Back to the Army
By Vera Swed
Each of the artifacts in this section connect to our ancestors' experiences in the military. Some of our grandparents and great grandparents served in the military. There are artifacts from different wars, as our ancestors may have been defending America, Israel, or another country. There were Jewish soldiers who served in the American army, and you will see an army hat here, some award certificates and a purple heart that our relatives received for their deeds in the army.
Army certificate
USA
Betty E.
This certificate was given to my grandma
by my great-grandpa. When he was in the army he was one of those people who tested out mustard gas. After he tested it out, the army gave him a certificate.
Abraham H, my great grandfather, felt bad that the army asked for people to test out the mustard gas, and he felt bad that their families were going to get scared when they heard the news. So he did the experiment instead of them.
Sergeant patch
United States
My Great Grandpa Izzy S.
This is proof that my great grandfather Izzy S. participated in the US military and was in the Sergeant class. One day my grandfather was told to check out a cave to see if anyone was inside. He heard something... He was very scared. He ended up getting backup to check out the tunnel. But as he went through he saw it was just nuts falling out of a tree.
He was stationed in Le Harve in France and he also decoded messenges.
Military discharge papers
USA
Cerise R.
This document shows that my Great Grandpa, David S, served our country in the Marines to keep us safe. He was discharged on January 27, 1960. David S. was so excited to rejoin his family.
This artifact is what my Great Grandfather received after serving his country on January 27th. He kept his discharge papers with the envelope that Marines/Navy gave him.
Army hat
USA
Taly R.
The story behind his hat is that my grandfather was enlisted in the army in 1968. He was on the plane going to participate in the Viet Nam War, but then he developed a type of allergy. He had to go home and didn't go to war.
He went to the US army as a Jewish American. Even though he got sent home he was ready to risk his life for the country and this hat represents his willingness to fight.
Purple Heart
New York
Great Aunt S.
This purple heart was given to my Great Uncle Mac because he got hurt in World War II. This was important to my Great Uncle Mac because he risked his life and was recognized with this.
My Great Uncle Mac risked his life during WW II so that the Jewish people could have them their freedom.