Record Groups
Images
Metadata
Collection |
Alexander Roesell Papers |
Object Name |
Collection |
Catalog Number |
RG-147 |
Dates of Creation |
1931 - 2004 |
Extent of Description |
0.2 linear feet (1 box) |
Admin/Biographical History |
Alexander Roesell was born in Tilsit, Germany on November 18, 1922. In 1936, Alex was sent to live with his uncle, Martin Lewy, in New York. In the following two years, Martin was also able to sponsor Alex's brother and sister. Alex's father, Isert Roesel, was a conservative rabbi, and both he and his wife, Bella, were able to get passage on a ship to the United States; however, it was not permitted to disembark upon arrival. Instead, the ship dropped off its passengers in South America, and Isert and Bella did not arrive in the United States until 1941. Alex was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943. While originally trained as a medical technician, upon arrival in England he was transferred to Military Intelligence. In 1944, he was assigned to the 26th Infantry Division. As part of his assignment, Alex helped to interrogate German prisoners of war and the 26th's path brought him nearby Dachau and Buchenwald. Alex was eventually transferred to Linz, Austria where he continued to interrogate POWs and determine those subject to arrest and trial. This brought him in close quarters with Nazis who had been assigned to Mauthausen. Alex was discharged in 1946, but remained in Austria as a civilian until 1947. |
Copyrights |
No restrictions on use. |
Language of Material |
English |
Scope & Content |
The Alexander Roesell Papers focus on Alex's escape from Germany and his subsequent service in the United States Army. These papers include personal reminiscences. Folder 1 contains a summary of an oral history conducted with Alex in 2004. Folder 2 has copies of photographs of Alex, including one in uniform. Folder 3 holds a copy of Sara Bella Rosel's travel visa and a copy of a citation received by Alex while in the Army. Folder 4 contains a copy of a newspaper clipping that shows Alex at work during the war. |
Subjects |
Tilsit, Germany New York, New York, United States Linz, Austria Dachau (Concentration Camp) Buchenwald (Concentration Camp) Mauthausen (Concentration Camp) United States. Army. United States. Army. 26th Infantry Division. |
Imagefile |
003\RG147-2.BMP |