Kaufman, Leo, 1944 - 1994

This file contians newspaper articles, photos, official army documents, and a personal account of Leo Kaufman's military service in World War II.

The Personal account was writing in 1986 to educate his family about his war experience. Topics include: joining the army, basic training, dealing with an injury during training at Camp Hood in Texas, antisemitism, time in the 81st Infantry in San Luis Obispo, California, traveling home for furlough, training in Hawaii, shipping out the to Pacific theater, specifically to the Palau Islands of Angaur and Pelilue which are part of the Carolina Island group, brief history of the islands, details of the September 1944 (he writes ‘45 but that is wrong), attack on Angaur, setting up of explosives to help turn the fighting their way, writing letters home to the families of those killed in action, time recovering from skin infection at army hospital, experience after being discharged from hospital, time as a supply sergeant, sent to Philippines, preparing coffins in preparation for invasion of Japan June/July 1945, invasion of Japan, discharge in Feb. 1946 and concluding thoughts on war.

There are two photocopied photos, listed below:

-Leo Kaufman on Furlough, 1943. -"A Break in the Action! September 1944, Palau Island, Anguar, we take a 'break' for a bite to eat, before going out on patrol again. Seated, right, Lt. Seifert, (he was subsequently shot in the leg), our platoon leader. The man with a helmet was Supply Sgt. Dowd. He and a crew brought up water, food and ammo, from the beach. I am third from the left, holding some food in my hand."