Jack Schlossberg

This is the brief biography of an ordinary but talented man who demonstrated, as did others

before him that, under the pressures of war, ordinary people can rise to extraordinary achievements.

S Jack Schlossberg was born in Brooklyn, New York, four days after Thanksgiving, in 1921. He

had a pleasant and uneventful childhood. He was strong academically and, as he grew, he became an

outstanding athlete. Following graduation, he had a year of college, but it was clear to everyone that

the coming World War II would make all personal planning largely impossible.

Jack joined the Air Corp. in late August of 1942, at age 21, and served as an enlisted man for

almost a year. His superiors had marked him, however, as talented and encouraged his entry to Officers

Candidate School. He became an officer and initially served as a supply officer in the United States Army,

responsible for 800 men.

Jack then was assigned to train a combat group for overseas duty. Being given command of a

platoon in the 409th Infantry Division, he took them overseas and spent the balance of the war in combat

in the European Theater. He was transferred to the 179th Infantry of the 45th Division where he was

promptly promoted. As his official military records succinctly describe it, “after a short period” he was

appointed Executive Officer of Company F of the Second Battalion and later Commanding Officer, having

been promoted to Captain. He and his men engaged in heavy combat in France, Alsace Lorraine,

Germany, Austria and Italy.

Jack received many decorations, including Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Purple Heart (wounded

twice), American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two battle

stars, and the WWII Victory Medal. Wounded a second time, Jack was sent to a hospital behind the lines

to recover. However, his men were in active combat, and Jack had responsibilities he could not ignore.

So, he “liberated” a handy jeep (no keys in those days) and drove back to the front line where he found

his men and resumed command. Such was his life as a combat officer.

Following the war Jack, who by then had acquired proficiency in German, supervised a German

town before returning to the United States where he served at Headquarters of the 2d Infantry as

Assistant G-4 of this Division of 15,000 men. He concluded his active service in April of 1946 and served

in the Army Reserves until 1953.

Jack was the kind of man who came to characterize the United States Armed Forces –

committed, loyal, selfless, and brave. He would be the first to tell you that he was intensely proud of his

service but, with the humility that characterized the man, he felt that he was just one of millions who

also served their country.

Soon after the War, Jack married the love of his life, Mona Berman. Eventually, they moved to

San Antonio, Texas where their four children were born between 1949 and 1956: Lewis, Brett, Jean, and

Robyn. Jack and Mona instilled in them a love of learning and compassion and empathy for those less

fortunate. In time, the family moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where Jack became active in

synagogue leadership and served as the President of a major Jewish civic organization. With his children,

he also greatly enjoyed reliving the athletic activities of his youth, including handball, baseball, and

swimming.

The loss of their oldest, Lewis, to cancer at the age of 15 was devastating for the family. It is an

absence that is felt to this day. Their remaining children all graduated college and obtained graduate

degrees, remaining close to their father and to their mother, Mona, who passed away in 1982.

At the request of their children, Jack moved to be close to his younger son, Brett who, with his

wife Susan, has three children. One of their children who lives in the area has three children with his

wife. For Jack, this meant that, as he advanced in years, he was surrounded, and became much beloved

by, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Jack was known by the names of which he was most proud: Captain Schlossberg to his men and

his superior officers, Jack to his extended family and many friends, Dad to his children and last, but

certainly not least, Granddad to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jack was an able and highly respected man who lived surely his life in full measure. He will be

long remembered, and much missed.