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Manfred Steinfeld
| Manfred Steinfeld | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 29 April 1924 |
| Died | 2019 |
| Nativity | Germany |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Army |
| ASN | 36737899 |
| Rank | Major |
| Rank at Ritchie | Private First Class |
| Camp Ritchie | Class 17 (11 March – 8 May 1944) |
| Section | 5C |
| Specialty | G-2; airborne intelligence |
| Unit / division | 504th Pir, 82nd Airborne Division |
{{Needs source}}, or explain disagreements on talk. Baseline import notes: About the data.
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.
Biography
In July 1938, Steinfeld's mother registers him with the Hebrew Immigration Aid Society (HIAS) and he departs 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, Steinfeld enters 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. Manfred Steinfeld was raised in Josbach, Germany, in a Jewish family living under the escalating pressure of Nazi persecution. Steinfeld 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”. Became naturalized citizen. He eventually reached the United States and settled in Chicago. After entering the Army, Steinfeld participated in the Army Specialized Training Program before being sent to Camp Ritchie. 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. Steinfeld volunteered for airborne service and joined the G-2 intelligence section of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. His first combat came in the Netherlands during Operation Market Garden. 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. His postwar record combined entrepreneurship with a commitment to the community that had received him as a refugee.
Research notes
- OTC; Also PG Class 15 OB
- About Face
- OB16;45
Gallery
Technical record
| Field | Imported value |
|---|---|
| Approx Age at Death | 95 |
| Class_ASN | 36737899 |
| Class_Name | STEINFELD, Manfred |
| match_method | asn_exact_name_exact |
| row_source | both |
Timeline
- 23 March 1923 Basic training with 79th Infantry Training Battalion.
- Born 29 April 1924.
- 14 June 1944 — Promoted to S/Sgt.
- 18 February 1944 — Arrived at Camp Ritchie.
- 23 June 1944 — Completed post-graduate Class 15 (German Order of Battle).
- 25 June 1944 — Released by Camp Ritchie.
- 8 May 1944 — Graduated with Class 17 as German linguist.
- January 1944 Steinfeld goes to London to military intelligence headquarters for the U.S. Army.
- 15.
- 17.
- Became naturalized citizen.
Sources
- Camp Ritchie Museum, Inc. (The Ritchie History Museum), Classes 1–31 roster data
- Dan Gross research spreadsheets, including original Excel timeline/roster work, combined with other research and records
- NARA World War II Army enlistment records (where a NARA ASN is present)
- 1940 U.S. Census (where a census match is present)
- Ritchie Boys of WWII Facebook page, post dated 2019-07-09 (1 post)
- The Stories essay
- Dan Gross, Timeline of Manfred Steinfeld for Camp Ritchie (private research document; 8 source documents reviewed)
- Dan Gross, Timeline of Steinfeld, Manfred for Camp Ritchie (private research files; selected non-private narrative findings; 8 source files: MANFRED STEINFELD (2021).docx, MANFRED STEINFELD - Timeline.doc, MANFRED STEINFELD (2021).docx, MANFRED STEINFELD - WW2.docx, MANFRED STEINFELD - life story.docx, MANFRED STEINFELD - timeline.doc, MANFRED STEINFELD.doc, MANFRED STEINFELD.docx)