Abrams, Bernard, August 3, 1994, August 4, 1994, August 12, 1994
Scope and Contents
Abrams begins the interview by discussing his family ancestry and how his family ended up in Atlanta. He discusses his time at the United States Military Academy and focuses on his motivations to pursue a military career. Abrams goes on to discuss his dating life and how he met his former wife, Susan. He reflects on his time in the Army and details his experiences in different locations like Japan and California. Abrams discusses his retirement from the military due to injury. He reminisces on his continuous involvement in the government afterwards as a civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army. Abrams recounts a multitude of rewards and honors he has received, with his highest decoration being the Silver Star. He discusses his involvement with the Jewish Chapel at West Point as well as his philanthropy to other organizations. Abrams discusses the increasing role of women in the Army. He expresses his opinion on many subjects such as the North Korean situation and germicidal warfare. The interview switches to a lighter theme, in which Abram talks about his favorite song, “Aura Lee”/”Army Blue”. He concludes the interview with a discussion on his hobbies.
Dates
- Creation: August 3, 1994
- Creation: August 4, 1994
- Creation: August 12, 1994
Conditions Governing Access
There are no restrictions on accessing material in this collection. To view the media alongside a timestamped and annotated transcript and index, click on the thumbnail present in each oral history record.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.
Biographical / Historical
Bernard W. Abrams was born on January 21, 1925 to Alfred R. Abrams and Sara Lee Kaufman in West Palm Beach, Florida. He has three children, David, Janet, and Judy. After graduating from West Point in 1947, Abrams served in the Army. His military career ended in 1953 after his second wound in September of 1951, in which he retired for disability. After retirement, Abrams continued to be involved in government services. When he returned to civilian life, he became the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Abrams Industries, Inc. from 1972 to 1995, though he continued to serve as the Chairman after 1995. Abrams was actively involved in the Jewish community and was a member of The Temple. He also contributed to the Jewish Chapel Building Fund and other organizations like the Jewish Cadet Chapel Squad.
Extent
From the Collection: 15 Terabytes
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Bernard Abrams was interviewed by Ruth Zuckerman on August 3, 1994, August 4, 1994, and August 12, 1994 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Duration
02:30:09
Format
Audio
Repository Details
Part of the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum Repository
1440 Spring St. NW
Atlanta Georgia 30309 United States
678-222-3700
