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The Ernst Braun Family Papers

 Collection
Identifier: Mss-437

Scope and Contents

The Ernst Braun Family Papers, 1941-1945, consisting of personal papers, newspaper clippings, and military documents relating to Ernst Braun's military service and life during World War II.

Dates

  • Creation: 1941 - 1945

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions on access.

Conditions Governing Use

No restrictions on use.

Biographical / Historical

Ernst Friedrich Braun was born on August 26, 1914 in a small town in Germany. He immigrated to the United States in his teens and eventually became a naturalized citizen.

In 1941, Braun joined the United States Army, where he became a corporal and later a captain. He was a member of the three different infantry divisions, the 84th, the 100th, and the 26th. During his time in the European theater, Braun helped liberate several Nazi occupied towns and labor camps. He often acted as a translator between his superior officers and German soldiers, making safe travel through enemy terrority possible. His translation skills and peacekeeping earned him a Bronze Metal in 1945.

Braun married Marjorie Silverstein in 1941. Their daughter, Stephanie Ann, was born in 1944 during his time overseas. After the war, the Braun family moved to Decatur, Georgia. They joined Congregation Ahavath Achhim and remained active members of their community. The 1980s, Braun partipated in Emory University's "Witness to the Holocaust" project. He gave an oral history of his military service during WWII as well as his experience visiting his German hometown for the first time in 10 years.

Braun passed on May 21, 2002.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Various papers about Ernst Braun's military service and cilivan life during World War II from 1941 to 1945.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged alphabetically in the box and chronologically in each folder.

Physical Location

The Cuba Family Archives for Southern Jewish History, The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, 1440 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30309.

Separated Materials

Photographs seperated in to visual arts collection.

Title
Ernst Braun Family Papers Mss 437
Status
Completed
Author
Kayley Rapp
Date
August 2022
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum Repository

Contact:
1440 Spring St. NW
Atlanta Georgia 30309 United States
678-222-3700