PFC Joseph Milwit

courtesy of John Evans

PFC Joseph Milwit was born 19 Sep 1919 in Washington, D.C. He was the youngest of the 7 children born to Samuel and Rose (Stillman) Milwit. Both parents were natives of Russia, probably from within the area known as The Pale. The family name had been "Rachmilovich" until anglicized by Samuel as "Milwit". His father worked as a carpenter, contractor and builder. Prior to his birth the family had lived in Providence, Rhode Island. Samuel died in January 1933. Many of the children would serve as clerks for various government agencies and supported their mother. Joseph attended 2 years of college after graduating from Central High School.

Joseph was drafted in February 1942. After his training he was assigned to L Company 116th Infantry, possibly before the unit went to England in September 1942. He trained with the unit for the amphibious assault that was a planned part of the invasion of occupied France.  PFC Milwit took part in that attack on 6 Jun 1944 when he was wounded. He died of his wound(s) on 7 Jun 1944.

PFC Milwit was repatriated in 1950 and re-interred in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

Brothers also served: Jacob J. Milwit served in the Army, 1942-1945; COL Herbert Milwit served 30 years (1929-1959) as an Army engineer; CWO Daniel Milwit served in the South Pacific; Leo Milwit served in the U.S. Navy, 1943-1945. All are buried in Arlington National Cemetery except for Jacob who is buried in the Baltimore National Cemetery.