PVT Mortimer Nathan Lifsitz

courtesy of The Folks

PVT Mortimer Nathan Lifsitz was born 4 May 1921 in Detroit, Michigan to Max and Sophie Lifsitz. His father was a native of Bialystok, Poland and his mother a native of England. He and his father were both salesmen who worked together.

Mortimer entered the Army in May 1943. He was assigned to 1st Platoon B Company 116th Infantry on D-Day, was twice wounded and continued serving with the unit until killed in action on 17 Nov 1944.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Mortimer Nathan Lifsitz (ASN: 36598372), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany. On 17 November 1944, the advance of Company B, 116th Infantry was suddenly halted by decimating enemy fire. Seeing that the majority of its leaders had become casualties, Private Lifsitz attempting to lead assault, jumped to his feet and calling on the men to follow, started forward on the run. While charging toward the enemy positions, Private Lifsitz fell mortally wounded by enemy fire. Private Lifsitz lost his life in this encounter but in doing so displayed such personal courage and tenacity in the face of great danger that he materially influenced the results of the encounter. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Military Service. General Orders: Headquarters, 29th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 32 (1945)

PVT Lifsitz was repatriated in 1948 and buried in Macnelah Cemetery in Ferndale, Michigan.