Concentration Camp Liberators Oral History Project
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Interviewer
Hirsh, Michael
Publication Date
March 2008
Abstract
This is an oral history interview with Holocaust concentration camp liberator Morris Eisenstein. Eisenstein was a corporal in the 42nd Infantry Division, which liberated Dachau on April 29, 1945. He and his unit were waiting for orders in the town of Dachau when they were told to investigate something outside the town. Eisenstein was one of the first American soldiers to enter the camp and was immediately surrounded by thousands of prisoners. Firing his rifle into the air, he addressed them with a Hebrew prayer, which calmed them down. As Eisenstein walked through the camp, he stumbled over a man sitting on the ground and offered him some money. The man insisted on giving him something in return: the Star of David badge from his uniform. After walking around the camp, Eisenstein collected his men and went on to Munich. He has been frequently interviewed and has been featured in at least two books.
Keywords
Concentration camps--History--Germany, World War, 1939-1945--Concentration camps--Germany, World War, 1939-1945--Concentration camps--Liberation, World War, 1939-1945--Atrocities, World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American, World War, 1939-1945--Veterans--United States, Veterans--United States--Interviews, Jewish veterans--United States--Interviews, Genocide, Crimes against humanity
Holding Location
University of South Florida
Language
English
Media Type
Oral histories
Format
audio/mp3
Identifier
C65-00036
Recommended Citation
Eisenstein, Morris, "Morris Eisenstein oral history interview" (2008). Concentration Camp Liberators Oral History Project. 28.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/concentration_OH/28