I can testify to three generations of Jewish combat soldiers in our family. My father was a Liberator of Buchenwald. I wrote about his experiences here:
My father joined the Army during WWII. He was slightly older, had graduated from Law School, and was assigned to OCS. After that, he was sent to Fort Benning, where his colonel said he would not tolerate Jewish officers.
Pulling himself up to his full 5'5' inches, my father asked "Sir, would the Colonel sign his orders for overseas duty, SIR." The "sir" story is mil-speak for fuck you. Dad wound up in the Santa Fe under the general who said "Nuts." He was a captain in combat infantry at the Battle of the Bulge. His colonel at Fort Benning was a bigot. My father was the only hero I ever needed. He was a good officer and, after the Bulge, he joined the JAG Corps.
He was often the first Jew people in rural Ohio met. After failing to see horns, they saw only the combat vet and attorney, and said he was "one of the good ones." No, said my Dad, he was the worst kind of Jew possible. They ought to meet the good ones. Dad was wrong. He was the best.
For everyone's information. Regarding Jewish soldiers in WW II from the US and world wide, I would like to bring your attention to a newish museum in Israel dedicated entirely to the history of Jewish soldiers, partisans and resistance fighters in WW II. The numbers are astounding and the museum is superbly well done. It is in Latrun and VERY highly recommended! https://www.jwmww2.org/
In 1945, a 10 min. film was made to combat hate, starring Frank Sinatra. It's pretty dynamic and except for the word 'Japs,' it focuses on a bunch of taunting, hateful kids towards one boy, who I suspect is Jewish. The irony is this film is what America is about, or at least should be, and producer/director/writer Albert Maltz was hauled before the McCarthy HUAC committee and blacklisted as a communist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovwHkb1wEfU
I can testify to three generations of Jewish combat soldiers in our family. My father was a Liberator of Buchenwald. I wrote about his experiences here:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/rosh-hashanah-in-purgatory/
His father was a decorated soldier in WWI in the Austro-Hungarian Army.
Perhaps nothing would bring them greater pride than to know that my husband, son, sons-in-law and three daughters have all served in the IDF.
Thanks, Heddy!! MG
My father joined the Army during WWII. He was slightly older, had graduated from Law School, and was assigned to OCS. After that, he was sent to Fort Benning, where his colonel said he would not tolerate Jewish officers.
Pulling himself up to his full 5'5' inches, my father asked "Sir, would the Colonel sign his orders for overseas duty, SIR." The "sir" story is mil-speak for fuck you. Dad wound up in the Santa Fe under the general who said "Nuts." He was a captain in combat infantry at the Battle of the Bulge. His colonel at Fort Benning was a bigot. My father was the only hero I ever needed. He was a good officer and, after the Bulge, he joined the JAG Corps.
He was often the first Jew people in rural Ohio met. After failing to see horns, they saw only the combat vet and attorney, and said he was "one of the good ones." No, said my Dad, he was the worst kind of Jew possible. They ought to meet the good ones. Dad was wrong. He was the best.
Thank you, Susan! MG
My late father served in the Canadian navy at the end of World War II.
For everyone's information. Regarding Jewish soldiers in WW II from the US and world wide, I would like to bring your attention to a newish museum in Israel dedicated entirely to the history of Jewish soldiers, partisans and resistance fighters in WW II. The numbers are astounding and the museum is superbly well done. It is in Latrun and VERY highly recommended! https://www.jwmww2.org/
Thanks, Lilly!! MG
In 1945, a 10 min. film was made to combat hate, starring Frank Sinatra. It's pretty dynamic and except for the word 'Japs,' it focuses on a bunch of taunting, hateful kids towards one boy, who I suspect is Jewish. The irony is this film is what America is about, or at least should be, and producer/director/writer Albert Maltz was hauled before the McCarthy HUAC committee and blacklisted as a communist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovwHkb1wEfU
"The House I Live In." He was given a newly created Oscar award just for that film. #FrankRules
Wonderful piece. Many, many Jewish war heroes. One of them, Meyer Levin, is referenced in the short film with Frank Sinatra in 'The House I Live In." https://www.jta.org/archive/sgt-meyer-levin-hero-of-pacific-aerial-war-killed-off-new-guinea