Last time, we looked at a few lesser known MOTs (Members of the Tribe) who played a fascinating role in U.S. history, through the end of the Civil War. In this piece, we’ll see a sampling of We Jews who helped re-build America afterward. For you “listers” out there, I end with a few fascinating bullets!
Rosa Drachman was Tucson’s first Yiddishe Mama
Mother Drachman
There were only two Anglo women in Tucson when Rosa Drachman arrived. Her son, Harry Arizona, was the first child born in Tucson to American parents (1869). Nine more followed. In 1889, her husband died, leaving Rosa to raise the children and continue running his saloon and cigar store. Ah, but she became Tucson’s first Jewish mama ... teaching, mentoring, and building the community. Rosa’s tombstone refers to her as “Mother Drachman,” to honor the great matriarch.
Ship Named for Jewess
On October 20, 1944, Frances Y. Slanger, R.N., who was in the first nursing basic training program with the Army Nurse Corps, wrote the Stars and Stripes expressing her gratitude for the privilege of working with the wounded. Tragically, and ironically, the very next day, the 31-year-old Jewish woman became the first American nurse to be killed in Europe after D-Day (in Belgium during a German artillery attack). When her poignant letter was published after her death, Americans everywhere mourned. In June 1945, the Frances Y. Slanger set sail, returning the wounded from Europe. In 1947, over 1,000, including Boston’s mayor attended her re-burial in her hometown of Boston.
EULOGY BY RABBI GITTLESOHN AT IWO JIMA
On February 19, 1945, the battle on Iwo Jima began. Among the 70,000 marines embroiled in the five week bloodbath, 1,500 were Jewish. One can’t think of Iwo Jima without recalling the most famous Pulitzer Prize winning WWII image taken by Jewish photographer Joe Rosenthal of the second flag-raising over Mount Suribachi. Less known is the remarkable eulogy by American Rabbi Roland B. Gittlesohn, following the battle, at the dedication of the Marine Cemetery. Rabbi Gittlesohn, the decorated first Jewish Marine chaplain, ministered to all faiths at Iwo Jima.
[Excerpted]
"Here are Protestants, Catholics, and Jews together ... Among these men there is no discrimination. No prejudices. No hatred. Theirs is the highest and purest democracy! ... To this , as our sacred duty, do we the living now dedicate ourselves: To the right of Protestants, Catholics, and Jews, of White men and Negroes alike, to enjoy the democracy for which all here paid the price. Out of this and from the suffering and sorrow of those who mourn this, will come the birth of a new freedom for the sons of men everywhere."
The words struck those of all faiths and were repeated and republished everywhere from Time magazine to the wire services. The sermon was inserted into the Congressional Record, and eulogy was broadcast to American troops around the world.
The U.S.S. Harry S. Truman “Jewish?”
Lt. Col. Scott Rutter was looking for signs of ancient Babylonian Jewry in 2003.
He was interrupted. The Jewish Colonel and the “2-7" were busy capturing Saddam Hussein International Airport (which he renamed the Baghdad International Airport) during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was rewarded with the Silver Star to keep his Bronze Star that he earned during the Gulf War, company.
Oh Captain, My Captain
No foolin’. The grandson of Lithuanian Jewish immigrants who settled in Philadelphia was Captain of the U.S.S Harry S. Truman! (2007-2010). Capt. Herman “Herm” Shelanski earned his Command after 30 years of naval service and what a command it was – including bringing “Jewish” on board. On the Truman, Shelanski has hosted kosher Seders for the crew, and attended Shabbat services in the ship's chapel. Jewish history took its place with a Lithuanian Torah aboard, saved from the Holocaust. The son of a doctor who served in the Navy during World War II, “Herm” made the Navy his career to “give back” to America. Though family members died in the Holocaust, immigration saved his grandparents from the same fate. He firmly believes that America’s strength is tied to Israel’s safety.
SOME FACTS ABOUT JEWISH OFFICERS
The following are some fascinating facts about Jews in the military:
- The first Jewish officers in the New World fought in the French and Indian Wars. They were Jacob Judah, Michael Isaacs, Isaac Moses and Isaac Meyers. Meyers led a company across the Allegheny Mountains and served as captain.
- The banking firm of Seligman Brothers provided financial support to the Union Army.
- Surgeon General David de Leon of S.C. was the first Surgeon General of the Confederacy — and his counterpart for the Union was Dr. Jonathan Horowitz.
- When General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Grant, present at the ceremony in 1865, was Benjamin B. Levy, one of a six (some sources say seven) Jews awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
- Brigadier General Edward S. Salomon was appointed governor of Washington Territory by Grant.
- General L. C. Newman, of New York, fatally wounded during the Civil War, died – while President Lincoln, who appointed him Brevet Brigadier General, was at his bedside.
- Major General Frederick Kneffler, was noted for bravery at the Civil War Battle of Chickamauga.
- Sergeant Leo Karpeles, of the 11th New York (more than half composed of Jews) was the first Jew to receive Medal of Honor, issued in 1870 for heroism in the Battle of the Wilderness.
We Made Our Mark. Come Visit!
Across North America, Jewish place names dot our map. According to author David C. Gross, there are 92 towns, villages, hamlets, lakes, and forests in 34 states named for Jews who contributed mightily to these areas! Here are a just a few:
- Enjoy fishing? Levy Lake on Florida’s Gulf Coast was named for Moses Levy, whose son David, the first Jew elected to Congress as Florida’s Congressman-at-large in 1841.
- Like climbing? Try Mount Rothstein in King’s Canyon National Park, California, named for an early Jewish settler.
- Into railroads? Weiner is a spot on the St. Louis Southwestern Railroad in Arkansas, named for a Jewish train official!
(13) I served on the Frances Y Slanger. And our unit was called 235th Hospital ship Complement, June 3, 2019 11:12 PM
Anybody else out there at same time?
We transported our wounded home and also returned German POW’s. Back to Europe We also decommissioned and picked up a shop load of servicemembers stranded in Bermuda from a disabled troop ship
(12) bernie Rosenberg, August 3, 2010 3:20 PM
marine jewish chaplain??
please be advised, that there are no chaplains in the marine corps. every chaplain is from the navy and are assigned to the corps. the same holds true for doctors,and dentists..
(11) Jeff Thomason, August 1, 2010 10:16 PM
Comments concerning LtCol(Ret) Ken Rubin by dash18
It was Lt Col (Ret) Ken Rubin's wedding in Savannah not Lt Col Thomason's. Yes we wore dress blue military uniforms. Ken married Barbara Sutker, daughter of Dr. Melvin & Muriel Sutker - now both deceased.
(10) Don Zimmer, July 31, 2010 9:36 AM
A non-jew interested in Jewish history in America
I am a gentile with a great respect for the enormous contribution that Jews have made toward America's success. I love to read these lesser known tidbits of Jewish-American history. I am glad I discovered this web-site.
(9) marnie, the author, July 31, 2010 12:46 AM
AH, MARVIN! RE: BENEDICT ARNOLD'S JEWISH AIDE
And right you are, Marvin. Here's the ganza. (As it appeared in one of my A Little Joy, A Litt le Oy calendars no longer available. But, you can get the Goyish vs. Jewish 2011 Calendar. An Officer Who Turned Out to be A Gentleman! One of the most fascinating officers during the Revolution was a Jew named David S. Franks (1740-1793). An aide-de-camp to Benedict Arnold at the time of his treason in Sept., 1780, Franks, too was arrested, then honorably acquitted. Still unsatisfied, he requested a court of inquiry. He was completely exonerated, and, in 1781, sent to Europe as bearer of dispatches to John Jay and Benjamin Franklin. Eventually, he was given the rank of army major. In 1789, he was granted 400 acres of land in recognition of his Revolutionary war service.
(8) David G., July 30, 2010 4:05 AM
Lake Levy
My husband and I have fished at Lake Levy! We were traveling through Florida, and friends told us about it, so, we couldn't resist fishing in a "kosher" lake. Didn't know about Mt. Rothstein, but I doubt we'll make the climb! Are there more "Jewish" spots? Marta and David Grossman
(7) stephanie, July 30, 2010 3:51 AM
Fascinating
As I student of Jewish history I love this series! "We Jews" need to know more about our past and the people and events that made us great! Thanks for a good job! Stephanie
(6) dasha18, July 30, 2010 1:01 AM
Savannah
I believe I attended Lt.Col. Thomanson's wedding at the BB Jacob Synagogue, He was in uniform and this made a lasting impression. I had no idea how highly decorated he is. Is Barbara's maiden name Sutker? Also Sheftell was the first Jewish person in Savannah. I think he was Oglethorpe's doctor, but I might remember incorrectly. Oglethorpe founded Georgia.
(5) Marvin, July 29, 2010 2:05 PM
Although I can't recall his name, Benedicy Arnold's aide de camp was Jewish and after the revolution served as ambassador to France.
(4) Feivel, July 28, 2010 8:20 PM
Hoorah for our history!!!
Thank you for sharing your in-depth knowledge of our forebears. We, as Americans and Jews, are very proud of your work.
(3) Jeff Thomason LtCol (Ret), July 28, 2010 6:31 AM
Jewish Vietnam Hero
Need to add Lt. Col (Ret) Ken Rubin, US Army. Most highly decorated Jewish Helicopter Pilot in the Vietnam War. Awarded Disinguished Service Cross, (second only to Medal of Honor), the Silver Star, the Bronze Start plus numerous other awards for heroism and gallantry for Tet 1968. I have personal knowledge, served with him in same unit in Vietnam and was a groomsman in his wedding in Savannah, GA in 1968 when he returned from Vietnam. He presently lives with wife Barbara in West Virginia.
(2) Phil Peltz, July 28, 2010 2:02 AM
Phenomenal! How much jewish history in America.
Marnie, I hereby award you an honorary doctorate in jewish history. You certainly deserve one! What an eye-opener; thank you.
(1) Dr. George, July 25, 2010 11:38 PM
Proud to be a Jew
Once again, AISH has reminded us of our proud heritage, so important in these times, when our very homeland is at stake. I'm sending this around, and I hope all who read this, and the articles that came before, will do the same. Thank you, Jewlarious, for always keeping our pride front and center!! Dr. George and family