Page 14
Look at them here on leave, in Germany, after the armistice.
Their casual body language, the informal proximity. Because after all, they had lived together - eaten, slept and worked together for months.
They were the Victor’s, but they didn’t act like conquerors.
What my father taught me when I was growing up, 20 years after he took this photo -- is very likely what he also taught the six men in his S.I.A.M Company 3151.
Be honest, be considerate, be thoughtful, but get the job done. Be proud, but not prideful. Living by these guidelines, you will succeed and you will be recognized.
When Lieutenant Sacks transferred from one assignment to another the men he led bought him a going-away present, a two-suiter valise for his dress uniform.
Of that, he was proud and wrote home about it.
v
Their casual body language, the informal proximity. Because after all, they had lived together - eaten, slept and worked together for months.
They were the Victor’s, but they didn’t act like conquerors.
What my father taught me when I was growing up, 20 years after he took this photo -- is very likely what he also taught the six men in his S.I.A.M Company 3151.
Be honest, be considerate, be thoughtful, but get the job done. Be proud, but not prideful. Living by these guidelines, you will succeed and you will be recognized.
When Lieutenant Sacks transferred from one assignment to another the men he led bought him a going-away present, a two-suiter valise for his dress uniform.
Of that, he was proud and wrote home about it.
v
Better Late than Never
In1995, fifty years after all that, the U.S. Army, with a little prodding from a family friend who happened to be a U.S. Senator, formalized my father’s discharge process, and awarded him six combat medals. He lived four more years after
receiving this honor.
********************************************************************************************************************
From the Congressional Record of the 104th Congress, first session,
September 27, 1995
Senator Carl Levin:
"Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a great citizen of the state of Michigan, Abraham Sacks.
On October 7, 1995, 50 years to the month when First Lieutenant Abraham Sacks returned to the United States from Europe, a civilian Abraham "Abe" Sacks will receive his World War II Medals.
Abe will be the recipient of:
- The European-African Middle Eastern Medal, with Silver Star,
- The African Campaign Medal,
- The American Defense Service Medal,
- The World War II Victory Medal,
- The Army of Occupation Medal with Germany, and
- The Good Conduct Medal.
On behalf of a country that is grateful to the men and women of our military forces, I want to congratulate First Lieutenant and dear friend Abe Sacks. It is never too late to honor someone of his caliber, goodness and integrity.
I know Abe will display these medals with the same pride he exhibited when he served his country."
Unless otherwise noted,
all photos and text (c) 2025 Andrew Sacks
all photos and text (c) 2025 Andrew Sacks