War Tokens
The Dog Tag of Pride
N.Y.C
Imagine moving from Germany to America during World War Two and joining the United States army while being German. Well, that’s just what Hermann M., Samuel’s paternal grandfather, did. Hermann M. received this metal dog tag when he was drafted to the army. He was in the intelligence section of the army. They needed his skills because he was able to translate German to English. The dog tag was used so that if a man died, they could identify him by looking at his dog tag. What is written on the dog tag is the soldier’s name, his mother, and father’s name and where he lives. To show that Hermann was a Jew, they put a mini mezuzah on the dog tag.
The M.’s are very proud of their grandfather’s dedication, and this dog tag is one of many things that remind them of their remarkable grandfather.
A Token from a Partisan
Europe
Tammy B.’s paternal grandfather, Louis B., was an amazing man who wanted to serve his country, the United States. Being in World War Two changed his life. He received many badges and awards from fighting in the war. He took a picture of himself and his friend in the war. During the war Louis B.’s life was in jeopardy many times but he was able to survive. These possessions, which now belong to Tammy’s grandmother, are very significant to the B. family because the belongings are the few things that they still have from Louis B. He was willing to give up his life for other soldiers, and he really meant a lot to the Billet family. Louis B. was extremely thoughtful towards his family and they loved him very much.
The B. family will cherish these prized possessions.
A Sign of Life
Korea
It’s hard to imagine what it would be like fighting in a war, hiding in a hole for days at a time, having no contact with family and friends and living in constant fear for your life. That was Jesse A.’s maternal grandfather’s life for two years while fighting in the Korean War. Many people had much difficulty in completing their tasks but Jesse A.’s maternal grandfather performed his duties so well that he was one of a few who was awarded with a medal, the bronze medal.
Back home Irwin Luxenberg’s family was quite worried about his safety, all except for his mother, Jesse’s maternal Great Grandma Rose. She had received a sign from Hashem that her son would survive the war and return home to his family. She pointed out that the numbers on his dog tag 51205230 added up to the number 18, which symbolizes life. This provided Irwin Luxenberg’s family with much comfort.
Irwin Luxenberg was rewarded for his patriotism when he returned home from the war and met his future wife Joan Aronson, Jesse A.’s maternal grandmother.
The Thank You Thermometer
Alaska
This unique thermometer was passed down from Ezra G.’s great uncle Meyer Levine to his father, Mario G. This thermometer is from the early 1900s and was given to Ezra’s uncle during World War Two. At that time, Meyer Levine was stationed at an air force base on the Kodiak Island in Alaska. One doctor was in grave need of medical supplies and was helpless without them. To assist the doctor, Meyer risked his safety and gathered the necessary supplies for him. Because of his heroic deed, Meyer Levine was awarded this ivory encased thermometer. After the war, Meyer brought this thermometer home with him to Scranton, PA.
Ezra’s family will cherish this thermometer as a reminder of Meyer’s heroism.
Pocketing Survival
Poland
Justin F.’s paternal great grandfather, Joe Wagner, was born circa 1900 in Poland. After Joe Wagner was born, his parents both died, and he was taken in by a poor farmer. When he was older, Joe Wagner worked for the farmer until he saved enough money to buy a ticket on a ship to Canada. When Joe Wagner arrived, he was able to move down to New York were he began selling blueberries. He used this pocket knife to cut the bushels of the blueberries that were his livelihood. This pocket knife shows how Joe Wagner survived a hard life, but still was strong in the end.
The F. family will always treasure this knife as a symbol of Joe Wagner’s hard journey of life.
A True Story
Gemany
In 1943, Danielle R.’s great grandfather, Rabbi R., entered the air force and was made a part time chaplain during the Korean War. During this time, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were accused of spying for Russia. Rabbi R. didn’t think it was fair for them to go to jail. He fought against it and his security clearance was revoked. The Air Force gave Rabbi R. two choices: go to his family and inform them that his security clearance was taken away or go to court to try to clear his name. Rabbi R. thought long and hard, and decided to go to court. Also since he had graduated from law school, he decided to be his own lawyer.
At the end of the trial, not only did Rabbi R. get his security clearance back, but he was promoted to a full colonel and a full-time rabbi.
United States Army Suit
United States
In 1958 this army suit was worn by Jamie H.’s paternal grandfather, Ira H. He spent his first eight weeks in basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey where he trained 15 hours a day getting into top fighting shape. He learned how to fire weapons, use a gas mask, march 10 miles carrying 50 pounds in his back pack, and how to crawl under barbed wire in the mud in the middle of the night while a machine gun was firing over his head. After basic training, Ira H. was sent to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he trained on how to fire cannon called an eight inch howitzer. As the team leader his job was to fire the cannon. The most difficult thing about being in the army was that Ira H. was an Orthodox Jew. It was very difficult, but he managed to go to Shul every Shabbos even though they did important training. Kosher food in Oklahoma was also very difficult to find. Ira mostly ate salads and fruits. Every once in a while he would go to Dallas, Texas where he could get a kosher meal.
This army suit is very important to the H. family.
* This artifact image has been modified to protect the identity of the student.
Defending Our Nations
United States of America
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, bringing the United Sates into World War Two. That event caused Ari G.’s paternal great grandfather, Morris G., to volunteer for the Office of Civil Defense (O.C.D). Everyone that joined the O.C.D. received a helmet to protect them in case of rubble falling from the shooting (bullet shells). Volunteering for the armed forces meant a lot to Ari’s family when Hitler’s goal was to wipe the Jewish nation off the face of the earth.
This helmet is a heirloom that Ari G.’s family will cherish forever.
Objects of Remembrance
United States
During World War Two times were tough. Eitan P.’s great- great uncle, Ernest Solinger, was born in Germany. He moved to England where he learned English and then went to the United States. He was drafted into the American army because he knew German, and he was able to interpret German documents. When the war ended, he went back to Germany to interrogate Nazis. He changed his name to Seymour before he went back to Germany because he didn’t want to put his family in jeopardy. That is why he has two sets of dog tags. The dog tags are made of metal and each has one of his names. He won other medals made of ribbon for bravery and many other amazing things that he did.
These medals and dog tags are very important to the P. and Seymour families.