The Life and Work of Edward R. Murrow an archives exhibit

War Experiences: Refugees, Soldiers, Civilians

Essays by speakers who experienced the effects of war as refugees, soldiers, or civilians.

Refugees

Hodder, Maximilian

Polish-born filmmaker Maximilian Hodder describes his experiences in prewar Poland, as a prisoner sent to a Siberian concentration camp, and as an immigrant to America, and summarizes his beliefs with the conviction that humanity is more good than evil, that individuals have a right to live the life of their choice, and that he has the responsibility to work to end oppression.
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Mardikian, George M., 1903-

Armenian-born restaurateur George Mardikian describes his Armenian custom of serving the staff of his restaurant on Christmas Day, his imprisonment and escape from Armenia, and the welcome and success he found in America.
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Pregel, Boris

Ukrainian-born engineer Boris Pregel relates some of his experiences in Europe up to World War II to explain why charity, altruism and selflessness are so vital to his personal beliefs and adds that it is also important to live by one’s beliefs in order to maintain dignity.

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Schlesinger, Edmond R.

Austrian-born social worker and college professor Edmond Schlesinger describes how World War II damaged his young belief in the essential kindness of humanity, but that he still remains confident that “man can become better.”
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Simons, Hans, 1893-1972

German-born Hans Simons remembers his experiences in Nazi, Germany and the necessity of leaving Europe and tells how he assimilated and appreciates the diversity and freedoms of his new country.
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Soldiers

Bingham, Barry, 1906-1988

Radio, television and newspaper owner Barry Bingham explains the effect that war had on his upbringing and how contemplation while in the Pacific Islands led him to the awareness that he must work to the best of his ability to earn and deserve God’s Friendship, as must all people.

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Burman, Ben Lucien, 1896-1984

Author and journalist Ben Burman, wounded in World War I, describes his beliefs in the value of kindness, the importance of striving for artistic excellence, and the utility of humor as an anecdote to pretension and tyranny.
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Clay, Lucius D. (Lucius DuBignon), 1897-1978

Lucius D. Clay, Special Assistant to Director Charles Wilson in the Office of Defense Mobilization, describes being inspired by the German people’s desire for democracy following World War II and believes that all people want peace and liberty and also believes freedom is a privilege given by God, and one that must be carefully guarded by all citizens and he calls upon Americans to make this country one that provides equal opportunities for all.

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Curtiss, W. David

W. David Curtiss, Associate Professor of Law at Cornell University, describes how his well-laid life plans were interrupted by WWII, and how the uncertainty of war taught him to accept change, not with resignation, but with a spirit of adventure.

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Dalley, Frank, 1913-1990

Frank Dalley, Office Manager at the Utah Department of Employment Security, recounts his experiences in the Korean War and how he relied on prayer for guidance and his determination to try to help others and relieve human suffering in whatever way he could.
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Duveen, Charles

Lecturer and author Charles Duveen, Jr., describes his experience of being shot from a plane while flying over the Pacific during WWII, and how his perspective on life changed from one which placed value in material objects to one which found value in service to others.
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James, William F.

William James, founder of Boy’s Town in St. Louis, Missouri, describes how an experience during World War II gave him a belief in his dependence on God and an appreciation for life, and how he strives to be sensitive to others’ beliefs and avoid speaking unkindly to them.
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Jordan, Lloyd

Aircraft pilot Lloyd Jordan explains why he believes man is imperishable and describes the importance of children to peace and happiness in the future.
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Latvala, Waino K.

Waino K. Latvala, a Finnish-American, describes his experiences as an information officer fighting for Finland during the Finnish War, and how he believes that fear is a catalyst to action.
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Levy, David J.

David Levy, Deputy District Attorney of Contra Costa County, describes how he learned level-headed contentment in order to survive as a POW on the Death March of Bataan during WWII.
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Plagemann, Bentz, 1913-

Author Bentz Plagemann describes his experience in the Navy during WWII and the resulting belief that with patience and faith there are no difficulties one cannot overcome in life.

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Ralph, K. James

Jim Ralph, Comptroller of the New Jersey Bell Telephone Company, describes his belief in the simple virtues he learned as a boy, and which have sustained him through the loss of a leg in WWI, supported his happy marriage, and become reaffirmed through his work with the Lakemont Academy preparatory school for boys.
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Strickling, George F. (George Franklin), 1896-1985

Music teacher and composer George Strickling recounts how the rowdiness of a previous regiment of American soldiers in England limited his own freedom to sight-see as a soldier, and describes his belief in good manners.

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Civilians

Frank, Pat, 1907-1964

Journalist Pat Frank describes his experiences as a war correspondent with Edward R. Murrow during World War II; explains how his interactions with Germans, Japanese, and Italians give him hope that people share a fundamental humanity; and notes that the chance to watch history unfold is a great opportunity and responsibility, despite the uncertainty of the era.

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Hoskins, Lewis M., 1916-2011

Lewis Hoskins, Executive Secretary of the American Friends Service Committee, recalls a time when he was taken prisoner by a Chinese soldier while providing humanitarian aid and his ability to find a common humanity and brotherliness with his captor that disarmed the fear and violence of the situation.

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Neal-Martin, Marie

Publisher and editor Marie Neal-Martin describes how she inherited from her mother and grandmother her beliefs in people, the Golden Rule, her country, and God by describing her mother’s attitude in adversity and her grandmother’s life after the Civil War.

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Penfield, Wilder, 1891-1976

U.S.-born Wilder Penfield, Professor of Neurology at McGill University, describes his feeling of purpose and destiny when his boat was torpedoed during World War I and the relationship between science and religion.

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Pickett, Clarence

Clarence Pickett, Executive Secretary of American Friends Service Committee, describes his experience in the Korean War during negotiations and how a meditation center highlighted the common humanity in all sides, and all people.

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Romulo, Carlos P. (Carlos Peña), 1899-1985

Carolos Romulo, Ambassador to the United States from the Philippines, describes his belief in being true to himself despite the cost, exemplified by his inability to be with his family while he operated the broadcast Voice of Freedom during WWII and in his decision to withdraw his candidacy for president of the Philippines in order to help a candidate who shared his values win the election.

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Root, E. Merrill (Edward Merrill), 1895-1973

Poet and editor E. Merrill Root describes an experience of crossing the Atlantic under threat of submarine attack, and realizing, in the midst of fear, that life contains incredible beauty.

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Shirer, William L. (William Lawrence), 1904-1993

While reporting from Germany during Nazi rule, radio commentator William L. Shirer learned the value of tolerance and freedom and was inspired by people’s ability to retain their faith and will to live in the face of atrocities. Shirer believes that man’s resilience, especially during times of war, comes from having a rich inner life of reflection and contemplation.

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Toland, Edward Dale, 1886-1964

Teacher Edward Toland describes how his experiences with a French mobile field hospital in WWI changed his perspective and led him to become a teacher after the war, and he describes his belief that loving humanity by practicing the Golden Rule is the best way in which to love God.

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