This Veteran’s Day, the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware remembers the Jewish Delawareans who served in our country’s military.
With a global pandemic today, many are reminded of the virus that took so many lives among the young soldiers fighting in France in WWI. The influenza pandemic claimed the life of Delaware native, Captain Rupert Mandell Burstan, USMC.
Rupert Mandell Burstan, of Middletown, Delaware, was the first Jew from Delaware to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy. After graduating in 1915, Burston served in the Marine Corps. He was sent to Haiti, where he was promoted to the rank of captain. Later, Burstan was in charge of 1,100 men stationed in Quantico, Virginia. In 1918 he sailed to France, where he died in the flu epidemic.
Over one million Jews have served in the Armed Forces of the United States through the 21st Century
250,000 American Jews served in World War I
600,000 American Jews served in World War II
150,000 American Jews served in the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars
Jewish military service in the defense of the United States began in 1654 when Asher Levy, one of 23 original Jewish settlers in New Amsterdam, fought for and won the right to stand guard at the stockade.
Since its founding in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the USA continues to fight not only for the Jewish veteran, but for all Americans.
In 1947, 18 men initiated Jewish War Veterans Posts: Harry Fineman 525, Nathan Balick 747, and Arthur Blatman 767. Each is affiliated with Jewish War Veterans USA, Department of Delaware.
During our wars, 18 US Jewish servicemen were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism while in combat. Others wounded or killed received decorations and medals for their bravery.
A monument to those killed in action was unveiled May 28, 1950 in the Veterans’ section, Lombardy Cemetery Foulk Road. A Rededication of the restored area was September 17, 2006.