1922-2019
Shep Morris was born near Riga, Latvia, and immigrated to America in 1926. After graduating from Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, he attended Brooklyn College with the goal of becoming a physician. However, WWII intervened, and Shep was drafted. Upon arriving at the induction center, he made a startling discovery: he had never officially been made a U.S. citizen. At just 19 years old, he was administered the oath of citizenship and handed orders to ship off to Europe.
By the grace of G-d, his Commanding Officer was Jewish and transferred to the Office of the General Quartermaster. A move that likely saved his life as the majority of his original platoon was KIA shortly after. His new unit followed combat troops through France and Italy, rebuilding the towns destroyed by Nazi forces. After two years of service, Shep returned home to New York and built a business and beautiful family.
