Pat Thaler (Helayne Seidman)
A page from Koch’s diary (Helayne Seidman)
(
)
When Edward I. Koch was just a lanky 19-year-old Army draftee from The Bronx marching off to World War II, his mother, Joyce, handed him a gift.
It was a new, leather-bound, gold-leafed diary in which she inscribed: “God bless you, my son.”
Private Koch dutifully filled that diary during his days in basic training at Camp Croft, SC, in 1943. He would go on to serve with the 104th Infantry Division — the Timberwolves — landing in Cherbourg, France, in September 1944, earning two Battle Stars.
After Koch’s death on Feb. 1, his sister, Pat Thaler, discovered the journal in a dresser drawer in his West Village apartment. She glimpsed a side of Koch that neither the world nor his family had ever seen — but one that also seemed familiar. He was already a crusader against injustice, a proud Jew — and a great lover of movies.
“What struck me was that he was the same person then that he was at the end of his life,” said Thaler, 80, who agreed to share excerpts of the entries with Post readers:
* April 27, 1943
I’m tired but not dismayed. The chow (chili con carne) was terrible but I scraped the plate. It will be a long time before I’ll get used to the open latrine. The fellows in the bunk are pretty good. Mother acted fine in the station. I think that I’ll get along fine. . . . The beer stinks, it leaves a taste in my mouth.
* May 24
Had an argument with several of the boys over anti-Negro prejudice, this led to arguments over Jews and the usual line. The arguments Lee presented were very poor and ignorant. He believes the Negro is inferior because of skull structure and that man was descended from monkeys. I know that he is very biased even though he covers it up with an air of friendliness. It’s a pity that there are so few liberals in the land and so many ignorant people. I’m referring to all the bigoted individuals who make up this country.
* July 9
Patrolling today. Our object was to get out of a forest. We had to go from cover to cover. I hid behind a tree and assumed the prone position. Lt. Reed came over with the Lt. Col. and said, “Koch, on what side of a tree do you aim from,” I said, “On the right side.” He said, “So what the hell are you doing on the left side?”
* August 20
Full field inspection in the afternoon. The whole battalion set up their shelter halfs in a line and displayed equipment. it took about an hour to get everything ready for display and then the Col. merely walked swiftly up and down the aisles and glanced at the tents once in a while. It was the biggest example of a waste of time that I have ever seen in the Army.
* August 21
All week long they have called yiddy yiddy yiddy all the poor [GIs] who happen to be Jews. I couldn’t take it anymore today and when LaRue kept calling out that miserable epithet, I boiled and told him to meet me outside the supply room. I was boiling inside and the whole company was out there to watch the fight. I was beaten pretty badly — knocked down a couple of times and the Lt. wanted to stop the fight but I wouldn’t let him. Finally, he did. Strangely enough I’m not marked up which makes me feel pretty good. Even though I took the beating, I’m glad I fought.
* October 22
Went to main base and saw “Sahara.” Good but unbelievable — 10 men catching a battalion.
* October 23
One of the boys drowned in the lake. He wasn’t in for bed check yesterday nor Reveille today. They found his body down near the pier. They put the flag at half mast and played Taps. I’ve heard Taps every nite but it never sounded like this call. It just cut through everybody.
* November 5
Had double date with Madison. I took Betty Lou Carnagie. We went to AAFSAT. Had supper in the PX and saw “Flesh and Fantasy.” We made the late show 8-10. Got out at 10. We were going to miss bed check by travelling by bus so we took a cab back to Rollins $2.00.
* December 6
Went to movies, “Above Suspicion.” Grade B picture. Staying in tonight. Received package from home containing candy and rugelach plus a very handsome dog bracelet.
Postscript: Koch was called up for duty the next year, and his division helped liberate a concentration camp. He didn’t keep up the diary, but he kept reviewing movies.