Joseph C. Solarz papers

The Joseph C. Solarz papers include narratives, letters, photographs, and news clippings documenting the liberation of the Buchenwald concentration camp. The narratives include a personal narrative by Solarz and a report by an anonymous author. The letters include a 1945 illustrated note to Solarz by liberated prisoners Tadeusz Warsowicz, Jozef Kachel, and Stefan Dziwlik; a letter from “Alex” to his parents recounting his visit to Buchenwald; and a 1957 letter from former Buchenwald prisoner Feliks Grossman. Photographs depict the liberated Buchenwald concentration camp, and most bear captions. News clippings include two 1990s articles about Solarz. The papers also include a video recording of the Cape Cod Community College's Yom Hashoah ceremony on April 30 1995, at which Solarz spoke. Joseph C. Solarz (1914-2011) was born on 21 February, 1914 to Bronislaw Solarz (1881-1966) and Anna Solarz (née Nowicki, 1886-1976) in New York. Bronislaw was born in Poland and immigrated to the United States around 1899 and Anna was born in New York to Polish parents. Joseph had two sisters: Marion (1909-2001) and Julia (1911-2006). Before the war Joseph worked at the Yonkers branch of the John Hancock Insurance Co. In February 1941 he enlisted in the military and was deployed in February 1944. Joseph was a Staff Sgt. Tank Commander of the 6th Armored Division 69th, Tank Battalion B Company, a member of General George S. Patton’s 3rd Army. He landed on Utah beach in France and fought across France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Battle of the Bulge, and Germany to the Elbe River. His company was then assigned to security detail at the Buchenwald concentration camp. Joseph was fluent in Polish and was able to speak with prisoners about their experiences in Buchenwald. He also befriended an American journalist, Alex, who was composing a report on what had transpired at the camp. Alex gave Joseph a copy of his full report as well as several photographs and a copy of a letter he sent to his family. Joseph received the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his actions, as well as five Battle Stars. Joseph married Gloria (1925-2017) and had two daughters: Jennifer and Cynthia.