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 Collection
Identifier: R-MC 138

Harold M. Bruskin Scrapbook

Dates

  • 1940-1947

Scope and Contents

The Harold M. Bruskin Scrapbook consists entirely of a single red, hinged scrapbook measuring roughly 18 by 18 by 3 inches. Within its adhesive pages, this scrapbook follows Bruskin's military experience from 1940 to 1947 as well as the progress of the 9th Infantry Division. Generally this scrapbook features maps taken from newspapers and other publications, photographs, correspondence, paper money, and some ephemera. Throughout this scrapbook, there is a rough adherence to chronological order, but the more obvious arrangement is by location. Therefore most pages are organized by the city or country Bruskin was passing through at the time. Each geographical entry consists of photographs of landmarks (sometime with Bruskin pictured as well), paper money, newspaper clippings about the battle that took place there, and occasionally letters he wrote while in that location.

On the inside of the front cover of the scrapbook there is an envelope contain a mass produced map of the path taken by the 39th Infantry Division through North Africa that appears to have been mailed back to the state. Most notably, this scrapbook contains Bruskin's draft notice dated December 6, 1940, the announcement of his promotion to Master Sergeant from November 1944, his May 1945 wedding announcement, and a copy of his honorable discharge notice from June 29, 1945.

In terms of photographs, Bruskin's scrapbook contains multiple photos of himself in uniform and various relations prior to his service overseas. Furthermore, this scrapbook includes photo of Bruskin in Paris France, Landau Germany, and Oran Algeria. There are also three photographs of Ingrid Bergman, Jack Benny, and Larry Adler at a performance for the troops in Landau Germany. On the last used page of the scrapbook on Harold M Bruskin later in life (undated). Oddly enough, the scrapbook also contains Bruskins olive green cap (the hat from his dress uniform) fastened to one of the pages along with photos of him wearing it prior to deployement.

Extent

1 Cubic Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

A veteran of 9th Infantry Division, Harold M. Bruskin fought and worked as a radio operator throughout the European, African, and Middle Eastern theaters until he was injured on the Normandy front on July 25, 1944. Bruskin was ultimately awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and a European-African-Middle Eastern (EAME) medal for his service. This collection consists of a large scrapbook featuring correspondence, photographs, clippings, paper money, and ephemera.

Biographical Sketch of Harold M. Bruskin

Born on February 4, 1917, Harold M. Bruskin remained a resident of New Brunswick from childhood through his college year. Bruskin graduated from New Brunswick High School in 1939 and subsequently attended Rutgers University. After receiving his draft notice on December 6, 1940, Bruskin remained in the army infantry from January 1941 until his honorable discharge in June 1945. During his military career, Harold M. Bruskin was involved with campaigns in Algeria, Cherbourg France, and the invasion of Normandy with the 9th Infantry Division where he also held the position of radio operator. Bruskin was later wounded on the Normandy front on July 25, 1944. After his recovery, Bruskin was promoted to Master Sergeant in November 1944 and was given an honorable discharge on June 29, 1945. For his service, Bruskin was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and a European-African-Middle Eastern (EAME) medal.

Arrangement

This collection consists of one box containing a scrapbook.

Title
Harold M. Bruskin Scrapbook 1940-1947 R-MC 138
Status
Editted Full Draft
Author
James Filchak
Date
November 2012
Language of description note
Finding aid is written in English.

Part of the Rutgers University Archives Repository

Contact:
Rutgers University Libraries
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
169 College Avenue
New Brunswick NJ 08901-1163
848-932-7510
732-932-7012 (Fax)