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J. George Mitnick papers

Document

The J. George Mitnick papers consist of biographical material, correspondence, military records, photographs, and printed materials documenting American serviceman J. George Mitnick, his World War II military service, and the horrors he witnessed at the liberated Ohrdruf concentration camp. Biographical materials include a biographical statement and memoir describing Mitnick’s life and military service, a tribute to Mitnick by Senator Shelby, and an interview with and biography of Rabbi Hugo Gryn who was liberated from Mauthausen by Mitnick’s unit. Correspondence primarily consists of letters Mitnick wrote to his parents during his World War II military service. One letter dated April 13, 1945 describes the horrors he witnessed at the liberated Ohrdruf concentration camp. Another letter written in May 1945 at the Linz Displaced Persons camp by Julius Levy, a Polish Jew who addresses his letter to his liberators, describes having lost everything in the Holocaust, and begging to be transferred to an Allied hospital to recover. This series also includes correspondence among Mitnick, his wife, and her mother. Military records document Mitnick’s service in World War II. They primarily consist of Mitnick’s military personnel file from 1942 through the 1950s including orders, commendations, veteran materials, and transactional correspondence. This series also includes Mitnick’s Army Officer’s Notebook containing his notes as well as form letters and blank forms. Loose photographs depict Mitnick in uniform and members of the Engel family. A photo album titled “Astra Breifmarken Album” includes additional photographs of Mitnick in military uniform while training in the US and on leave in Europe and of his wife and their family and friends. This series also includes two empty scrapbooks and an empty portfolio. Printed material includes a pamphlet titled The Halberd about a 1951 reunion of the 65th Division, two 1940s Mountain Eagle clipping about Mitnick, a 1994 Palm Beach Post clipping about Patton’s assault on Saarbrucken, and a 1945 issued of The Hartford Times that Mitnick used to line his army footlocker.

US Army footlocker used by a soldier

Object

Footlocker used by J. George Mitnick during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army footlocker used by a soldier

Object

Footlocker issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army footlocker used by a soldier

Object

Footlocker issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

Pair of US Army paratrooper boots worn by a soldier

Object

Paratrooper boots issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army khaki winter overalls worn by a soldier

Object

Khaki overalls issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army drawstring button bag and buttons used by a soldier

Object

Button service bag issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army canvas first aid bag used by a soldier

Object

First aid kit issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old, Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army duffel bag used by a soldier

Object

Duffel bag issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army M1 carbine weapon bag used by a soldier

Object

M1 weapon bag issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old, Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army issued brown shoelaces used by a soldier

Object

Shoelaces issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army olive drab knit balaclava used by a soldier

Object

Balaclava issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army olive drab knit balaclava used by a soldier

Object

Balaclava issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army duffel bag used by a soldier

Object

Duffel bag issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army garrison cap with piping and captain's insignia worn by a Jewish soldier

Object

Garrison cap with black and gold piping issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army garrison cap with black piping and captain's insignia worn by a Jewish soldier

Object

Garrison cap with black piping issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old, Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army captain's Eisenhower jacket worn by a soldier

Object

Jacket issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army captain's dress jacket worn by a soldier

Object

Jacket issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army, 45th Infantry Division, bundle of Class A Thunderbird patches

Object

Bundle of patches issued by the United States Army to J. George Mitnick during WWII. They appear to be unused. The Thunderbird division adopted this Native American symbol in 1939 to replace the previous symbol. a swastika. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army, 45th Infantry Division, Class A Thunderbird patch issued to a Jewish soldier

Object

Red patch with an embroidered yellow Thunderbird issued to J. George Mitnick when he served in the 45th Infantry, US Army, during WWII. The Thunderbird division adopted this Native American symbol in 1939 to replace the previous symbol, a swastika. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army, 45th Infantry Division, Class A Thunderbird patch issued to a Jewish soldier

Object

Red patch with an embroidered yellow Thunderbird issued to J. George Mitnick when he served in the 45th Infantry, US Army, during WWII. The Thunderbird division adopted this Native American symbol in 1939 to replace the previous symbol. a swastika. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army, 45th Infantry Division, Class A Thunderbird patch issued to a Jewish soldier

Object

Unused red patch with an embroidered yellow Thunderbird issued to J. George Mitnick when he served in the 45th Infantry, US Army, during WWII. The Thunderbird division adopted this Native American symbol in 1939 to replace the previous symbol. a swastika. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army, 45th Infantry Division, Class A Thunderbird patch owned by a Jewish soldier

Object

Unused red patch with an embroidered yellow Thunderbird issued to J. George Mitnick when he served in the 45th Infantry, US Army, during WWII. The Thunderbird division adopted this Native American symbol in 1939 to replace the previous symbol. a swastika. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army 2nd Lieutenant subdued marking patch issued to a Jewish soldier

Object

US Army 2nd Lieutenant patch issued to J. George Mitnick when he served in the US Army during WWII. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army captain's insignia patch worn by a Jewish soldier

Object

US Army captain’s insignia issued to J. George Mitnick when he served in the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army captain's insignia patch worn by a Jewish soldier

Object

US Army captain’s insignia issued to J. George Mitnick when he served in the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army captain's insignia patch worn by a Jewish soldier

Object

US Army captain’s insignia issued to J. George Mitnick when he served in the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army captain's insignia patch worn by a Jewish soldier

Object

US Army captain’s insignia issued to J. George Mitnick when he served in the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army Bronze Star ribbon bar pin awarded to a Jewish soldier

Object

Bronze Star awarded to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army after World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army M1 combat helmet worn by a Jewish soldier

Object

Combat helmet issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army service hat and hat box owned by a Jewish soldier

Object

Service hat issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Service hats were issued to both officers and enlisted men. The color of the cord around the brim indicated the enlisted man’s branch of service. Service hats with the gold and black cords were issued to officers. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

Framed certificate and pictures of J. George Mitnick in uniform

Object

Photographic collage of J. George Mitnick with images from his service in the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

Framed officer's commission for the US Army Reserves

Object

Framed officer's commission issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army in 1952. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

Photographic collage of J. George Mitnick in uniform

Object

Framed set of pictures of J. George Mitnick during his service in the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

Framed annotated article from the 65th Halbert newsletter saved by a US soldier

Object

Article from The 65th Halbert newsletter, Spring 1987, p. 25 and 26, with handwritten statement: I was there on the bridge in a jeep behind a machine gun guarding the American General Walker. The article discusses an event from WWII in which J. George Mitnick participated while serving in Europe with the US Army. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

German ceramic pipe with a painted scene of two deer

Object

German pipe acquired in Europe during World War II by J. George Mitnick. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

Lt. J. George Mitnick stencil used to label his US Army equipment

Object

LT. J. G. MITNICK Stencil used to apply Mitnick’s name to the equipment issued by the United States Army to J. George Mitnick during WWII. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army olive drab canvas bed roll used by a soldier

Object

Bedroll issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

Republican Senatorial Medal of Freedom and presentation case awarded to J. George Mitnick

Object

Medal awarded to J. George Mitnick after WWII for a lifetime of service to his community and country. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army Bronze Star ribbon awarded to Captain J.G. Mitnick

Object

Bronze star ribbon awarded to George Mitnick by the United States Army for his service in World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

US Army Bronze Star ribbon awarded to Captain J.G. Mitnick

Object

Bronze star ribbon awarded to George Mitnick by the United States Army for his service in World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

Framed shadow box of military medals and ribbons awarded to a US Army Captain

Object

Framed shadow box of awards issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945. Nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

Framed set of military medals, ribbons and insignia awarded to US Army Captain J.G. Mitnick

Object

Framed set of awards issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army for his service in World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.

Shadow box containing mounted military medals and insignia of a US Army Captain

Object

Decorative shadow box containing military awards, patches and insignia issued to and received by J. George Mitnick by the United States Army for his service in World War II. The box includes insignia from the 65th and 45th infantry divisions, and the 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, along with a Bronze Star, a World War II victory medal, Army of Occupation Medal, European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, an American Campaign medal, and a Good Conduct medal. Mitnick, a 27-year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th Infantry Division in the European Theater. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.