Wehrfahig [Fit for Duty] badge with a Reichsadler and soldier acquired by a US soldier
Extent and Medium
overall: Height: 2.375 inches (6.033 cm) | Width: 1.750 inches (4.445 cm) | Depth: 0.125 inches (0.318 cm)
Creator(s)
- Harold B. Goldberg (Subject)
Biographical History
Harold B. Goldberg (1922-2011) was born in Brooklyn, New York to Samuel and Rose Goldberg. Samuel and Rose were born in Russia and immigrated to the United States before the birth of their children. Samuel worked as a presser in a tailor shop. Harold had six siblings and the family spoke Yiddish and English at home. As a young adult Harold worked as a mail carrier and attended City College in New York. On December 7, 1941, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. The following day the United States declared war on Japan, and on December 11, Germany declared war on the United States. On October 31, 1942 Harold was drafted into the U.S. military. He entered the army on October 31, 1942 as a private, and received serial number 32613738. He served in Europe until the end of the war. Harold then returned home to New York where he married his wife Rita in 1952. The family lived in New York for the rest of their lives.
Archival History
The badge was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2013 by the family of Harold Goldberg.
Acquisition
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of the family of Harold Goldberg
Funding Note: The cataloging of this artifact has been supported by a grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
Scope and Content
Wehrfahig [Fit for Military Service] tinnie with a Reichsadler and medallion of a helmeted soldier brought back from the war by Harold Goldberg, an American soldier who served in Europe, circa 1945-1946. These badges were issued to men who had been drafted or accepted into the military, but not yet inducted into active service.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Conditions Governing Reproduction
No restrictions on use
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Bronze washed, silver colored metal badge in the shape of a feathered, right facing eagle with displayed wings perched on a pedestal. On the base is a circular medallion with a relief image of a helmeted soldier in left profile, topped by an oak branch. Attached to the center of the pedestal is a flat, thin horizontal bar engraved Wehrfahig and painted red, with end tabs inserted through slots in the badge. There is text and a vertical spiral hinged pin on the back.
Subjects
- Jewish soldiers--United States--Biography.
- Soldiers--United States--Biography.
- World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American.
- Souvenirs (Keepsakes)--Soldiers--United States--Biography.
Genre
- Object
- Identifying Artifacts