Steinfeld, Manfred (36737899): Difference between revisions

'''[[Steinfeld, Manfred (36737899)|Manfred Steinfeld]]''' (died 2019) was a Kindertransport refugee from Josbach, Germany, and an airborne intelligence soldier. After Camp Ritchie he served in the G-2 section of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, during Operation Market Garden.

In July 1938, he 's mother registered him with the Hebrew Immigration Aid Society (HIAS) and he departed Germany for the US with twelve other children. In 1938 he escaped on a Kindertransport, leaving his home and family while still young. In March 1943, he entered United States Army, is sent to Camp Roberts, California for basic infantry training and then later the Army Specialized Training Program at the City College of New York. On 18 February 1944, he arrived at Camp Ritchie. On 8 May 1944, he graduated with Class 17 as German linguist. On 14 June 1944, he was promoted to S/Sgt. On 23 June 1944, he completed post-graduate Class 15 (German Order of Battle). On 25 June 1944, he was released by Camp Ritchie. He died in 2019. [[Steinfeld, Manfred (36737899)|Manfred Steinfeld]] was raised in Josbach, Germany, in a Jewish family living under the escalating pressure of Nazi persecution. Manfred graduated with the 17th class at Camp Ritchie, as did Richard Schifter who was one of the men featured in the documentary film “The Ritchie Boys”. He became a naturalized citizen. He eventually reached the United States and settled in Chicago. There his German language, education, and direct knowledge of the country were adapted to military intelligence. He learned to assess enemy units and documents and to report information for operational headquarters. As an intelligence soldier in an airborne regiment, he supported a force operating rapidly and often under difficult battlefield conditions. After the war Steinfeld returned to Chicago and entered the furniture business. He helped build Shelby Williams Furniture into a successful manufacturer, turning his energy from wartime service to industrial and commercial leadership. Steinfeld also became known for philanthropy, supporting educational, civic, and charitable causes.