Bayview Nemo B.A., Block 11, Row 16, Section 3, Grave 1R; Buried 1/10/49
American Jews in World War Two – 282

Cooperstein, Abraham, Pvt., 32231143, Purple Heart, Killed on Leyte Island
United States Army, 242nd Engineer Combat Battalion
Mrs. Yetta Cooperstein (mother), 245 Kosciusko St., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines – Plot B, Row 13, Grave 101
American Jews in World War Two – 294

Fishman, Stanley C., Sgt., 11138290, Silver Star, Purple Heart, Killed in Luxembourg
United States Army, 26th Infantry Division, 104th Infantry Regiment
Mr. Selig Fishman (father), 11 Colony Road, New Haven, Ct.
Born 7/30/25
Congregation B’Nai Jacob Cemetery, New Haven, Ct. – Plot AG4
The American Hebrew 3/30/45
American Jews in World War Two – 63

Haffits, Joseph H., S/Sgt., 17066957, Purple Heart
United States Army, 4th Infantry Division, 8th Infantry Regiment
Mrs. Bertha Haffits (mother), 2603 Court St., Sioux City, Ia.
Born 1920
Luxembourg American Cemetery, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg – Plot E, Row 2, Grave 45
American Jews in World War Two – 126

Hoffman, Joseph, S/Sgt., 32894589, Purple Heart
United States Army, 45th Infantry Division, 179th Infantry Regiment
Mr. Abraham Hoffman (father), 2102 Daly Ave., New York, N.Y.
Lorraine American Cemetery, St. Avold, France – Plot D, Row 6, Grave 18
Casualty List 3/1/45
American Jews in World War Two – 346

Jachman, Isadore Siegfried, S/Sgt., 13136814, Medal of Honor, Purple Heart
United States Army, 17th Airborne Division, 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, B Company
Mr. Leo Jachman (father), 2005 Whitter Ave., Baltimore, Md.
Born Berlin, Germany, 12/14/22
Hebrew Mount Carmel Cemetery, Adath Israel Anshe Sfarad Cemetery, Baltimore, Md.
American Jews in World War Two – 140
Images of Staff Sergeant Jachman’s matzeva can be found at his biographical profile at FindAGrave.com. 

Leshne, Jerome, PFC, 32974066, Purple Heart
United States Army, 26th Infantry Division
Mr. and Mrs. Abraham and Lillian Leshne (parents), Seymour Leshne (brother), 1500 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Mr. Robert Lippin (“foxhole buddy”)
Beth David Cemetery, Elmont, N.Y.; Buried 8/22/48
Casualty List 3/13/45
The New York Times Obituary Page 8/22/48
American Jews in World War Two – 375

Wounded in Action

Erlick, Samuel, PFC, 13185920, BSM, Purple Heart, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
United States Army, 26th Infantry Division, 104th Infantry Regiment, K Company
Also wounded 11/10/44
Mr. and Mrs. Harry and Eva (Borosh) Erlick (parents), 709 Hoffman St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Born Philadelphia, Pa., 6/24/24
American Jews in World War Two – Not listed

Silver, Alvin S., Pvt., 33577617, Purple Heart, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Wounded in Germany (Also wounded 3/28/45)
United States Army
Mrs. Rhoda Mae Silver (wife); Barbara Ann and Michael David (daughter and son), 1133 Cobbs St., Drexel Hill, Pa.
Mrs. Rose Bass (mother), 5701 Lebanon Ave., Philadelphia, Pa.
Born Philadelphia, Pa., 7/28/23
The Jewish Exponent (Philadelphia) 5/4/45
Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Record 4/21/45
American Jews in World War Two – 552

Prisoners of War

Cohen, Melvin, Pvt., 11047725, Purple Heart
United States Army, 550th Airborne Infantry Battalion
POW at Stalag 4B (Muhlberg)
Mrs. Lena Cohen (mother), 32 Coleman Road, Arlington, Ma.
Casualty List (Liberated POW) 6/13/45
American Jews in World War Two – 154

Goldberg, Melvin I., Pvt., 12220289, Purple Heart
United States Army, 550th Airborne Infantry Battalion
POW at Stalag 4B (Muhlberg) (German POW # 98655)
Mr. Benjamin Goldberg (father), 58 Manhattan Ave., New York, N.Y.
Casualty List (Liberated POW) 6/20/45
American Jews in World War Two – 325

References

Dublin, Louis I., and Kohs, Samuel C., American Jews in World War II – The Story of 550,000 Fighters for Freedom, The Dial Press, New York, N.Y., 1947.

Email correspondence with Samuel Erlick, 2004-2006

 

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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______________________________
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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

____________________

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.

____________________
______________________________
____________________

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.

____________________

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.

____________________

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.

____________________

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

____________________

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

____________________

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

____________________

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

____________________

Reference

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

 

 

Thoughts from The Frontier: The Jew As a Soldier (Book Reviews), by Abraham G. Duker (Jewish Frontier, December, 1945)

“And we must remember that this book was written not as a historical record for ourselves, but primarily as a weapon against anti-Semitism.”

* * * * * * * * *

“Curt Riess, who has done much literary introduction of late, adds to the general confusion by proclaiming that to think of Jews “as a group is not logically justifiable”.  According to him Jews are “not a nation, not a religious community, not a race.  Furthermore, Zionists form only a relatively small percentage of all Jewish people in the world.”  Mr. Riess also recommends that the book should be widely read.  The reviewer disagrees.”

____________________

This item is a dual book review from late 1945 by Abraham G. Duker, covering publications dealing with Jewish military service.  The first book – Fighting For America – 1944 Edition, covers Jewish military service in the United States’ armed forces during the Second World War, based on information gathered by the Bureau of War Records of the National Jewish Welfare Board through that year.  The second, The Fighting Jew, presents a historical overview of Jewish military activity and participation from (as can be understood from the review) as far back as the Bar Kochba Revolt of 132-135 (or, 136) C.E., while primarily emphasizing the modern era and contemporary times.

While Abraham Duker’s brief review of Fighting For America could be deemed skeptical but appreciative, his opinion of Ralph Nunberg’s book is – charitably phrased – highly dismissive.

Regardless of the books’ differences in content and style, and the lack of historical accuracy of the latter (!), a shared quality of the works would seem to have been the imperative of validating the bravery and patriotism of Jews, within both the immediate (WW II) and long-term historical context.  As such, and as correctly perceived by Duker regarding Fighting for America, one (not the only) purpose of that book was to refute antisemitism.  (Of course, this would have been based on the erroneous assumption that antisemitism is amendable to refutation by logic and reason, in the first place…)  

Duker is correct in deeming these works to be part and representative of Jewish “apologetic literature”, examples of which most strikingly appeared during and after the First World War, some even appearing in Germany amidst the Franco-Prussian War.  Regardless, the information amassed in at least some such books – which have varied tremendously in terms of comprehensiveness, style, and physical format – is still historically valuable. 

I would take issue with Duker’s implication that the lack of a publication covering American Jewish service in WW I, was due to the fact that the impetus to create such a book did not exist at that time – in the late ‘teens and through the 1920s – among American Jewry.  Actually, it did.  Certainly, more than sufficient information had been amassed by the Office of War Records of the American Jewish Committee, that could have eventuated in such a publication, perhaps as multiple volumes.  That it was not produced – that the project seems to have been “shelved” – was, I would suggest, due to the tenor of the times: Amidst overlapping currents of economic and social uncertainty, and worse, much of American Jewry – at least, as perceived, influenced and led by its ostensible, nominal, de facto leadership – adopted a survival strategy of collective self-effacement.

In any event, regardless of the impetus behind its creation, Fighting for America and its related and larger 1947 two-volume publication, American Jews in World War Two are valuable (albeit highly incomplete) reference works.

____________________

FIGHTING FOR AMERICA, A Record of the Participation of Jewish Men and Women in the Armed Forces During 1944, New York, The National Jewish Welfare Board, 1944, 290 pp.

THE FIGHTING JEW, by Ralph Nunberg.  With an Introduction by Curt Riess.  New York, Creative Age Press, 1945, 295 pp.

A significant index of the status of the Jews in the world today, their fears and uncertain view of their own future, is the relatively large number of publications on the subject of Jews and military prowess, two of which are here examined.  Fighting for America is reminiscent of similar volumes published by Jewish communities in Europe, Africa, and Australia following World War I.  The fact that no such publication appeared in the U.S. at that time, and that American Jewry is the first to produce one after World War II, is in itself an indication of the spread of this type of apologetics, whose effectiveness has been amply tested in the crematoria of Europe.

Fighting for America is an incomplete record of the heroism of Jewish members of the armed forces.  It is incomplete because unlike Catholics, “Americans of the Jewish faith” do not take their religion or community adherence seriously enough to establish a unified system of records of births, marriages, and affiliation.  The Jewishness of Sam Levine, Bernard Shapiro, or Norman Friedman is beyond doubt in most cases.  A student of Jewish history will easily spot the Sephardic Abe Condiotti.  He will hesitate before identifying Gilbert Stein, Lou Charles Lerner, or Harold Monash.  But it takes much research to identify as Jewish names like Bertram N. Sheff, Martin Rockmore, Morris Saunders, John Stark, or George J. Smith.  The Welfare Board’s Bureau of War Records has done it in these cases; more power to its staff.

____________________

Lt. Abraham Condiotti, as seen in the Philadelphia Bulletin of June 8, 1944.  An article about him appeared in The New York Times on the same day.  Strangely, though a brief account of his deeds on D-Day appeared in Fighting For America – 1944 Edition, his name never appeared in 1947’s American Jews in World War Two.

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Apologetics or no apologetics, it is still nice to know that the Jews have done their bit in this war for America.  They have contributed their share in all branches of the service; for instance, 40% of all the Jewish physicians in this country were members of the armed forces.  That such enthusiastic participation may be misjudged can be attested by the talk so frequently heard in the barracks that “the Jews have all the easy jobs”.  In addition to lists of decorations and citations, the volume includes ample examples of heroism on the part of men and women, including members of the commonly scoffed at Chaplains’ Corps, whose achievements on behalf of interdenominational amity are emphasized.  More should have been said, however, about what the chaplains have done for the “displaced” Jews, a story which puts many a respectable relief organization to shame.  But the “public relations” angle places achievements on behalf of Jews last on its list.  And we must remember that this book was written not as a historical record for ourselves, but primarily as a weapon against anti-Semitism.

***

The Fighting Jew is a hurriedly composed yet well written pot boiler of facts and fiction, put out in an effort to prove that the Jew is not a coward.  It is evident that the author is not a student of Jewish history.  Otherwise he would have included the Khazars, Berek Joselewicz, and members of Hashomer, and a host of other Jewish warriors.  Had Mr. Nunberg stuck to his subject without wandering off to discuss problems, social and historical, which he is manifestly incapable of handling, and had he, in addition, taken care to do some serious research and check his data, a decent book for juveniles might have emerged.  As it is, this volume contains too much misinformation.  And it is a pity, for its author can do good popular writing.

The book begins with a justifiably gruesome description of life in the Warsaw ghetto, regrettably, culled from second-hand sources.  The Polish underground’s distrust in the Jewish capacity to fight, rather than ordinary anti-Semitism, is given as the reason behind the Polish refusal to supply the Jews with arms.  Klepfisz, a truly heroic figure, is melodramatized as almost the sole leader of the resistance, to the extent that the author puts in the mouth of the ghetto defenders the question whether “this Michael Klepfisz might not be one of the tribe of David, the Messiah, whose coming had been promised to the Jews for their hour of greatest need.”  Melodramatic suspense is created by making the reader wait till the end of the volume for the outcome of the struggle, while the book turns to ancient history.  The Biblical period is disposed of in one page.  The Maccabeans rate but three quarters of a page.  No chronology is given.

This is followed by a fifteen page thriller of the revolt against Rome and the destruction of Jerusalem.  Errors abound.  Nunberg makes the completely unjustified assertion that following the Bar Kokhba revolt, Jews no longer went “to battle for a Jewish cause or [did they] die for the survival of the Jewish nation…  Now they fought for whatever country had become their home.”  This, by all rules of logic, should have excluded much of the subsequent material.  But the author, unimpressed by his own generalizations, deals albeit too sketchily with the subsequent revolts against Rome and Persia, the Jewish kingdom in Yemen, and the wars against the rising Mohammedans.

A major portion of the book is devoted to America, the “promised land”.  The author’s grasp of seventeenth century conditions is indicated in his statement that Jews resented the fact that “Dutchmen, Frenchmen and Englishmen” had been “forbidden to settle in New Amsterdam just because they were Jewish”.

In his treatment of “the fight for equality” in Europe, the arduous course of emancipation is sophomorically simplified.  Napoleon is described as a man “who gave much thought to the Jewish problem,” and a lion’s share of space is given his general, Andrea Massena, the Duke of Essling, whose Jewish origin is still a matter of speculation and who never identified himself as a Jew religiously.  The Dreyfus case, where there is no shadow of suspicion of martial accomplishment, is treated as background to a brief story of Herzl and Zionism, which in turn is woven into a presentation of Jewish heroism in World War I.  Jewish self-defense in Palestine in 1936 is discussed without mentioning its national and social motivation, typified by the policy of Havlagah (self restraint).  The word Haganah is not in the index.

Following a greatly simplified and rather inaccurate picture of political events which preceded World War II, the author devotes a chapter to the prowess of Jews in that war, with Russian and American Jews receiving most attention.  Much more could have been added.  Nevertheless this chapter is the best in the book, which ends with a description of the final resistance of the Warsaw ghetto.

Curt Riess, who has done much literary introduction of late, adds to the general confusion by proclaiming that to think of Jews “as a group is not logically justifiable”.  According to him Jews are “not a nation, not a religious community, not a race.  Furthermore, Zionists form only a relatively small percentage of all Jewish people in the world.”  Mr. Riess also recommends that the book should be widely read.  The reviewer disagrees.

– Transcribed 2014

Soldiers from New York: Jewish Soldiers in The New York Times, in World War Two: PFC Samuel J. Brandstein – May 13, 1945

A member of the 77th Infantry Division, PFC Samuel J. Brandstein was killed at Okinawa on May 13, 1945.  His name appeared in one of the last WW II Casualty Lists to have been appeared in the Times (on April 21, 1946), while his obituary – one of several published in the Times that year – was published on March 9. 

Born in 1912, he was married to Flora L. Brandstein, and the couple lived at 2675 Morris Ave., in the Bronx. 

PFC Brandstein’s body was never found.  His name is commemorated on the Tablets of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial, in Honolulu, Hawaii.  He received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.  Like many American Jewish servicemen, his name is not listed in the book American Jews in World War Two.

__________

Brooklyn Soldier Killed On Okinawa May 13, 1945

Pfc. Samuel J. Brandstein, of Company F, 306th Infantry, Seventy-Seventh Division, son of Mr. and Mrs. Max Brandstein of 1835 Seventy-seventh Street, Brooklyn, who was previously reported missing, was killed in action on Okinawa May 13, 1945, according to word received here.  He was 33 years old.

He had also fought on Guam, Leyte and in the Philippines.  Born in Brooklyn, he attended New Utrecht High School and Long Island University.  He left the employ of the Western Union Company to enter the service in March, 1942.  He went overseas in April, 1943.  Besides his parents, he leaves a widow, Mrs. Flora Brandstein, and a brother, Dr. Edward Brandstein.

__________

Some other Jewish military casualties on Sunday, May 13, 1945 include…

Killed in Action
– .ת.נ.צ.ב.ה. –

Gellar, James M., PFC, 36681494, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart
United States Army, 99th Infantry Division, 381st Infantry Regiment, F Company
Mrs. Mary Miller (aunt), 111 Rebecca Place, Peoria, Il.
Born 5/14/25
Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii – Plot M-121; Buried 3/9/49
American Jews in World War Two – 100

Samuel, Gerhard, PFC, 35904219
United States Army, 77th Infantry Division, 305th Infantry Regiment
Mr. and Mrs. Gustav (8/2/87-1954) and Gertrud (Bruck) Samuel (parents), 3750 Carrollton Ave., Indianapolis, In.; Arnold and Susie Samuel (brother and sister); Fred A. Samuel (cousin)
Born in Germany, at Rodalben in der Pfalz; 1/9/26
Mount Olive Cemetery, Solon, Ohio
Aufbau 7/6/45
Over The Front – Summer, 2000
American Jews in World War Two – 124

Killed (Non-Battle)

Landau, Mary M., PFC, A-207742
Mr. Louis Landau (father), Miss Renee Landau (sister), 559 Glenmore Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Born 12/13/06
Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo. – Section 70, Grave 16187-89; Buried 6/29/59
News Item 6/10/45
American Jews in World War Two – 370

Naimer, Belle G., Sgt., A-116702
Mr. David Naimer (father), 136 East 208th St., Bronx, N.Y.; Gus, Harry, and Jack (brothers)
Born 10/31/11
Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo. – Section 70, Grave 16187-89; Buried 6/29/59
News Item 6/10/45
American Jews in World War Two – Not listed

Mary Landau and Belle Naimer were two among the twenty-three crew and passengers who were killed in the loss of a 317th Troop Carrier Group C-47 (41-23952; “Gremlin Special / Guinea Gopher“) during a sight-seeing flight over the Balim Valley of Central New Guinea.  Caught in a down-draft, the aircraft, piloted by Colonel Peter Prossen, crashed, leaving only five survivors.  Of the five, PFC Eleanor Hanna and S/Sgt Laura Besley died of their wounds the next day.  The three eventual survivors, T/Sgt. Kenneth Decker, Cpl. Margaret J. Hastings, 1 Lt. John S. McColum were rescued 47 days late through extraordinary efforts by the Army Air Force and Filipino paratroopers, who evacuated the survivors by glider.  The loss of the plane is covered by MACR 14697.

This compelling story received national news attention in June of 1945.  This was particularly so in New York State newspapers (Albany Times-Union, Binghamton Press, Brooklyn Eagle, New York Sun, and New York Post) probably because survivor Margaret Hastings was from Oswego.  Especially detailed was the story “Mystery Valley of Shangri-La Isolates Plane Crash Survivors”, filed by Associated Press reporter Dean Schedler, which was published in the Sun on June 8.  This two-page article provides a full list of crew and passengers, along with the towns and cities where their next-of-kin resided.

Both the Albany Times-Union and New York Sun specifically mentioned Belle Naimer, the Times-Union reporting (in an A.P. story):

MET SAME FATE AS HER FIANCE

NEW YORK, June 8 (AP) – WAC Sgt. Belle G. Naimer of the Bronx, one of 20 persons killed in on May 13 when an Army plane crashed in New Guinea’s hidden “Shangri-La” valley, met the same fate as her fiance, her father, David Naimer, said today.

The attractive, 32-year-old woman had been engaged to an Army Air Force Lieutenant who was killed in a plane crash in Europe while en route to the front, he said.

The father, almost totally blind, said he did not know the lieutenant’s name.

He said he last received a letter from his daughter May 9, from New Guinea.

Both the Sun and the New York Post reported that a funeral service was later conducted by aircraft the crash site by Catholic and Protestant Chaplains, with twenty-one grave markers (one of which was a Magen David) being dropped to the crash site.  In that regard, it is interesting – but not unusual – that while Mary Landau’s name would eventually be listed in American Jews in World War Two, Bell Naimer’s name did not appear in that book. 

In 1959, the remains of eighteen casualties from the crash were re-interred in a collective grave at Section 70, Site 16187-89, at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on June 29, 1959.  The image below, by FindAGrave contributor Carol Beck, shows this group’s collective grave marker.  (Three other casualties, including Sgt. Besley and PFC Hanna, are buried in individual graves.)

The following article about Belle Naimer, provided by FindAGrave contributor Astrid, can be found at Sgt. Naimer’s FindAGrave biographical profile.  This biography notably differs from the item published in the Albany Times-Union in reporting that her fiance was killed in October or November of 1944, during a crash at or near the Mississippi River. 

Unfortunately, his name is unknown.

  ____________________

Writer Mitchell Zuckoff, author of 13 Hours in Benghazi and Frozen in Time, has fully chronicled the story of the Gremlin Special / Guinea Gopher in his book, Lost in Shangri-La, which is directly available through his website. 

References

Dublin, Louis I., and Kohs, Samuel C., American Jews in World War II – The Story of 550,000 Fighters for Freedom, The Dial Press, New York, N.Y., 1947.

C-47A 41-23952 (PacificWrecks)

Lost in Shangri-La, by Mitchell Zuckoff

PFC Mary M. Landau (FindAGrave.com)

S/Sgt. Belle G. Naimer (FindAGrave.com)

Soldiers from New York: Jewish Soldiers in The New York Times, in World War Two: PFC Montrose (“Monte”) M. Brenner – April 22, 1945

PFC Montrose M. (“Monty”) Brenner, a member of the 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, was killed in action at Okinawa on April 22, 1945.  The son of Nathan and Ida Brenner, he was the brother of Seymour Brenner and Pauline (Brenner) Speckler.  His obituary accompanied a Casualty List published in the Times on August 16, 1945.  He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. 

Pfc. Monte M. Brenner, 21-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Brenner of 1555 East Ninth Street, Brooklyn, was killed on Okinawa Island on April 22, according to word received here.

He served with Army Ordnance at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, and after being transferred to the Pacific Theatre was stationed on New Caledonia.  He took part in the invasion of Leyte and was a member of the Seventeenth Infantry Regiment, Seventh Division, during the landings on Okinawa.

He attended New York University before entering the Army.

____________________

PFC Brenner was buried at Mount Hebron Cemetery, in Flushing, on February 4, 1949.  His grave location is Werenczanker Bukowin Society, Block 45, Reference 4, Section H/I, Line 6, Grave 8/6.

____________________

Some other Jewish military casualties on Sunday, April 22, 1945, include…

Killed in Action
– .ת.נ.צ.ב.ה. –

Bernstein, Melvin, PFC, 17078056, Purple Heart
United States Army, 10th Mountain Division, 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment, G Company
Mr. Harry Z. Bernstein (father), 2515 Country Club Ave., Omaha, Ne.
Born 1922
Florence American Cemetery, Florence, Italy – Plot E, Row 5, Grave 31
American Jews in World War II – 220

Bretholtz, Sidney, Pvt., 42033699, Purple Heart
United States Army, 85th Infantry Division, 337th Infantry Regiment
Mr. Leon Bretholtz (father), PFC Jack Bretholtz (brother), 2395 Morris Ave., Bronx, N.Y.
Place of burial unknown
Casualty List 5/15/45
American Jews in World War II – 283

Brownstein, Melvin I., Pvt., 32623022, Purple Heart
United States Army, 9th Armored Division, 89th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, Mechanized
Mr. Max Brownstein (father), Mr. Bob Brownstein (cousin), 990 Aldus St., New York, N.Y.
Place of burial unknown
Casualty List 5/31/45
American Jews in World War II – 285

Ezra, Joseph, Pvt., 32964854, Silver Star, Purple Heart
United States Army, 10th Mountain Division, 20th Armored Infantry Battalion
Mrs. Anne Ezra (wife), 77-79 Division Ave., Bronx, N.Y.
Mount Hebron Cemetery, Flushing, N.Y. – Life & Charity Society, Inc. Section, Block 109, Reference 20, Line PP-4, Grave 1 (Buried 8/17/48)
Casualty List 5/31/45
American Jews in World War II – 304

Weiner, George A., 2 Lt., 0-2007276, Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart
United States Army, 96th Infantry Division, 383rd Infantry Regiment
Mrs. Norma B. Weiner (wife), 3300 Lake Shore Drive, Apt. 9E, Chicago, Il.
Student at Northwestern University
Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii
Casualty List 6/4/45
American Jews in World War II – 120

Welgus, Morton, PFC, 39339990, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart
United States Army, 27th Infantry Division, 105th Infantry Regiment
Mrs. Pauline Welgus (mother), 151 North Ainsworth St., Portland, Or.
Born 8/7/25
Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii – Plot O-346; Buried 3/9/49
American Jews in World War II – 507

Wounded in Action

Levenson, Harold, Pvt., Purple Heart; Wounded on Okinawa
United States Army
Mrs. Fannie Levenson (mother), Pvt. Roy L. Levenson (brother), 275 Merton Road, Detroit, Mi.
Born Indianapolis, In., 1924
Student at University of Michigan
The Jewish News (Detroit) 6/8/45
American Jews in World War II – 193

Reference

Dublin, Louis I., and Kohs, Samuel C., American Jews in World War II – The Story of 550,000 Fighters for Freedom, The Dial Press, New York, N.Y., 1947

Soldiers from New York: Jewish Soldiers in The New York Times, in World War Two: Private Alfred A. Berg – December 23, 1944

An obituary for Private Alfred A. Berg, an Army infantryman, accompanied a Casualty List published in The Times on February 22, 1945.

Born on August 31, 1923, he was a member of the 89th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), of the 9th Armored Division, Private Berg was killed in action on December 23, 1944.  He was buried at Riverside Cemetery, in Rochelle Park, New Jersey, on July 27, 1948.  (Family Section 11, Map 325, Block I, Section 33, Plot 27, Grave 1.)

__________

Veteran of D-Day Landings is Killed in Luxembourg

One of the first to hit the Normandy beaches on D-day, Pvt. Alfred A. Berg, who did reconnaissance work in the mechanized cavalry, was killed in December in the unsuccessful German counterattack in Luxembourg, the War Department has notified his family here.

Private Berg, who was 21 years old, saw active service in all the major engagements leading up to the German break-through.  He never had much time to write his family of all his experiences because, as he explained in one of his letters, “I’m always in the foxholes.”

Born in this city, he was graduated from De Witt Clinton High School in 1941.  He was active in sports and was a member of the school’s swimming team.  He attended Pennsylvania State College before enlisting in the Army on June 25, 1943.  After five and a half month’s training at Fort Reilly, Kan., he was sent to England.

The Purple Heart was awarded to him posthumously.

Surviving are his father and stepmother, Mr. and Mrs. William Berg of 639 West End Avenue; a brother, Lieut. Russell Berg, now serving with the First Army in Belgium, and a stepbrother, Pfc. Laurence Curtis, who is stationed in Spokane, Wash. 

__________

An image of the location of his parents’ residence, at 639 West End Avenue (from apartments.com) is shown below:

__________

Some other Jewish military casualties on Saturday, December 23, 1944 include the following…

Killed in Action
– .ת.נ.צ.ב.ה. –

Chodash, Joseph, Pvt., 42088672
United States Army, 87th Infantry Division, 345th Infantry Regiment, A Company, Purple Heart
Mr. Harry Chodash (father), 177 Broadway, Bayonne, N.J.; Joseph H. Chodash (nephew)
Born 12/21/15
United Hebrew Cemetery, Staten Island, N.Y.
American Jews in World War II – 229

Goldberger, Edward L., Cpl., 32797851
United States Army, 1st Infantry Division, 26th Infantry Regiment, Silver Star, Purple Heart (Matzeva gives date of 12/22/44)
Mr. Albert Goldberger (father), 1511 Sheridan Ave., New York, N.Y.; Edward and Stella (uncle and aunt)
Born 12/5/24
Riverside Cemetery, Rochelle Park, N.J. – Section Temple Beth Elohim, Map 129, Block G, Section 20, Plot 19, Grave 8; Buried 11/10/47
American Jews in World War II – 325

Hene, Julius A., Capt., 0-477319, Purple Heart
United States Army, 106th Infantry Division, 422nd Infantry Regiment
Mrs. Bianka J. Hene (wife), 15 West 106th St., New York, N.Y.
Born 1909; Graduate of Cornell University
POW ~ 12/16/44; Interned at Stalag 12A (Limburg an der Lahn); Killed when stray bombs struck prisoners’ barracks during RAF bombing of adjacent rail yard
Netherlands American Cemetery, Margraten, Holland – Plot F, Row 17, Grave 25
Casualty List 3/13/45; American Jews in World War II – 343

Klores, Daniel N., PFC, 12022507, Purple Heart
United States Army, 101st Airborne Division, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment,
Mrs. Molly Klores (mother), 3109 Brighton 7th St., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Born 3/29/18
Mount Judah Cemetery, Cypress Hills, N.Y. – Section 1, Block S, Grave 138, Path R07, Charles Weinstein Society – Buried 11/29/48
Casualty List 3/9/45
American Jews in World War II – 364

Posner, Norman F., Pvt., 42057685, Purple Heart
United States Army, 3rd Armored Division, 36th Armored Infantry Regiment
Mr. Jacob Posner (father), Box 721 / 940 North Hill St., Oceanside, Ca. // 5151 North 4th St., St. Petersburg, Fl.
Born Brooklyn, N.Y., 1925
Netherlands American Cemetery, Margraten, Holland – Plot I, Row 11, Grave 6
American Jews in World War II – not listed

Prosnick, Leonard, 2 Lt., 0-1032549, Purple Heart
United States Army, 106th Infantry Division, 106th Reconnaissance Troops
Mrs. Gladys Alene (Scott) Prosnick (wife) and Sherrylynn Prosnick (daughter) Born 9/24/44 (Murfreesboro, Tennessee?)
Mrs. Selma Fogel (mother), 117 South 55th St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Netherlands American Cemetery, Margraten, Holland – Plot H, Row 8, Grave 5
Born Philadelphia, Pa., 6/6/21
American Jews in World War II – 544

Saltzman, Solomon, Pvt., 42004657, Purple Heart
United States Army, 10th Armored Division, 420th Armored Field Artillery Battalion
Mrs. Ida Saltzman (mother), 700 Avenue A, Bayonne, N.J.
Born 1926
Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery, Henri-Chapelle, Belgium – Plot H, Row 1, Grave 69
Casualty List 3/6/45
American Jews in World War II – 252

Died in other circumstance…

Feinberg, Sydney Charles, Capt., 0-482585
United States Army
Mrs. Nettie Feinberg (wife), Jimmy (son), New York, N.Y.; Mrs. Sadie Feinberg (mother); Dorothy and Melvin (brother and sister)
Graduate of Columbia University
Died in New York State
Place of burial unknown
American Jews in World War II – 305

Prisoners of War

Goldberg, Sheldon A., Pvt., 20218182, Purple Heart
United States Army, 3rd Infantry Division, 15th Infantry Regiment
POW at Reslaz Magdeburgh
Mrs. Gloria L. Goldberg (wife), 678 Linwood St., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Casualty List 6/5/45
American Jews in World War II – 325

Levy, Milton, PFC, 32874904
United States Army, 28th Infantry Division, 109th Infantry Regiment
POW at Stalag 3A (Luckenwalde)
Mrs. Lena Levy (mother), 1945 64th St., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Casualty Lists 4/19/45 and 5/23/45
American Jews in World War II – Not listed

Semel, Jason W., Sgt., 32352898
United States Army, 101st Airborne Division, 401st Glider Infantry Regiment
Location of POW Camp unknown
Mr. and Mrs. Milton and Anna Semel (parents), 305 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Born N.Y., 4/21/20
Casualty List 6/21/45
American Jews in World War II – Not listed

Skoler, David, 1 Lt., 0-1292948
United States Army, 84th Infantry Division, 333rd Infantry Regiment
POW at Oflag 13B (Hammelburg)
Mrs. Gertrude Skoler (mother), 115 Quincy St., Quincy, Ma.
Casualty List 6/12/45
American Jews in World War II – Not listed

Weitman, Morris, PFC, 12219182, Purple Heart
United States Army, 82nd Airborne Division, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment
POW at Stalag 12A (Limburg an der Lahn)
Mr. Jacob Weitman (father), 212 East Seventh St., New York, N.Y.
Casualty List 6/20/45
American Jews in World War II – 471

Zimberg, Bernard, Pvt., 32204882
United States Army, 101st Airborne Division, 401st Glider Infantry Regiment
POW at Stalag 4B Muhlberg
Mrs. Bessie Zimberg (mother), 1448 57th St. / 5701 15th Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Born 1914
Casualty List 7/19/45
American Jews in World War II – Not listed

Wounded in Action

Fogel, Edward, PFC, 13008356, Purple Heart (in Germany)
United States Army
Mr. George Fogel (father), 1289 East Chelten Ave., Philadelphia, Pa.
Born Pa., 1922
Philadelphia Record 1/11/45
American Jews in World War II – 521

Savran, Bernard, PFC, 13054181, Purple Heart (in Germany)
Mrs. Fannie Savran (mother), 3122 West Clifford St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Born Pa., 1919
Philadelphia Record 2/18/45
American Jews in World War II – 549

Simon, Henry I., PFC, 33588283, Purple Heart (in France)
United States Army
House Sergeant George Simon (father) [policeman], 5030 F St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Born Pa.; 1923
The Jewish Exponent 4/20/45
Philadelphia Record 1/30/45
American Jews in World War II – 522

Weisman, Edward, Pvt., 33806816, Purple Heart (in France)
United States Army
Mrs. Edith Weisman (wife), 1608 S. 7th St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Born Pa.; 1914
The Jewish Exponent 2/9/45, 2/23/45
Philadelphia Record 1/28/45
American Jews in World War II – 559

Reference

Dublin, Louis I., and Kohs, Samuel C., American Jews in World War II – The Story of 550,000 Fighters for Freedom, The Dial Press, New York, N.Y., 1947.