Philip Horowitz

Philip Horowitz was born in the Bronx, New York, on August 16, 1921, and grew up on a chicken farm in rural New Jersey. After being drafted into the U.S. Army, he served in the 759th Military Police Battalion’s Special Services Company. His responsibilities included guarding troop ships in New York and escorting German POWs captured by General Patton.

In August 1943, he was deployed to North Africa and witnessed the historic Casablanca Conference, where he stood guard as President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchill, and General Eisenhower met with the German High Command. He later served in Italy under General Mark Clark and in France and Germany under General Patton, participating in major campaigns, including Operation Dragoon and the Battle of the Bulge. He recalled the bombing of Monte Cassino and a Passover Seder in Caserta organized for 2,100 Jewish GIs.

Philip was discharged in 1945 and returned home to a heartfelt reunion with his family. In recognition of his service in France, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor. Reflecting on the war, he spoke with pride, openness, and a strong belief in the importance of remembering history.