Jewish Heroes of World War I by Avi Heiligman

Forgotten Her es

Jewish Heroes of World War I

By Avi Heiligman

Many members of the Lost Battalion were Jewish and understood German Major Charles Whittlesley was the commander of the Lost Battalion General Pershing pinning the Medal of Honor of Major Whittlesey

Almost three years after World War I had started, the United States declared war on Germany. The United States had been neutral from outset of hostilities in 1914, but as the war progressed, attacks on American shipping by German submarines meant that it could no longer sit on the sidelines. Germany had forced the U.S. to enter the war by attacking both merchant and passenger ships with the hopes that it would force Great Britain into peace talks. Instead, it had the opposite effect, and after declaring war, the United States began to mobilize its forces. Over four million service men and women were activated during the war with an approximate 225,000 Jewish service members among their ranks. They served in all branches, and many were noted for bravery on the battlefield.

Sergeant William Shemin served with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, American Expeditionary Forces. He was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, and had played semi-pro baseball before enlisting in the army in October 1917. On August 6, 1918 during the Battle of the Marne at the Vesle River in France, Shemin’s company came upon a heavily entrenched enemy. The rifleman saw that the machine gun and rifle fire caused many casualties, and had put the officers and senior non-commissioned officers out of action. Shemin took command of his platoon and several times exposed himself under heavy fire to rescue the wounded. He himself became a casualty when a machine gun bullet pierced his helmet and caused damage by his left ear. engaged in battle, they had sustained few casualties but that was all about to change during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The Allied (mainly French and American units) offensive had started in September 1918 and was to include troops across the entire line that up to that point had be entrenched on the Hindenburg Line. It was to last until November 11, when the

He hid in some bushes and a heavy German stepped on his fingers, but the American was not caught.

Following three months in the hospital, Shemin returned to light duty while completing his tour. For his actions, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart. In 2015, after a review of his actions by the Pentagon, Shemin was awarded the Medal of Honor. The 77th Division, called the Metropolitan Division since most of the men were from New York, was sent to fight in France and entered combat in April 1918. For the first few months that they were Germans were forced to surrender.

The first battalion of the 77th, under the command of Major Charles White Whittlesey, had advanced and didn’t realize that the French had left their left flank exposed and that two other American divisions had retreated on their right – until it was too late. The Germans had surrounded the New Yorkers. From October 2 to October 8, the Battalion was cut off from supplies and reinforcements, and they were facing an unknown number of Germans. Several heroic actions were performed by Jewish members of the battalion.

Messengers had been sent to inform the American headquarters of the position of the Lost Battalion, but none were successful in delivering the message. Several patrol and runners had been shot down trying to make it across to friendly territory. Another call went out for a messenger, and this time Abraham Krotoshinsky was the one who volunteered. Right away, he realized that the Germans knew another runner was in the area. Several machine gun nests in the area made the trek even more dangerous. All day on October 6 he went through noman’s land and somehow wound up in the German trenches. He hid in some bushes and a heavy German stepped on his fingers, but the American was not caught. He then stumbled into a deserted trench and heard American voices. He began to shout “hello,” and soon an American scout party found him and brought him and his very important message to headquarters. Despite his exhausting ordeal, Krotoshinsky was still able to lead a relief party to the position of the Lost Battalion. His arrival was well received by the other members of the Lost Battalion, as they were finally rescued after a week behind enemy lines.

Sergeant William Shemin President Barack Obama, with Shemin’s daughters, bestowing the Medal of Honor to Sgt. William Shemin in 2015 Private Abraham Krotoshinsky

For his actions during the battle, Krotoshinsky was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

Before the “Lost Battalion” had been lost, they needed to reestablish communications with headquarters. Private Jack Herschkowitz and two others were sent by Whittlesey to regimental headquarters, but they were attacked by the Germans. The American shot back and killed one enemy soldier. That night, they crawled into a camp. To their horror, they realized it was an enemy camp, and they stayed still for three hours undetected. However, they were discovered, and Herschkowitz intentionally drew enemy fire to himself while allowing the others to escape.

Herschkowitz managed to escape and finally reached friendly French lines. As he reached headquarters to deliver the message, he collapsed as he not only was fighting the Germans; he was also battling a severe case of the flu. For his heroic efforts, Herschkowitz was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the French Croix de Guerre.

Armistice Day is November 11 to commemorate the treaty agreement that ended the fighting in 1918. It is a day that many nations use as a centerpiece to remember those who fought during in the Great War. Jewish soldiers fought on both sides of the war, and many were killed. Their names may not be in most history books, but their heroism on the battlefield make them Forgotten Heroes.

Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@gmail.com.