Reich Labor Service Arbeit adelt [Work ennobles] plaque and booklet acquired by a US soldier
Extent and Medium
a: Height: 6.625 inches (16.828 cm) | Width: 4.125 inches (10.478 cm)
b: Height: 5.875 inches (14.923 cm) | Width: 4.000 inches (10.16 cm)
Creator(s)
- Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD) (Issuer)
- Mark C. Levy (Subject)
Biographical History
Mark C. Levy was born on January 1, 1926, to Esther and Nathan Levy in Pittsburgh, PA. They moved to Los Angeles in 1941. After his graduation from high school, Mark enlisted in the United States Army. Lieutenant Levy served as a tank commander in the 4th Armored Division which spearheaded the advance through to Germany of the Third Army under General George S. Patton. The division was deployed in France on July 13, 1944. On December 26, it relieved the 101st Airborne which had been trapped for days in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. The division crossed the Rhine into Germany in late March 1945. On April 4, they liberated Ohrdruf concentration camp, a subcamp of Buchenwald and the first concentration camp freed by US troops. The unit was in Czechoslovakia when the war ended in May. Mark then was transferred to the Intelligence Corps and was present at the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials. Upon his return to the US, he entered UCLA. He married Peachy in 1949 and the couple would have three children. Mark had a successful career as a builder/developer. He was recalled to the army for the Korean War, 1950-1953. After his discharge, he re-entered the building business. He later collaborated on film projects, including a WWII film, Where Eagles Dare. Mark and Peachy were very involved with their synagogue, Leo Baeck Temple, where Mark was president, as well as the wider Jewish community where they were involved with multiple charities. He was a founder and member of Markon, a Jewish aid organization. Mark, 88, died on February 18, 2014.
Archival History
The plaque was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2006 by Mark C. Levy.
Acquisition
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of Mark C. Levy
Scope and Content
German Labor Service plaque that belonged to Mark C. Levy, a US soldier with the 4th Armored Division and with the Intelligence Corps. The RAD [Reich Labor Service], was a labor organization established by the NSDAP (Nazi Party) in 1935. RAD service was compulsory for all citizens of Germany, age 19-25, for a minimum of 6 months. The RAD provided ideological and paramilitary training and instilled in its members the ideal of sacrifice and service for the glory of the Third Reich. This plaque is accompanied by a booklet where the member can record his personal informaton and activities. Most of the 14 interior pages have handwritten entries. Lieutenant Levy was a tank commander, 4th Armored Division, Third Army, under General George S. Patton. This unit liberated Ohrdruf concentration camp in Germany on April 4, 1945, the first camp liberated by US troops. The war ended in May 1945 and around this time Levy transferred to the Intelligence Corps.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Conditions Governing Reproduction
No restrictions on use
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
a. Rectangular, silver colored metal plaque nailed to a black painted wooden base with a beveled edge. The plaque has a beveled edge and an embossed image of a left facing Reichsadler [Imperial Eagle], with spread wings, clutching a swastika in its talons. In the center of the swastika is a ring; inside the ring is a shovel flanked by 2 wheat buds, the symbol for the RAD. Below the swastika is German text, then a band of oak leaves with a center cinched ring. The back has a metal frame with a rectangular, yellowed piece of plastic to cover and hold the pamphlet (b.). On the top is a triangular metal loop hanger b. Rectangular, white paper pamphlet with graphics in black ink. The cover has German text and an outlined space for a passport picture. The back cover has German text. There are 14 interior pages for pictures and a form to enter personal information, which is filled out in handwritten script. The notes pages are completed and there are a few blank pages to paste in photographs. It is bound with 2 staples.
Corporate Bodies
- Germany. Reichsarbeitsdienst
Subjects
- Labor service--Germany.
- Service, Compulsory non-military--Germany.
- Jewish soldiers--United States.
- National socialism and labor.
- World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American.
Genre
- Awards
- Object