War Tokens
Medals
United States Of America
Julia S’s maternal great grandfather Edward Venavage (assumed name) received these medals for serving as a medic in the US military under General Patton in World War Two. Edward Venavage is not his real name but no one knew, and until today no one knows, his real name. Edward’s family did not want him to go into the military but, he wanted to serve. He applied for the military under the name Edward Venavage and was embarked into the military. His job was to be a medic (a person who helps the wounded soldiers on the battlefield). He served across North America, the first wave in Sicily, and through Italy and Germany. These medals are used as a display of honor and pride today.
These medals are important to the S and H families.
Ring
Iran
Rachel G' family recieved this item from Rachel’s paternal great grandfather. Rachel G's paternal great grandfather and her grandfather were both generals in the Persian army. They were both illiterate as a result of never going to school. This ring would be their signature when signing important documents. Rachel G’s family will cherish this ring because it is a gift that her grandfather gave to her father.
This ring is important to the G Family.
Army Hat
United States
Daniel A received this army hat from his paternal grandfather Chaim A. When Chaim A joined the army in 1938 he received this object. This object has been passed down for many generations. This hat was worn in the combat of World War II. This army hat will be with the A family for many generations.
This artifact is significant to my family.
Coins
Turkey
Rafi L. received these coins from his maternal great grandmother. Rafi L's maternal great grandmother used these gold coins in case of an emergency to escape a pogrom. She weaved the coins in her hair so no one would see them. Also if the border guard did not let her leave she would bribe him.
The L and M families have learned many stories from this object.
Compass
United States
Hannah B received this compass from her paternal grandfather. Hannah B’s paternal grandfather, Gabriel B, received this compass from the army. Gabriel B used this compass during World War Two.
This compass is important to the B family.
Pants
Russia
Grandpa
Rone R received these army pants from his maternal grandfather. Rone R’s paternal grandfather, Lazier Olink, received these army pants from the Russian army. He ran away from his home in Poland because the Nazis were invading his town during the Holocaust. During the war he fled to Russia, and he hid in the Russian army from the Nazis.
This valuable object will remain in the R family.
Army Jacket
United States
Jason A's paternal grandfather received this from his sergeant in the U.S. Army Issue in 1950. Howard Nathaniel A's army uniform is from the Korean War. It is very important to Jason A’s family because it is one of the only one that he gave us. Jason’s grandfather, Howard A who served for the United States during the Korean War received this from his sergeant. This is the main uniform he wore. This army uniform has three medals that represent his work that he accomplished and what he has done. He died in 1972. His wife raised three children. This belonging will be on passed down for many generations.
This belonging will be on passed down for many generations.
Pin
Israel
Dana L received this pin from her paternal grandfather, Werner L. Werner earned this pin in 1948 while he was in the Palmach fighting for Israel. He was fighting as hard as he could, but during the battle at Nabi Yusha he got shot in the chest. As a result, his right pointer finger was shot off. This is significant for the L family because Dana’s grandfather fought to help the Jewish people have a home. The L family kept it as a reminder of the historic Jewish event and to also remind them about how their grandfather helped our nation .
This valuable object will remain in the L family for years to come.
Purple Heart
United States
Jessica S received this purple heart from her maternal great grandfather. Her maternal great grandfather, Morton N, earned this purple heart from being shot in the Battle of The Bulge. Jessica’s great grandfather, Morton N, was with General Patton and the Third Army to help General McAuliffe who was trapped by the Nazis. The German Army wanted McAuliffe to surrender. The U.S. flew in the planes to bomb the Germans. It was a snowy, cloudy day. The American Air force accidentally hit their own trucks because they did not have the technology that we have today, and it was tough to see. All the men that were in the truck were killed except for Jessica’s great grandfather. About 20,000 men were killed in the Battle of the Bulge which lasted from November 15, 1943, until January 25, 1944. Jessica’s great grandfather lost ⅓ of a lung and spent six months in a hospital in London, England. Morton N got this object from being wounded in a battle with the American Army. The object is important to Jessica because her great grandfather got it for being strong and never giving up. He gave this object to Jessica’s uncle when he had cancer to show that he can be brave and strong. Jessica chose to bring in this special object because it shows a great message to her to never give up and to be strong.
The S and S families will cherish this purple heart for many generations.