Hilbert Margol's interview for the Veterans History Project at Atlanta History Center

We welcome your comments on this interview at VeteransHistoryProject@AtlantaHistoryCenter.com
Catalog number: VIS 201.0667
In this interview, Hilbert Margol recalls his experiences serving in the 42nd Infantry, known as the Rainbow Division, during World War II. He and his twin brother, Herbert, served in the same unit after their mother wrote to President Roosevelt to ask that they be allowed to remain together. He recalls humorous incidents during their training and service, including the confusion that often arose because they were twins. He describes their work as gunners on 105mm Howitzers in support of the 222nd Infantry Division as the unit moved through France and Germany. He remembers the division chaplain, Rabbi Eli Bohnen, officiating at a Passover observance right after they crossed the border into Germany and how German civilians served the Seder to the men. He describes in detail finding the concentration camp at Dachau on the day it was liberated and displays the photographs he took of the prisoners and the bodies found in abandoned railroad boxcars. He recalls his unit's service in Austria and occupied Germany after the war, including humanitarian missions conducted to help the local people. He describes his post-military education, careers, and family.

Видео Hilbert Margol's interview for the Veterans History Project at Atlanta History Center канала Atlanta History Center