Our final Jewish American Heritage highlight is Raymond Zussman, a Jewish-American was a World War II hero whose leadership and bravery helped turn the tide in battle. Born in 1917 in Hamtramck, MI, Zussman enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941 and served with Company A, 756th Tank Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division. He fought in the North Africa Campaign and later in Italy, where he was wounded. Despite being offered a headquarters post, he chose to return to the front. On September 12, 1944, near Noroy-le-Bourg, France, Zussman led two tanks in an assault against German forces. Armed only with a carbine, he advanced on foot to scout enemy positions, returning repeatedly to direct fire and guide the unit. His actions led to the capture of 92 enemy soldiers and the deaths of 18 more. Zussman was killed by mortar fire nine days later. For his heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The Jewish War Veterans is proud to honor Raymond Zussman, whose selfless leadership and valor remain an enduring example of service. #JWV #JAHM #MyJAHM #OurSharedHeritage #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth (fb)

As part of Jewish American Heritage Month, we highlight Leonard Kravitz, a Jewish-American soldier who gave his life to protect his fellow troops during the Korean War. Born in 1930 in Brooklyn, NY, Kravitz enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after high school along with his childhood friend Mitchel Libman. After training, he was deployed to Korea with the 24th Infantry Division, 5th Regiment, Company M. On March 6, 1951, during a fierce attack near Yang Pyong, Kravitz took control of a machine gun after its operator was killed. Though ordered to withdraw, he stayed behind to cover his unit’s retreat. The next day, he was found at his post, killed in action, with numerous enemy dead around him. Originally awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Kravitz’s story inspired a decades-long effort led by Libman and supported by Jewish War Veterans to review potential cases of discrimination in military honors. In 2014, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to the Kravitz family. The Jewish War Veterans is proud to honor Leonard Kravitz, whose courage and sacrifice represent the highest ideals of service. #JWV #JAHM #MyJAHM #OurSharedHeritage #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth (fb)