Captain Harry Schwartzbard |
Introduction:
Published and written in the Yiddish language (often known to be an "old people's" language), the beneficiary held this special news clipping for over 80 years without any idea of its contents. Until recently, the beholder of this news excerpt had very little interest in getting the news piece translated due to the limited popularity of Yiddish-speaking/reading people around. Decades later, the news clip made its way to several historians who found significant value in the military success story. It also spoke of cases and events of what would eventually become the future Jewish national Home (Israel).
Mrs. Schwartzbard, residing at 1211 Avenue I in Brooklyn, recently gave birth to a baby two months ago. In a heartwarming moment on Christmas, her husband, Dr. Henry Schwartzbard, called from Honolulu and was able to hear their infant son cry for the first time over the telephone. Although he had yet to see a photo of their child, this moment brought joy to the new father. Mrs. Schwartzbard expressed her pride and happiness regarding the recognition her husband has received for his heroic actions. Dr. Schwartzbard, a graduate of City College and the University of Basel's medical program, was previously affiliated with Lincoln Hospital.
LEGACIES OF COURAGE:
ENTERING A NEW WORLD IN BATTLE
Family heirlooms may sometimes carry surprise hidden treasures- the kind that may hold a landmark in world history. A treasure trove of letters by the late Captain Harry Schwartzbard recently surfaced, passionately journaling life and times in the front lines of World War II to his recently-born and only son Robert between 1944-1945.
Between the recklessly stored stack of letters was a mysterious news clipping that ignited the inspiring foundation behind “LEGACIES OF COURAGE”. At a time when Jews in America were a small and underserved community, a local Brooklyn newspaper reported (in Yiddish) about our Jewish American Soldier who received a major military honor from battle- highlighting his unusual and courageous contribution during the height of Jewish persecution in Europe. Such an award was a milestone for Jews at a time when prosperity in the new world for its people was most uncertain. After 80 years, the news clipping finally gained the attention of translators and several historians who found significant value as a military success story.
ARCHIVING 80-YEAR OLD LETTERS FROM THE WAR: PRESERVING HISTORICAL TREASURES
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MARSHALL ISLANDS Invasion of the Marshall Islands (Operation Flintlock): Jan. 31-Feb. 23, 1944 Following the Gilbert Islands Campaign, the Marshall Islands Campaign consisted of two separate invasions of the Kwajalein and Eniwetok Atoll Groups. Beginning on January 31, 1944 with the landings at Kwajalein, the campaign was declared secure at Eniwetok on February 22. The landing forces met with light, but determined resistance, on both atolls. The forces captured flight bases on the atolls which were crucial to the Mariana Islands Campaign. (Source 1: US NAVY | Source 2: US ARMY) |
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