Henry Helmut Herz was born Helmut Herz in 1921 in Obertiefenbach, Germany. His family owned a dry goods store. The only other Jewish family in their town was Henry’s cousins. The family was Orthodox and religious. Henry had a Bar Mitzvah. He graduated from grammar school in 1934 but did not continue his education. His parents felt that it was risky … [Read more...] about Henry Herz
Bob Grossman
Robert (Bob) Grossman was born in Philipsberg, Pennsylvania. He recalls his Jewish upbringing as very Orthodox. His community had a hard time keeping a rabbi, but he was formally bar mitzvahed. He graduated at 16 from Lock Haven High and studied toward a BS in Economics at the U Penn Wharton School. When he was 18, he was drafted as part of a … [Read more...] about Bob Grossman
William Zartman
William “Bill” Zartman was born in Shamokin, Pennsylvania in 1925. He was raised Lutheran. After high school, he became a salesman for Proctor and Gamble. At 17 years old, Bill decided to enlist in the army. He chose to be an army ranger and after enduring grueling training, Bill went to Europe. Bill was captured in a battle and spent a year in … [Read more...] about William Zartman
Seymour Taffet
Seymour was born in 1915 in Newark, NJ to a Jewish family. He attended high school and went to medical school at the University of Michigan. Seymour was inducted into Army Medical Corps as 1st Lieutenant. Seymour’s unit was known as the “tip of the spear” and was in the forefront of every major battle in Europe from the invasion of Normandy to … [Read more...] about Seymour Taffet
Robert Miksa
Robert Miksa was born in 1924 in Chicago to a Catholic family. His father's generosity influenced him to help people throughout his life. In 1942, he felt an obligation to contribute to his country and enlisted in the army. Robert received his basic training in Texas and fought in a number of battles including D-Day and Battle of the Bulge. He was … [Read more...] about Robert Miksa
Philip Snoberger
Philip Snoberger was born in 1924 in Goshen, Indiana to a family of farmers. Phil was drafted when he was still in high school, but he was allowed to graduate first and then serve. Phil was placed a in a special program for technologically advanced soldiers and remained there until this program was disbanded, then he was transferred to battlefield … [Read more...] about Philip Snoberger
Phyllis Gervais
Phyllis Gervais was born in May of 1921 in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts to a Catholic family. She was inspired by both her mother and father to go into nursing. After graduating from high school in Portland, Maine, she attended Elizabeth Nursing School and Boston College. At the age of 22, Phyllis enlisted in the army along with most of her nursing … [Read more...] about Phyllis Gervais
Peter Thomas
Peter Thomas was born in Pensacola, Florida. He felt a great deal of hatred for the German people because his grandfather, a British army colonel, was killed in World War I. Peter enlisted in the army as a private in 1943. He was assigned to the First Army Division, Special Unit MP Platoon. Peter’s division entered a camp called Dora-Nordhausen … [Read more...] about Peter Thomas
Nick Hale
William Nick Hale was born in 1924 in Baltimore. His family was Baptist and religious. He was drafted into the army in 1943 upon his graduation from high school. Nick served in the infantry in the 1st Division as a rifleman. Nick was in the invasion of Sicily and the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded medals for his service and bravery. In … [Read more...] about Nick Hale
Robert Hilliard
Robert “Bob” Hilliard was born on June 25th, 1925 in New York City. He was drafted in 1944 and served in the Infantry. In late April, 1945, Robert became the editor of his unit’s newspaper. They were stationed near Landsberg, Germany, incidentally where Hitler wrote Mein Kampf. In May 1945, Bob's army peers told him of a concert at Saint … [Read more...] about Robert Hilliard