David Horwitz Collection, 1930-1993

Summary

Abstract:
This collection contains items pertaining to David Horwitz's service in the Navy during World War II.
Extent:
.25 linear feet
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The David Horwitz Collection contains items relating to David Horwitz's service during World War II. It includes David Horwitz's diary from his time on Guadalcanal in 1942, and his letters home from 1942 to 1943, and contains various letters concerning his death dating from 1945 to 1949. The collection also includes photographs of David Horwitz dating from 1930 to 1944, certificates of achievement from 1942 to 1943 and several newspaper clippings about Naval weathermen.

Biographical / historical:

David Horwitz was the son of Solomon and Lena Horwitz of 632 Euclid Street in Elmira. He received his undergraduate degree at Cornell University, and also graduated from their law school in 1938. On December 8, 1942, the day after Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Navy along with his brother Alexander “Sandy” and a childhood friend. He was trained as an aerographer, i.e. weatherman, and served in that capacity with a unit of Marines on Guadalcanal in 1942. In 1943, he was transferred to the USS Curtiss where he was promoted to Ensign. In May of 1943, he was sent back to the United States to study at the Harvard University School of Naval Communication and was subsequently commissioned as a lieutenant. He was assigned to the USS Emmons in the fall of 1943 and saw action as an escort in Normandy and in Okinawa. On April 7, 1945 the USS Emmons was sunk by a kamikaze attack and Lt. Horwitz was badly burned. He died on April 14, 1945 and is buried on the island of Zamani Shima. His metals and awards include the Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation with bronze star, the Victory Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Bar and theater medals for America, Europe, and the Pacific.

Acquisition information:
The items in this collection were donated to the Booth Library by Gerald and Leon Horwitz in 1993 and 1995.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The Chemung County Historical Society's research library and archives are open to the public from 1pm to 5pm, Monday through Friday. There is a $5 fee for non-members.

Location of this collection:
415 E. Water Street
Elmira, NY 14901, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
(607) 734-4167
cchs@chemungvalleymuseum.org