Arthur B. Silverman letters, 1944

Summary

Creator:

Silverman family

Abstract:

This collection consists of 5 letters that Private Arthur B. Silverman wrote to his parents in Hartford, Connecticut, while training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, in August and September 1944. He discussed the importance of training, the Jewish New Year, and guard duty, among other subjects.

Extent:

5 items

Language:

English

Authors:

Collection processed and finding aid created by Meg Hixon, September 2013

Background

Scope and Content:

This collection consists of 5 letters that Private Arthur B. Silverman wrote to his parents in Hartford, Connecticut, while training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, in August and September 1944. He described the Browning Automatic Rifle, rifle training, and guard duties; commented on the uncertainty of getting a furlough and the difficulty of making a cross-country telephone call; mentioned a USO show that included a performance by African-American minstrels; and noted a recent forest fire. In letters postmarked September 18, 1944, and September 24, 1944, Silverman apologized for not properly observing Rosh Hashanah but explained the high value that he placed on training, arguing that poor preparation had caused military personnel to be killed in the theaters of war and explaining that he had to follow orders.

Biographical / Historical:

Arthur B. Silverman was born in Hartford, Connecticut, around 1925, the son of Rabbi Morris Silverman and Althea Silverman. He had two brothers, Hillel and Elihu. Silverman trained at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, in the late summer and early fall of 1944.

Acquisition Information:

1997. M-3384 .

Processing information:

Cataloging funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). This collection has been processed according to minimal processing procedures and may be revised, expanded, or updated in the future.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Subjects

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Subjects:

Browning automatic rifle.
Jewish soldiers--Religious life.
Jews--United States.

Formats:

Letters (correspondence)

Names:

Marine Corps Recruit Depot (San Diego, Calif.)
United States. Marine Corps.
Silverman, Arthur B.