Herbert Kohn Family Papers

Born in Frankfurt am Main in 1926, Herbert Kohn was just six when the Nazis took control of Germany. He was soon kicked out of his school and sent to a segregated school. His father, Leo, made plans to emigrate from Germany in 1935, but was delayed due to immigration laws. Herbert subsequently lived through the boycott of Jewish stores and Kristallnacht. His father was arrested and sent to Buchenwald. When a S.S. officer discovered a letter from President Hindenburg to Leo thanking him for his service in World War I and accompanying Iron Cross, he was released from the concentration camp. Soon after, the family immigrated to the United States through England. They settled in Columbus, Georgia. On his 18th birthday, Herbert enlisted in the United States Army and fought in World War II. He served 26 years in the military and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He also earned a degree in Agriculture from Auburn University. After his service, Herbert became a CPA and CFO and CEO of a building company. Herbert Kohn lived in Atlanta, Georgia throughout his adulthood and passed away on June 16, 2020 in Atlanta.