US Army olive drab knit balaclava used by a soldier

Balaclava 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. 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.