Myra Strachner Gershkoff Papers, 1941-1946

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Myra Strachner Gershkoff Papers, 1941-1946

http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/sc20575.htm

These papers are comprised of approximately 700 letters between Myra Strachner and PFC Bernard (Bernie) Staller during the years of World War II. They began their correspondence when they were 15 years old, while they were both living in the Bronx. The correspondence becomes voluminous when Bernie was inducted into the army in early 1944. Myra's letters from the home front describe her life as a student at New York University, as well as her relationships with her family and friends. She freely and eloquently expresses her feelings, ideas and hopes. Myra took particular interest in her philosophy courses with Sidney Hook, and she describes his teaching methods, opinions, and warm interest in her. and training exercises, as well as his social life off base. Between July and November, 1944, Bernie received further training at Camp Van Dorn, Mississippi, where he was attached to an anti-tank company with the 63rd Division of the 4th Army. Bernie's letters offer detailed descriptions of life in this camp, the regulations, training exercises, work details and social life. In November, 1944, Bernie was shipped to France. His letters provide excellent descriptions of infantry life during the final months of the war. He tells of life in a foxhole, various billeting arrangements, army rations, and conditions in the local towns. Bernie describes his involvement in defensive actions and in patrols on the front line. from 1944-1945 prepared by Myra Strachner Gershkoff, as well as material from Myra's scrapbook and a recording of Bernie's voice. Also included are 67 photographs, most relating to Bernie's army career. A few of the original letters are missing.

12 boxes (4.0 cubic ft.)

New York State Library

Information

SNAC Resource ID: 11614957

New York State Library

Related Entities

There are 3 Entities related to this resource.

Staller, Bernard, 1926-1945

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w65q7277 (person)

Bernie Staller was born in 1926 and lived in the Bronx, New York. He interrupted his studies at the City College of New York when he was inducted into the army in February, 1944, and was sent to Fort Dix. In March, 1944, Bernie was transferred to Camp Wolters, Texas, for basic training. He was assigned to the 53rd Infantry Battalion, 4th Platoon, an anti-tank corps. He completed basic training in July, 1944. Between July and November, 1944, Bernie received further training at Camp Van Dorn, ...

Hook, Sidney, 1902-1989

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w65j856p (person)

American philosopher, professor, and writer. From the description of Letter, 1984 May 20, Wardsboro, Vt., to Edward Weber, Ann Arbor, Mich. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34363838 American philosopher and author; founding member, Congress for Cultural Freedom, 1950. From the description of Sidney Hook papers, 1902-2002. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 754872376 Senior fellow at the Hoover Institute. From the description of Corre...

Gershkoff, Myra Strachner, 1926-

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6q265c9 (person)

Myra Strachner was born in 1926, and lived in the Bronx, New York. During the years of World War II, she lived at home with her parents and sister while attending New York University, where she took philosophy courses from Sidney Hook. From the description of Papers, 1941-1945. New York State Library. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/sc20575.htm ...