1938-1945
- 1938, activities in Cincinnati (Louise, Edie, Ben, Walter, Chippy)
- 1943, signing up—training in the US
- 1943-45, overseas Europe (Walter, Ben)
- 1945, overseas the Pacific theater (Leo)
- 1945-6, reentering into civilian life, keeping in touch with war buddies (Walter)
What was happening when the Felson brothers first joined the military? Where were they trained, where were they stationed? What was their military affiliation? When did they go? What was going on at the home front?
Leo Felson
Leo joined the Marines in WWII. He had a history of rheumatic fever and because of that was not accepted by his local military doctors into either the army or they navy. He was accepted into the Marine Corps, however, because the examiners failed to detect his faint heart murmur. He barely made their minimal height requirement (5 feet 6 inches).
Insert something about the heart murmur and switching to infantry mentioned in Ros’s letters.
Leo rose from the rank of private to first lieutenant and was assigned to be the regimental communications officer for the Fifteenth Marine Artillery Regiment. In 1945, he was scheduled to be among the first wave of combatants for the invasion of Japan. Leo’s life was probably spared by the dropping of the atom bomb.
He was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas, when training for his marine responsibilities. Leo married Evelyn Tanenbaum while there on July 3, 1943.
On October 14, 1943 (he dates it 1942 but probably is 1943), Leo wrote Ginny from San Diego:
I guess you know by now that I’m trying to get into the signal corps. If I should, I’ll be able to apply to officer’s training. Either one of these positions would give me a better chance of getting home…We’ll be going out to the rifle range Saturday…We’ll actually begin to live, eat, and sleep rifle practice. I’m eagerly looking forward to it.
Letter from Ros, February 1, 1944:
Received a letter from Evelyn and Leo today—he is in San Diego and she is in Los Angeles with an aunt. They see each other on week-ends. Leo will be there about 3 months he has liberty only on week-ends. He’s stationed on a farm and is having rigorous training consisting of field problems—makes 6 miles in 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Letter from Sophie to family, April 6, 1944.
Leo in Quantico
Letter from Ros, May 3 1944:
Leo stopped in Cincy between trains. “He’s off to OCS and is starting from scratch again—a mere PFC. I hope he comes out with his bars-which I’m sure he will.
From Leo to Evy, June 1, 1944.
I don’t know whether I told you how important the Map Reading grade was. If anyone fails Map Reading they must take another exam. If they fail the second exam, they cannot pass the course. If they do pass the second exam, it does not effect (sic) their grade, but they can get their commission if other grades warrant this. Last nite I learned that 53 or ur 127 men failed Map Reading. When I heard this I became somewhat alarmed since I had missed those three problems on the exam and even though I had gotten a 5.0 (100) on the first exam it counted only 25% and I had reason to be concerned. I anxiously awaited the posting of the grades and at 1630 I was the first to the bulletin board and to my utter amazement found I had made a 4.6 (92) on the course…
Letter from Evy, June 8, 1944—Evy meeting Leo in Washington, D.C area:
Tomorrow I am leaving for Alexandria where Leo reserved a room for me. I am so excited and am keeping my fingers crossed so that Leo will get liberty…
Letter from Ros, Feb 21, 1945:
Leo and Evy should be in Cincinnati sometime this week. I’m awaiting a call from them.
Letter from Ros to Walter, Feb 22, 1945
Just had a call from Cincy, from Leo and Evelyn. They got into Cincinnati this morning and expect to be there for a week. I was surprised and disappointed to hear that Leo expects to be shipped out in a few weeks. I had expected him to be here for a few more months. Evelyn said he had applied for something else, and it had not gone thru—consequently he was leaving sooner.
Letter from Ros to Walter, Feb 25, 1945
Leo and Evelyn arrived with the Tennenbaums guests at about 1 o’clock and from then on there wasn’t a dull moment. Judy gave Leo and Evelyn a grand welcome and altho Lanie was supposedly taking a nap, she got out of bed and came down to see the “company.” Leo looks simply marvelous and Evy looks good too. They left a picture with me that I’ll send on to you. Leo says he is eager to go across, but I imagine he’s just being a martyr. He is to report to Camp Lycene and expects to stay there for a few weeks and then leave for California. He doesn’t know just what duties he will have — but is with an artillery outfit and may be an observer — which, from what you tell me — ain’t so good. But time will tell. They told me something I did not know (one of the many things) that the Pacific was divided in two sections — the southern part belonging to McCarthur and the northern to Nimitz. And since Leo would be with the Navy, he would probably be under Nimitz. He thought he might probably end up on the coast of China or thereabouts. We shall see.
Ros to Walter, March 6, 1945:
We have all been rather perturbed about Leo and his “condition.” Just as a matter of check-up, Leo went to see Speckman the other day, and Leo tells us that he picked up the heart murmur without any exercise or exertion. Of course Leo minimized the incident, and when we thought and said perhaps he wouldn’t pass his overseas physical — he appeared to be quite angry. But you know how Leo loves the dramatic, and I can’t really and truly believe that he is so eager to go over. I’m hoping that they pick up the murmur and keep him here for limited duty.
Ros to Walter, March 17, 1945
I certainly didn’t like to hear that Leo has been transferred to the Infantry. I’m still hoping he doesn’t pass his overseas exam.
Ros to Walter, April 15, 1945
Soph called me this morning while I was still in Cincy to tell me she had received a wire from Leo saying that he had received his orders and would stop in Cincy en route. I’m still keeping my fingers crossed for him.
Ros to Walter, April 22, 1945 re a conversation she had with Leo on the phone.
He (Leo) seemed to be in excellent spirits all ready to go. Evelyn however, seemed rather depressed, for which I don’t blame her. There’s still the chance that Leo may not pass his overseas exam — so here’s hoping.
Ros to Walter, April 23, 1945
I suppose Leo is leaving for the coast this morning as planned. I certainly hate to see him go.
Ros to Walter, May 3, 1945
Did I tell you that Leo called Evelyn from San Diego last week, telling her that he will be there for at least 5 weeks and asked her to come out there. She left by plane on Tuesday morning.
Ros to Walter, May 13, 1945
Evy has written that Leo’s course will last 8 weeks instead of 5 — so that gives him a few more weeks with Evy. I’m still hoping that something turns up to keep him from going overseas.
Ros to Walter, May 28, 1945
I understand that Leo has been having some gastric complaints and is planning to have x-rays. Maybe something will come up to prevent his going overseas.
Ros to Walter, June 14, 1945
So Leo is getting another furlough. I believe I’ve said goodbye and wished him luck about a half dozen times now. It’s getting to be monotonous. But as long as he is still here, I keep hoping for him.
Ros to Walter, June 15, 1945
I’m enclosing a letter from Leo. Evidently he is not sure about coming home for his 15 day furlough. In a way I don’t blame him, since he was just here a month ago and then it takes so much time traveling.
Ros to Walter, July 9, 1945
It’s a bit saddening to realize that while we are looking forward to a most wonderful reunion, Leo and Evelyn are just at the other stage of this game of war. Evelyn has my most heartfelt sympathy, knowing what Leo has in store for him and I certainly don’t envy all the days of anxiety ahead of her.
Ros to Walter, July 13, 1945
I called Soph and spoke a few words to her. She said Leo has definitely gone—and Evy came home last night. I certainly wish him luck and hope he comes through safely.
Ros to Walter, August 3, 1945
I’m enclosing a letter from Evelyn telling of Leo’s new life in Hawaii. Seems as if he will be going to school for a few weeks, at least.
Ros to Walter, August 16, 1945
Golly, I’ve been so happy for Leo and Evelyn that he didn’t have to go into combat. I know they are greatly relieved and thrilled at the surrender of Japan.
The following correspondence from Leo to Evelyn is now held in the Jewish archives in Cincinnati written when he was in the marines.
- Correspondence to Evelyn Felson [wife]. Hawaii. July-October 1945.
- Correspondence to Evelyn Felson [wife]. Tzinatao, China. November 1945-March 1946.
Walter Felson
See Walter at War
Henry Felson (Chippy)
Chippy served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was stationed at Battle Creek Michigan. His family was with him throughout the war.
From Lois Mock January 28, 2015:
Chippy and family (including me) spent the war in Battle Creek, Michigan at the Percy Jones Army Medical Center, taking care of very seriously injured soldiers who were sent home. He wanted to go overseas, but his boss (a Colonel or higher, I think) refused to let him go. I think he felt very guilty about this.
From Ros to Walter, May 28, 1945 (re Irv’s visit to Chippy).
It seems that Chip isn’t too happy in his present set-up and he seems to be getting a raw deal, in regard to his promotion, which his superior officer isn’t putting thru. There is also the ever-present antisemitic feeling there too. Anyhow, Chip is definite about his feeling that he will soon be transferred. It’s the same old politics everywhere you go.
From Sophie to family (August 22, 1945):
So congratulations to Chip, he’s now a major! Isn’t that wonderful. I got a phone call this morning from Joana Grad telling me that she had received a letter from Helen telling her the good news. So she phoned me so I could [tell] you all about it. We Cincinnati’s are all so thrilled.
David Abramson
See chapter 9 in Reflections of a physician in his 97th year, David’s autobiography.
First military assignment: Army and Navy General Hospital, Hot Springs Arkansas. (Julie was 7 months old.) He spent five weeks there training in Army protocol. At the end of our training period in 1943 I received orders to proceed to O’Reilly General Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Army 7th Service Command—cardiac ward. Beth was born in Springfield, September 24, 1943.
In August 1944, David (and family) moved to Percy Jones Hospital in Battlecreek Michigan until the vascular center was readied. In Battlecreek, he moved in with Chippy and Helen and kids. David and Chip had to sleep at the hospital because of cramped conditions in the apartment. David stayed at Percy Jones for 4 or 5 weeks. Then on to Galesburg where he served as section chief.
Letter from Ros August 8, 1944
Received a card from Soph this morning saying that David was transferred to Percy Jones Hospital and they are moving to Battle Creek today. Louise, of course, is thrilled to death. That’s a real break.
August 8, 1944
I believe I told you in a previous note today that Louise and David and family are moving to Battle Creek Michigan since David has been transferred to Percy Jones. Isn’t that swell—both for the Abramsons and Chippy Felsons. I know David is thrilled about this from the scientific viewpoint and Louise as well as being happy for David will like it much better than Springfield. There they will be closer to the entire family too.
August 31, 1944
I was surprised when I read Soph’s family letter today, to learn that most of the Felsons are on the move again. Of course everyone knew that Ben was to go to France, but he has been there for several weeks. I don’t know exactly what goes on up at Battlecreek, but evidently they are converting Perry Jones to a surgical hospital and transferring all medical personnel. I hope Chip gets a break – tho he really has been fortunate to remain in one spot for so long. I don’t imagine David will be sent overseas since he is on limited service.
David was transferred to the Fifth Service Command at Mayo General Hospital in Galesburg, Illinois and put in charge of a vascular center until September 1946 when he left the army to return to civilian status after four years of army service. He received an honorable discharge.
Benjamin Felson
See also Excerpts of Ben’s letters.
Ben Felson’s Letter to his wife Virginia, written Monday, October 10, 1944 from England during the second world war. Ben served as a radiologist in the military with the 28 General Hospital unit.
My Dearest:
Your birthday will occur in 2 days and I’m so sorry I’m not there to celebrate it. But happy birthday, anyhow. I hope my gift reaches you in time. Also Steve’s. He’s 3 years old now—my, how time passes. It seems like yesterday when we celebrated his 1st birthday.
For the second time, I have forgotten Nancy’s birthday. As I recall, it is on Jan. 19. Am I correct?
I’m sending you a few pictures taken in our present location. Hope I haven’t changed too much.
I might review the places I’ve been in the past few months, now that it is permitted to mention locations over 25 miles away. Get your map out.
We arrived in the British Isles on December 31, landing in Greenock, Scotland, near Glasgow. That night we rode by train to a place called Tillshead, near Salisbury, England. This was our first camp—English barracks—and you will recall how cold and muddy it was there. After 2 or 3 weeks, we went in groups to The Royal Victoria Hospital, famous old British army hospital where Florence Nightingale worked. It is in Netley, just outside of Southampton, the first city I wrote you about. We remained there about 2 months and then went again in groups to Trowbridge, in central England where we were billeted in private homes for about 6 weeks. During this period, I went on detached service to Weymouth, on the south coast for about 1 week.
From Trowbridge we moved to Kingston-Lacy, an estate 2 miles from Wimborne which in turn is 10 miles from Bournemouth. Bournemouth is the beautiful and very entertaining city where I went to concerts and plays.
We remained in Winbourne about 3 or more months, then moved out in groups to a small village, Honyngton Clysts, just outside of Exeter where we staid for about 3-4 weeks. At that time I went on det. service for 10 days to a hospital outside of Warminster and Frome and near Trowbridge.
From Exeter we went again to the port of embarcation in Southampton, remaining restricted to camp for 3 days.
We landed on the continent at one of the beaches of the Normandy peninsula along the east coast, south of Cherbourg. We spent one night near the beach and then went to a field on the edge of Carentan where we remained about a month. During this stay I hitch-hiked to Cherbourg, Isigny, Saint Lo, where the Red Cross was located,—the terribly battered town I wrote about, Mont San Michel, Villedieu, Bayeux where the tapestry is located, Mitty’s grave at the 29th Infantry Cemetery, outside of Longueville, which is near Isigny.
We left there about 3 weeks ago and went via Paris to Belgium, where we are now located.
It might be interesting to review some of my old letters now, in light of correct geographical location.
The dept. is still the only one functioning completely and everyone but me are busy making improvements. We have little business but expect to be very busy as time rolls on.
We’ll get some snaps of our set-up and I’ll send you some. Did I tell you that Col. Alber was very pleased at Augers photographic (the Xray consultant for ETO) technic for reproducing x-rays and requested that we write it up for the Army Medical Journal. I told him that it was Auger’s baby, but he insisted that i collaborate, as Auger is only an enlisted man, and it wouldn’t carry any weight. So this is one of our first tasks here, from a scientific standpoint.
Tomorrow night we are going to have our grand opening, with a party for the men, Manny, and myself. Since we are no longer housed in a separate building, and since patients are nearby, it will have to be much more time than our previous one, but we’ll have a little to drink and a lot to eat, so we should do alright.
Well, I’ve got to get back to work at – guess what? Cutting up photos of you and the kids for my photo-holder. So au revere, my beloved. Oh what I would give for a glimpse of your lovely, beautiful face. Even your baritone voice would thrill me. Uh, uh – don’t say it.
Maybe I’ll get a letter soon – over 3 weeks now. Gee I’m so anxious to hear what the kids are doing. Please send me records of their voices and movies and any photos you have. Keep taking photos. And keep sending food.
Goodbye again,
Ben
Irv Felson
Irv drove Walter’s wife kids from New Jersey back to Greenfield, in December 1943 when Walter went overseas. Went with Ros for Judy’s tonsillitis operation. (not just war—was there when Elaine was born.)
Sophie Felson Travis
Typed war letters, hub of information. Sent care packages to Walter. Visited Ros and put her up in her visits to Cincy during the war years. Babysat the children as Ros took care of business in Cincinnati (Doctors appointments, visiting family, shopping, funeral of her family—uncles and aunts).
Mutt, Mitty, or Mutty (Marcus) Kruke
(d. July 9, 1944)
Close friend of the Felson brothers, especially Benny. He died at Normandy, Marcus Kruke Felson was named after Marcus Kruke.
Ben visited his grave when he was in France (see above letter): Mitty’s grave at the 29th Infantry Cemetery, outside of Longueville, which is near Isigny. Date of Death: July 09, 1944
Buried in Plot G Row 6 Grave 29, Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France. The daughter of another friend, Judy Albert Kaplan, visited his grave and wrote about him and her experience there.
She comments:
My father told me that Mutt died protecting another soldier whose duty was to install a communication line. Mutt threw his body over his fellow fighter taking the bullets which rained like torrential hail, so that this crucial mission could be accomplished. There is no telling how many soldiers Mutt saved by his heroic act.
Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Marcus Kruke (ASN: 0-1325403), United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star (Posthumously) for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in the vicinity of St. Lo, France, on or about 9 July 1944.
Ros to Walter, August 11, 1934:
I just received a note from Soph. with the awful news that Mutt Kruke was killed in action in France. It affects one rather deeply when it is a close friend that is involved. What a horrible thing this war is.
Ros to Walter, Aug 31, 1944: Re Rae Kruke:
Did you ever write a letter of condolence to Rae Kruke Engel? I think it would be nice if you did. Ben and Chip wrote to her and she was so appreciative. I didn’t read the letters but Edie told me that Chip wrote a wonderful letter just as if he were speaking to Rae. Poor kid. She is really taking it hard. She really was a mother to Mutt. He lived with her for some time before going into the army. None of them ever got along with their father. I didn’t write her since I felt that you were much closer to the Kruckes than I was.
The Felson Family 