The Bernie Friedenberg World War II Memorial honors the distinguished service of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Bernard (Bernie) I. Friedenberg and all other Americans who served their country during World War II. The Friends of Bernie Friedenberg (FBF), a group of veterans advocates behind the movement to create the Memorial, has worked for five years to raise funds to cover the cost of the Memorial, which includes a bronze statue depicting Friedenberg in combat action as a WWII medic.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors and individuals who lent their support to the Bernie Friedenberg World War II Memorial and who have brought this significant endeavor to fruition,” said Marco Polo Smigliani, co-chair of the Friends of Bernie Friedenberg. “Bernie’s legacy lives on through this monument, serving as a reminder to all that the price of freedom is never forgotten.”
Several World War II veterans, Gold Star Mothers of America members, and families of United States military veterans are among the honored guests expected to attend the 12 p.m. dedication ceremony, which will include a military flyover by the New Jersey National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing. Susan Friedenberg, the daughter of Bernie Friedenberg, will make special remarks, as will Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., and guest speaker Major General John Hussey (U.S. Army, retired).
The site of the Bernie Friedenberg World War II Memorial is on the western side of O’Donnell Memorial Park, close to the existing World War I Memorial and Stockton University’s Atlantic City campus. The Memorial’s bronze sculpture was designed and created by Pennsylvania-based Fisher Sculpture, one of the foremost manufacturers of sports and military sculptures in the world. The statue depicts a six-foot likeness of Friedenberg cradling a wounded soldier in his arms on Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944.
Bernard I. “Bernie” Friedenberg grew up in Atlantic City and attended area schools. He was a freshman at Temple University on Dec. 7, 1941, when the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor was attacked, drawing the United States into World War II. The very next day, Friedenberg attempted to enlist in the military services (Marines, Navy, and Army) but he was rejected by all three services due to poor vision. Undeterred, he persisted and Friedenberg was eventually inducted into the Army as a noncombatant. He received training as a medic, attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, and was assigned to the Medical Detachment, 1st Battalion, 16th Regiment, 1st U.S. Infantry Division.
Friedenberg was deployed in many of the major battles of the War: Operation Torch in Algeria in November 1942; as a member of the “Fighting First” in the campaign for Sicily in 1943; Omaha Beach on D-Day 1944; through the fields and hedgerows of France into Germany in 1944, and the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. In these and other battles, it was Friedenberg’s job to remove or supervise the removal of wounded soldiers from the front lines to secure aid stations where he and others would render initial medical care to them.
Friedenberg received two Silver Stars for his heroism on Omaha Beach on D-Day and later in Germany. He was also awarded two Bronze Stars for valor, and two Purple Hearts for wounds sustained in combat. Upon returning home to Atlantic City after the war, Friedenberg became a staunch advocate for veterans’ affairs, having served for many years as a member of the Atlantic County Veterans Advisory Board, and as Commander of a Jewish War Veterans Post. He regularly spoke at high schools and colleges in southern New Jersey on the perils of war and the true cost of freedom up until his death in 2018. Many donors have made donations to the Friedenberg WWII Memorial recounting the tremendous impact that Friedenberg’s talks had on their children’s lives.
Aside from Smigliani, the other members of the Friends of Bernie Friedenberg committee are Retired Brigadier General Douglas Satterfield, James Eberwine, Robert Frolow, Randi Scheck, Mike Bongiorno, and Michael Merlino.
A rain date for the dedication ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, June 8. Visit bfww2.com for more information about the Bernie Friedenberg World War II Memorial.
An unveiling and dedication ceremony for a World War II Memorial at Atlantic City’s O’Donnell Memorial Park will be held on Thursday, June 6, the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Approximately 1,000 people are expected to attend, including U.S. military veterans from several wars. The event is open to the public.
