Finding Jewish War Veterans in Dutchess County

by Martin C. Hochhauser, Post 625

Private Herman Siegel Post #625, Poughkeepsie, Jewish War Veterans of the United States, embarked on a project to identify as many Jewish veterans as possible who lived in Dutchess County, NY; not just living veterans, but as many veterans as possible from all prior eras. During our search we contacted a representative from Arlington High School who told us of their memorial to all war veterans who had attended that school.

The senior officers of Post #625 paid a visit to the school to view their “Arlington High School Wall of Remembrance” display, which takes up a significant portion of a wall near their main entrance.  The Wall is dedicated to Arlingtonians who perished during military service to our country during World War II, the Korea War, Vietnam War and Afghanistan War. The one Jewish veteran we found on the wall was Phillip E. Budd, who was killed during WW II. (Our namesake Herman Siegel was not listed because he attended Poughkeepsie HS).

A special portion of the wall is dedicated to Silver Star recipient PFC Charlie Johnson who graduated AHS in 1951 and died heroically during the Korean War.   He is widely known for single-handedly holding off enemy forces who overran Outpost Harry throughout an eight-day battle, personally saving nine wounded comrades including fellow AHS graduate Don Dingee. A sculpture on display at the high school shows Johnson dragging the wounded Dingee to safety.

The Arlington High School Wall of Remembrance is an eloquent and meaningful display honoring those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice.  JWV Post #625 is grateful that we had the opportunity to visit, understand and appreciate the sacrifices of Dutchess County’s youth in times of war.  Attending were (from left) Presiding Officer Rob Rubin, Commander Ron Markowitz, Past Post Commander Robert L. Morrison, Past Post Commander Ralph Schwartz, and Chief of Staff Martin Hochhauser.

Volume 72. Number 2. Summer 2018