A LEGACY OF COURAGE: ENTERING A WORLD IN BATTLE

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Introduction: 

Captain Harry Schwartzbard

Family heirlooms may sometimes carry hidden treasures- the kind that could be a significant part of world history.  In the case of a unique news clipping from World War II, a unique feature interest story about a Jewish American Soldier received a major honor from battle at a time when Jews were at the height of persecution in Europe.

Published and written in the Yiddish language (often known to be an "old people's" language), the beneficiary held this special news clipping for over 80 years without any idea of its contents. Until recently, the beholder of this news excerpt had very little interest in getting the news piece translated due to the limited popularity of Yiddish-speaking/reading people around. Decades later, the news clip made its way to several historians who found significant value in the military success story.  It also spoke of cases and events of what would eventually become the future Jewish national Home (Israel).

Translated by: Shimmy Schwartz

An excerpt from the former YIDISHES ṬAGEBLAṬṬ (יידישעס טאגעבלאט = Jewish Daily News)

BROOKLYN JEWISH DOCTOR PRAISED FOR HIS HEROISM ON THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

1944 - Captain Harry Schwartzbard, a young Jewish doctor from Brooklyn, received widespread acclaim from the Associated Press for his heroic actions during the invasion of the Marshall Islands. Amidst the chaos of war, with people burning and bullets flying in all directions, Dr. Schwartzbard remained steadfast in his duty, tending to the injured and saving numerous lives. His bravery and selflessness in the face of extreme danger earned him well-deserved recognition. 

Mrs. Schwartzbard, residing at 1211 Avenue I in Brooklyn, recently gave birth to a baby two months ago. In a heartwarming moment on Christmas, her husband, Dr. Henry Schwartzbard, called from Honolulu and was able to hear their infant son cry for the first time over the telephone. Although he had yet to see a photo of their child, this moment brought joy to the new father. Mrs. Schwartzbard expressed her pride and happiness regarding the recognition her husband has received for his heroic actions. Dr. Schwartzbard, a graduate of City College and the University of Basel's medical program, was previously affiliated with Lincoln Hospital.

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LEGACIES OF COURAGE:  ENTERING A NEW WORLD IN BATTLE

Family heirlooms may sometimes carry surprise hidden treasures- the kind that may hold a landmark in world history. A treasure trove of letters by the late Captain Harry Schwartzbard recently surfaced, passionately journaling life and times in the front lines of World War II to his recently-born and only son Robert between 1944-1945.  

Between the recklessly stored stack of letters was a mysterious news clipping that ignited the inspiring foundation behind “LEGACIES OF COURAGE”.  At a time when Jews in America were a small and underserved community, a local Brooklyn newspaper reported (in Yiddish) about our Jewish American Soldier who received a major military honor from battle- highlighting his unusual and courageous contribution during the height of Jewish persecution in Europe.  Such an award was a milestone for Jews at a time when prosperity in the new world for its people was most uncertain. After 80 years, the news clipping finally gained the attention of translators and several historians who found significant value as a military success story.

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ARCHIVING 80-YEAR OLD LETTERS FROM THE WAR: PRESERVING HISTORICAL TREASURES

Dr. Bard recently brought to light a treasure trove of vintage photographs, news clippings and private letters from the front lines of WW2. These fragile reflections of world history are all that's left of the expressions of one Capt. Harry Schwartzbard to his baby son Robert (Bard) in the United States.  According to the archivalists at the AngioInstitute, such prints are so brittle and easily crumbled from the mere human touch.  Light and durable papers such as Moleskin and Crane were commonly used for air mailed letters back then- and are found to break apart under constant daylight and repeated photo flash after decades of being entoombed in storage.  The very oils of one's fingers and exposure to sunlight and incandescent light are enough to add to the deterioration process of these papers.  But thanks to current archival management techniques and storage tools, such articles and documents may stand to survive their next journey which involves scanners, photography and general handling from transcribers and publishers.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MARSHALL ISLANDS Invasion of the Marshall Islands (Operation Flintlock):  Jan. 31-Feb. 23, 1944  Following the Gilbert Islands Campaign, the Marshall Islands Campaign consisted of two separate invasions of the Kwajalein and Eniwetok Atoll Groups.  Beginning on January 31, 1944 with the landings at Kwajalein, the campaign was declared secure at Eniwetok on February 22.  The landing forces met with light, but determined resistance, on both atolls.  The forces captured flight bases on the atolls which were crucial to the Mariana Islands Campaign.   (Source 1: US NAVY | Source 2: US ARMY) After WWII, Nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll consisted of the detonation of 23 (or 24) thermonuclear weapons by the United States between 1946 and 1958 on Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Tests occurred at 7 test sites on the reef itself, on the sea, in the air, and underwater. The test weapons produced a combined yield of about 77 Mt of TNT in explosive power. After the inhabitants agreed to a temporary evacuation, to allow nuclear testing on Bikini, which they were told was of great importance to humankind, two nuclear weapons were detonated in 1946. About ten years later, additional tests with thermonuclear weapons in the late 1950s were also conducted. The first thermonuclear explosion was much more powerful than expected, and created a number of issues, but did demonstrate the dangers of such devices. (Source, Wikipedia)

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EPILOGUE

In the post-war era of global migration to the US, it was common to “Americanize” lengthy or challenging names for easier social connectivity and community integration. By the next generation, the Schwartzbard family name was streamlined for this reason.  The infant in this story whose name is recognized as one of the most honored figures in diagnostic medicine and cancer imaging is Dr. Robert Bard.

In May of 2022, Dr. Robert Bard receives one of the highest national achievement awards commemorating his life's work in cancer imaging research and clinical care. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is presented to those who advocate understanding, tolerance, and unity among Americans, transcending cultural, ethnic, and religious differences.  For almost four decades, Dr. Bard's commitment to the study of diagnostic imaging contributed to the advancement of non-invasive medical scanning technologies.  As a second generation medical professional and military veteran, Dr. Bard's pursuit to battle disease through research and patient care is a dedication to the life-saving legacy and worldly philosophies as that of his father, Dr. Schwartzbard during and after WWII.

Dr. Bard continues to run his active practice in NYC today. He maintains a pre/postop imaging facility for his cancer patients and others suffering from chronic disorders.  Dr. Bard is also the clinical director for Firefighters Against Cancer & Exposures, a national foundation in support of first responders health.  Moreover, as of August, 2024, his office has been confirmed to be the first official diagnostic  center, an early detection screening facility and recurrence detection site for the American Breast Cancer Foundation and the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance.