Albert Goldberg

Albert Goldberg, a member of the Greatest Generation, said the years have quickly flown by since he saw combat in World War II over 75 years ago. It seems like only yesterday to him.

Mr. Goldberg had wanted to enlist right after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, but his parents objected. A few weeks later, he was drafted at age 19. By age 20, he was fully immersed in WWII where he was a machine gunner.

Mr. Goldberg, who grew up in Bensonhurst, saw much action in the War. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and recalls the many who were taken prisoner and remembers General Patton saying that no more prisoners would be taken.

In 1945, Mr. Goldberg helped liberate two death camps, including Buchenwald, the infamous death camp described as one of the largest concentration camps built by the Nazis. His Army unit was one of the first to enter Buchenwald. “You forget a lot of things over the years, but you never forget something like that…the horror of it all,” he recalls.

At Buchenwald, Mr. Goldberg was approached by a young woman speaking a language he did not understand – but he did understand her gestures. The woman frantically beckoned him to come with her around the corner of a building. Mr. Goldberg followed her, and was led to a building where dozens of gypsies were being held prisoner. They were grateful to see an American GI.

Mr. Goldberg received the Legion of Honor Medal, which was given to American GIs by the French government in recognition of their role in liberating France from the Nazis. Despite the award, he does not feel like a hero. Mr. Goldberg believes that if you have a job, you do it.

After the War, Mr. Goldberg returned home, lived with his parents for a year, and worked in the shipping department at the Bulova Watch Company. He eventually took a position with the U.S. Post Office and worked there for over 40 years until his retirement.

Today, Mr. Goldberg enjoys life. He spends time speaking to young students in school, is active in several clubs and enjoys going to dinner once a week with his friend, Maime.