War Tokens
Army Hat
Russia
Baruch SK inherited an army belt and an army hat from his paternal grandfather Borise. Borise was in the Soviet army during the second World War. Borise survived the war, but died of old age before Baruch was born. Baruch was
named after him.
This item is very significant because of the memories that they cherish.
Discharge Document and Picture
United States
Ben M's objects are a discharge paper that allowed Ben’s maternal great-great-great grandfather William C to leave the Union Army during the Civil War as well as a picture of William and his friend. This object originally belonged to William C and was passed down until they were given to Ben’s maternal grandfather. The item is significant to Ben’s family because they show Ben’s American heritage. The Cate family has kept these objects because they have historical importance. The story behind Ben’s object is that William C was a drummer boy in the civil war when he was 16. William was from Massachusetts. William was honorably discharged in 1863 because of a gunshot injury in his foot.
This is very important to Ben’s family.
Ration Cards
United States
Lindsey K received these ration cards from her maternal great grandmother,Frieda S and her maternal grandmother, Rochelle R. To
support the war effort, the office of price administration established a
rationing system in 1942 for various products. The first product that was
rationed was sugar, followed by coffee and other products.
These cards will remain in the R and K families for years to come as they are
a tangible reminder of the family history and that of the United States.
U.S Navy Uniform
United States
Juliette F received this U.S. Navy uniform from her paternal grandfather, Dennis F. He was drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1959 and served until 1961. The F family still has this uniform because he wears it on Memorial Day, and it proves that Dennis F was brave. He was brave because he jumped into the ocean to save people that were drowning from a boat crash. Many years later he got a phone call from one of the family members of one of the men he saved, and the man thanked him for saving his father’s life. The man had seen a
picture of Dennis in the newspaper wearing his uniform, and realized this man saved his father.
The F family is inspired by this uniform.
Coast Guard Uniform
United States
This Coast Guard uniform belongs to Emma R's maternal grandfather, Dr. Robert B. He joined the United States Coast Guard at 18 years old when he graduated high school. He was station on a ship called "The Rockaway". He spent 1948-1951 at Sea and in the Aleutian Islands. He worked on the ship as an electronics technician.
The R family is proud of his service to the country
Bombardier Pins
United States
Yair A`s maternal great grandfather, Harold N, was a bombardier. That means he dropped bombs from an airplane in
World War II. He was very proud to have served for the US and spoke about it all the time. These pins were made in Luxenberg, NY. These pins remind Yair`s family of Harold's bravery. These wings were attached to Yair’s great grandfather’s uniform. After the war he would love to tell stories to Yair’s mother and her siblings.
Yair is very proud of his great grandfather, Harold.
Army Uniform and Letters from War
Europe
Shira S’s paternal great grandfather, Harry A’s, army uniform belongs to
Shira’s grandfather, Ken A. Harry was fighting the Germans in World War ll. He had the job of a sergeant and was in great control of his unit. Shira’s great grandfather wasn't drafted; rather, he volunteered! This shows Shira how much her great grandfather wanted to protect his country. He loved the army, the order and the discipline. When Harry died, his special army uniform got passed down to Shira’s grandfather, Ken A.
The A and the S families will cherish this significant artifact forever.
War Medals
United States
Max B’s maternal great grandfather was a soldier for the American army during World War II. Jack earned two military bronze medals. A military bronze medal is earned for heroic or brave actions during war. Jack earned one of his military bronze medals at a convoy. Jack was part of a convoy in Europe. When the the convoy became under attack, the driver in front of Jack’s vehicle was shot. The vehicle stopped the whole convoy and no one could escape or move their own vehicle. Jack left his vehicle (which he was not driving) and, while still under attack, ran into the vehicle of the shot soldier. Jack drove that vehicle, allowing the convoy to escape the attack. The other military bronze medal that Jack earned was also in WWII. The Nazis were losing the war, but they were still trying to kill as many Jews as possible. Jack saw a train that looked like any ordinary train bringing supplies. He got suspicious and decided to stop the train. Jack demanded the train director to open the doors. When Jack got inside,he saw many Jews crammed into the train getting
brought to their death. Jack earned his second military bronze medal for saving all of those desperate Jews.
Jack passed away in 2009 and these medals will always commemorate Jack’s brave and heroic actions.
War Medals
United States
This purple heart belonged to Eli L’s maternal great grandfather, Eddie L. Eddie gave the purple heart to his
son, Marty L. Eli’s great grandfather served in World War ll in the American army. He fought on the battlefield in Anzio, Italy. Eddie was awarded the purple heart after he got shot on
his left arm below his shoulder and survived. Eli’s great grandfather’s
purple heart is significant to her family because it showed great bravery.
Eli’s family kept the medal to remember Eddie L. They even named his great granddaughter after him.
This purple heart is significant to the L and L families.
Navy ID
United States
Lily P received theses Navy ID discharge cards from her paternal grandmother, Anita P. Lily’s paternal grandfather, Herbert P, received these cards when he was honorable discharged
from the United States Navy during World War II after he completed his service. These cards are significant to the P family because it shows that Herbert P fought in World War II to protect his country. The cards are also important to the P family because Herbert is no longer alive, so the cards are kept to remember him and his dedication to his family and countrymen. Today the cards are kept with Lily’s grandmother, Anita P, who was Herbert P’s wife.
These cards will stay in P family for many years, and they hope to always treasure these important items that commememorate his dedication.
Swastika
Germany
Sofie W received this swastika from her paternal great uncle, David Dombroff. This originally belonged to a German soldier fighting in World War II. David was fighting for the American army. He took this swastika from a German while he was liberating a concentration camp.
This item is significant to the Weiser family because they are very proud that their uncle was a Jewish soldier who helped liberate the Jews.
This swastika is an example of bravery, and the W family can learn many things from it.