Today like yesterday the Socorro Rojo of Spain will take care of your families.
Postcard benefiting the Socorro Rojo Internacional of Spain. The back of the card reads:
October, 1934
Red Asturias rises up in defense of democratic freedoms
October...
Herman explains that he has enclosed cards and a booklet about the Socorro Rojo Internacional (SRI), Red Aid, which helps both soldiers and civilians.
The SRI was an international Soviet war relief organization that covertly gave help to ...
A Resolution of the Independent Auctioneers Association, of which Mr. Benjamin Greenfield was a member, expressing their deepest sorry and sympathies on the death of Herman Greenfield.
Military life; Military training; Childhood & youth; family
Herman is in training and requests photographs of the family, especially of his younger brother Jay. He wants to make sure Spanish children have the same opportunity for a happy childhood as his brother. He includes his address through the SRI in...
Correspondence; Military maneuvers; Military tactics; Military life; Fascists;
Herman describes his first taste of battle. He explains that the troops dig gun trenches under the cover of darkness at night. He discusses a success over the fascists near Teruel. He encloses a picture of himself and a Spanish lieutenant in his...
Herman describes how well he and the others have been trained. In the course of training, he has lost 22 pounds and has become a "pretty good shot." He has also been promoted to sergeant. He reassures his father that he will not be reckless and...
Military hospitals; Medical aspects of war; Medical personnel;
Herman writes from a hospital where he is recovering from yellow jaundice. He is sure his mother would love to work in a place where people from many different countries come together for a common cause. He discusses how well the sick are treated...
Letter from David McKelvy White, National Chair of the Friends of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives, to Herman Greenfield's parents reporting the news of his death.
Herman discusses his new found respect for letter writing. He is glad to hear that Marty has given up superficiality come around to real knowledge and understanding. He says that his time on the front has opened his eyes to reality, and how...
Correspondence; Military life; Activists; Military officers; Military personnel; Military scouts;
Herman thanks Uncle Marty for hes letter and is glad to hear that there is much support for the Lincoln Brigade back in the states. He asks Marty to "square" him with his father, to try to sway his opinion of Herman's service in Spain. He offers...
Herman tells his parents he is about to enter battle. Promises to write once the fighting is over, giving them a full report. Asks them to send him cigarettes, candy, and cake.
Correspondence; Fascism; Political activity; Political issues; Activists;
Herman apologizes for not writing sooner. Discusses his chances of coming home but believes he is still needed in the fight against Franco. He admits that being away has made him think about his family more than ever. Tells his father he should...
Correspondence; Economic & social conditions; Medical aspects of war; Medical personnel; Military medicine; Food supply;
Herman is sorry to hear that the financial conditions are home are not doing well. He tells his mother that she would love Spain, especially how medical staff are treated. He discusses his health and the food that has been generously sent to...
Correspondence; Military life; Military maneuvers;
Herman tells his parents about his agreeable daily routine: he watches at the gun from 5am to 9am, "loafs around all day," then he is on again from 5pm to 9pm.
Copy of a letter by Brigade Commissar Dave Doran to the Queens County Committee of the Young Communist League reporting the deaths of Sergeant Herman Greenfield of the Lincoln-Washington Machine Gun Company and Sergeant Emanuel Mandel of the...
