Kleinekill Press is an online and print publisher of stories from the Second World War. The stories are of the war’s most interesting battles and campaigns in the European Theatre. They are told through the awards of men who served in the war, through bravery and sacrifice. Featured are awards from Germany, the US, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union, both in medal and document form.
My interest in World War II began as a child when I picked up a book about D-Day at the age of 11. Since then, I have poured over books and publications related to the war and formed an interest in collectibles from the period. Over the years, I have learned that the best collectibles are those that are attributable to the men who were there. Having a medal in hand is interesting, but having one in hand where you know the recipient’s name, perhaps where he was from, and the battle in which he earned it, is truly fascinating and, at the same time, humbling. These pages are an attempt to present these awards in context, to show the time in which they were earned, and why, during the bloodiest war in human history. While these events are truly fascinating, it is also important that these stories are not lost to time, especially as the World War II generation increasingly fades away.
My interest in World War II began as a child when I picked up a book about D-Day at the age of 11. Since then, I have poured over books and publications related to the war and formed an interest in collectibles from the period. Over the years, I have learned that the best collectibles are those that are attributable to the men who were there. Having a medal in hand is interesting, but having one in hand where you know the recipient’s name, perhaps where he was from, and the battle in which he earned it, is truly fascinating and, at the same time, humbling. These pages are an attempt to present these awards in context, to show the time in which they were earned, and why, during the bloodiest war in human history. While these events are truly fascinating, it is also important that these stories are not lost to time, especially as the World War II generation increasingly fades away.
Morris Kalmanowitz being awarded the Silver Star in the field by Major General John W. O’Daniel, division commander, 3rd Infantry Division. US Signal Corps Photo.
Morris Kalmanowitz, born on February 14, 1920 in Brooklyn, NY, served with 3rd Infantry Division in the bloody battle for the Anzio Bridgehead, in Italy, in early to mid 1944. He was decorated with the Silver Star, the US Arrmy's third highest award for bravery.
His citation reads, “For gallantry in action. On 3 March 1944, near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, during an attack, cover was so limited and the shelling so intense that three quarters of Staff Sergeant Kalmanowitz’s platoon became casualties. When he was so severely wounded that he was later hospitalized 17 days, Staff Sergeant Kalmanowitz instead of permitting himself to be immediately evacuated, four times helped to carry other wounded men back to the rear. Each trip was over a half mile long and subjected him to artillery fire, shells bursting 30 to 50 yards away. The enemy were at times no more than 100 yards away and covered his platoon area with small arms fire. Although bullets missed him on many occasions, by inches, Staff Sergeant Kalmanowitz continued the evacuation until exhausted by loss of blood and his exertions, when he in turn was evacuated."
After his recovery from his wounds at Anzio, Kalmanowitz returned to his unit in France in the fall of 1944. During the fighting in the Vosges Mountains, he was wounded again, this time severely. He died in a field hospital the next day, October 26, 1944. In addition to his Silver Star he was awarded two oak leaf clusters to his Purple Heart. Kalmanowitz was just 24 years old and is remembered here among the many stories of men who served in the Second World War.
His citation reads, “For gallantry in action. On 3 March 1944, near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, during an attack, cover was so limited and the shelling so intense that three quarters of Staff Sergeant Kalmanowitz’s platoon became casualties. When he was so severely wounded that he was later hospitalized 17 days, Staff Sergeant Kalmanowitz instead of permitting himself to be immediately evacuated, four times helped to carry other wounded men back to the rear. Each trip was over a half mile long and subjected him to artillery fire, shells bursting 30 to 50 yards away. The enemy were at times no more than 100 yards away and covered his platoon area with small arms fire. Although bullets missed him on many occasions, by inches, Staff Sergeant Kalmanowitz continued the evacuation until exhausted by loss of blood and his exertions, when he in turn was evacuated."
After his recovery from his wounds at Anzio, Kalmanowitz returned to his unit in France in the fall of 1944. During the fighting in the Vosges Mountains, he was wounded again, this time severely. He died in a field hospital the next day, October 26, 1944. In addition to his Silver Star he was awarded two oak leaf clusters to his Purple Heart. Kalmanowitz was just 24 years old and is remembered here among the many stories of men who served in the Second World War.