Seymour (Sey) Schwartz is widely recognized for his communal work at Community Board 8, where he serves as Second Vice Chair. Nearly 80 years ago, Schwartz served in a different capacity – in the Second World War – but was never properly recognized for his achievements. In recent weeks, a slew of accommodations were issued to the local veteran. The Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service issued by US Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth was first to arrive in a presentation by an Army honor guard at the Queens Civic Congress’ annual Legislator’s Reception.
Schwartz trained as a combat engineer and later undertook specialized schooling. Once detached from the Army, Schwartz was reassigned to the Navy under Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander of the Pacific Ocean Area, where he was placed on the staff of the Commander of the Fifth Amphibious Force that planned and led the invasions of a series of Central and South Pacific Japanese-held islands.
Additionally, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin issued a Commemorative Service Certificate, a medal for performing significant official military duties during World War II, and a letter designating Schwartz an Atomic Veteran.
Dropping the atomic bomb on Nagasaki along the northwest coast of the Kyushu Island led to the anticipated Japanese surrender. Schwartz was involved in organizing the occupation where he was exposed to atomic radiation. Upon completion of the unit’s mission, T/3, Schwartz was reassigned to the Army until his eventual 1946 discharge from service.
The QJL wishes Sey a tremendous mazal tov on these recognitions.
