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Jewish Radioman Saves 13 Crewmen of Navy Patrol Bomber from Drowning

November 17, 1942
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Leonard S. Edelstein, a New York Jewish boy serving as aviation radioman first class in the U.S. Navy, has been awarded a certificate of commendation for his “superhuman efforts” in freeing the life boat of a rapidlysinking Navy patrol bomber and thereby saving the lives of the 13 crewmen, it was learned here today by the National Jewish Welfare Board.

Sergeant Maurice Londer, of Minneapolis, Minn. has been awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action in the South Pacific, the J.W.B. also reports. General George C. Kenney, commander of the Allied Air Farces in the southwest Pacific, awarded the decoration to Sergeant Londer, praising his “cool and excellen marksmanship” in the course of a half-hour air engagement with Japanese Zero planes at New Britain several months ago.

First Lieutenent Harold Spiro, of Los Angeles, is the recipient of a Purple Heart, earned as navigator of a Flying Fortress, it is also reported by the J.W.B. Wounded in an air engagement, he recovered completely and returned to action. Now his parents have learned that Harold is missing in action.

Chief Machinist’s Mate Abe Kushman, of Oakland, California, is a holdor of the Purple Heart and is to receive the Churchill award and the Grand Floot medal, according to an official announcement. He is a survivor of the Wasp, which was his home for two-and-a-half years.

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