US Army olive drab canvas bed roll used by a soldier
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Washington, United States
Bedroll issued to J. George Mitnick by the United States Army during World War II. Mitnick, a 27 year-old Jewish American, served as a captain in the 65th Infantry Division, European Theater and in the Chemical Warfare Service, 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion, 45th infantry division. His unit took control of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in April 1945; nearly all the inhabitants were dead, killed by the departing German troops. This was the first concentration camp liberated by US troops and descriptions of the conditions horrified the world. Mitnick’s unit continued on into Austria and was involved with the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Captain Mitnick was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service.
- Title: US Army olive drab canvas bed roll used by a soldier
- Provenance: The bedding roll was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2006 by Ronne Mitnick Hess, the daughter of J. George Mitnick.
- Subject Keywords: Soldiers--United States--Biography. Jewish soldiers--United States--Biography. World War, 1939-1945--Concentration camps--Liberation. World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American.
- Type: Furnishings and Furniture
- Rights: Permanent Collection
- External Link: See the full record at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Medium: Olive drab, canvas bed roll with attached storage bags. 3 large sections fold over each other when it is rolled. There are 3 canvas straps and 3 canvas loops, with metal buckles, on the side flaps. Flap pockets are attached by 3 canvas and metal buckle straps.
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