SAN DIEGO (SDJW) — Two Jewish San Diego County residents — Charles Wax and Linda Sax — have shared their families’ connections to the D-Day Invasion on June 6, 1944, that led to the defeat of Germany and the fall and repudiation of Nazism.
Charles Wax, president of Waxie Sanitary Supply, wrote in a message to his employees: “70 years ago today 156,000 allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy to engage in a battle for freedom that we so enjoy today, additionally 13,000 allied paratroopers were dropped behind the German defenses to act as a blocking force to prevent German reinforcements from reaching the Normandy beaches. All these men going into battle, many for the first time, were filled with excitement, anxiety and dread, but all were proud and faced an uncertain future with such dignity and grace.
“I would like to make this day more personal to each and everyone of you by telling the story of a man who most of you do not know, his name was Private Herman Addleson of the US Army and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division on this day in 1944. He was a man with a desire to serve his country, but due to a cleft palate he was classified 4F. While selling peanuts at a baseball game a fellow many of you know of, named Ted Williams of baseball fame, heard of Herman’s plight and did something to help Herman in achieving his dream to be a paratrooper and paid for the corrective surgery, a very painful process. This resulted in Herman being reclassified 1A and fit for military service. Herman fulfilled his dream and became a paratrooper.
“Paratroopers were and are still today consider an elite fighting force. This very day 70 years ago Herman willing parachuted out of the aircraft, many things go wrong during the heat of battle and these men were dropped over an area flooded by the Germans, many drowned and sadly Herman was one of those courageous souls, he was 25 years old. There is an adage or saying that goes, ”some gave a lot, some gave all;” this day 70 years ago Herman “gave all” in the service of his country and was awarded the Purple Heart for being Killed in Action.
“As I said I wanted to make it more personal, Herman Addleson was Harry Wax’s (Founder of Waxie Enterprises) brother in law as Harry was married to Ida Addleson Wax. Ida was Herman’s sister and he was {Waxie’s Interior Designer} Arlene Orlansky’s uncle. He was one of nine children of Fanny and Louis Addleson. The family is extremely proud of Herman and role he played on this momentous day.
“Today is a day to remember that we are free because of the courage and commitment of men like Herman.”
Wax attached a photo of Herman along with the telegram notifying the family of the change in status from MIA(missing in action) to KIA(killed in action). Just imagine how many families received messages like the one below. Thank you to all who served and are serving.
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Linda Sax wrote: “My father, Leonard Sax (OBM,) was one of three brothers who defended America during WWII. He was in the Coast Guard and was assigned to a ship that protected the east coast (he didn’t see a lot of action!) His brother, Harold (OBM) was a marine and fought in the Pacific. The youngest brother, Stanley (OBM,) was in the Army. My grandparents were very fortunate to have all their sons survive. Harold returned with malaria which plagued his health all his life.
My mother, Irenetta Cedar Sax, followed my father as he stopped in ports along our east coast. She often volunteered in hospitals but it wasn’t really her strength. At some point the US Coast and Geodetic Survey found out that she was a mathematics major in college. She was immediately hired to support mapmaking. Mom picked up the techniques quickly. Her knowledge of French turned out to make her especially valuable. She was given letters written in French, often from French farmers with detailed descriptions of an area of their coastline. She helped map the invasion of Normandy without knowing the true location. Of course the Normandy Invasion was kept highly secret. After the war the they wanted her to continue working for them full time. She and dad were ready to start a family!
Now, my mom elderly mom lives at our home with us. She has dementia, but she is attentively listening and watching the ceremonies from Normandy right now. I remember when my mother and father travelled to Normandy for the 40th Anniversary. President Reagan made this speech at that time.”
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Preceding compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff
Friends,
I served in the U. S. Merchant Marine during WW2 as an Engineering officer after graduating from the New York State Merchant Marine Academy, and sailed on Liberty Ships and an oil tanker in the North Atlantic and Caribbean. As we commemorate the anniversary of the D day landings in Normandy, I believe its important to also recognize the contribution of United States Merchant ships and its crews’ significant partnership in the success of these beach landings, as well in the entire Second World War. Sadly, the role of Merchant ships and its crews are never or rarely recognized on Memorial Day, or on today’s 70th anniversary of the landing on Normandy. The United States Merchant Marine’s crews and ships delivered essential supplies and personnel around the world to U.S. and allied
soldiers. The ratio of loss of life of the Merchant Marine was “Second only” to the Unites States Marines, but due to an administrative glitch, these men were not granted veteran status until 40 years after the war. Forty years too late to receive G.I. Benefits!
Sheldon Merel, cantor emeritus, Congregation Beth Israel