David Brandon Bernstein

David Brandon Bernstein was born on 20 March 1897 to Anna (Maiden name unknown) (1860-?) and Jakob (1860-1933) Bernstein, Russian immigrants, in New York, New York. Bernstein was the seventh of eight children; Jennie (1884-1972), Louis (1886-?), Charles (1888-?), Benjamin (1890-?), Esther (1892-1981), Bessie (1894-?), and Henry (1901-?). Into the 1910s, the family lived on 39^th Street in Manhattan, where Jakob Bernstein operated a shoe store.

According to Bernstein, he attended “2 years high school”, and “Have been employed by my present employer in the capacity of salesman in cigar and stationary store, previous to my enlistment”.

Bernstein enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in New Yok on 31 July 1917; he was assigned to 133^rd Co., Quantico, Virginia from Co. F, Paris Island, on 8 January 1918. He was reassigned to 43^rd Co., 5^th Marine Regiment, 2^nd Division, AEF, serving as a Corporal upon removal to France on 8 February, arriving in Brest on 24 February. From Cpl Bernstein’s account on his Jewish Servicemember Questionnaire;

“Sent into line- replaced the 5^th Marines at Ancemont (sp?) France March 17, 1918. Seen action in Verdun, Belleau Woods, Chateau-Thierry, St. Mihiel, Champagne, at Blanc Mont Ridge and the Meuse Argonne.”

[Served in]“France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, 7 months Army of Occupation”

“Wounded in action June 12, 1918. In the Belleau Woods- Right forearm, left chest + left thigh. Hospitals- at the College of Jouiillet, Amer. Red Cross Hosp. No. 1. Meuilly (sp?) France and Amer. Base Hospital No. 8 Savenoy France”.

Cpl Bernstein received the Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross for his actions on 5 October 1918 near Blanc Mont, France;

“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Corporal David Bernstein (MCSN: 98680), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Forty-Third Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Blanc Mont, France, 5 October 1918. Learning that a number of wounded soldiers were lying in “No Man’s Land,” Corporal Bernstein immediately volunteered to help carry them in. He made several trips over an area constantly shelled and subjected to machine-gun and rifle fire.”

“The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal David Bernstein (MCSN: 98680), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 43d Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Blanc Mont, France, 5 October 1918. Learning that a number of wounded soldiers were lying in “No Man’s Land,” Corporal Bernstein immediately volunteered to help carry them in. He made several trips over an area constantly shelled and subjected to machine-gun and rifle fire.”

Bernstein also received two French Croix de Guerre with Gilt Stars, citations unknown; a Silver Star Citation for services at Chateau-Thierry, a Silver Star Citation for services at Blanc Mont; a Purple Heart, and New York Conspicuous Service Cross.

“By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D. 1918), Corporal David Bernstein (MCSN: 98680), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Corporal Bernstein distinguished himself while serving with the 43d Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June to 10 July 1918.”

“By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D. 1918), Corporal David Bernstein (MCSN: 98680), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Corporal Bernstein distinguished himself while serving with the 43d Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Blanc Mont, France, 1 to 10 October 1918.”

“The Order of the Purple Heart- awarded by the government for military merit during the World War was presented yesterday [15 February 1933] noon on the State Building steps by Lieut-Gov. Merriam to D. Brandon Bernstein, attorney.”

Cpl Bernstein returned to the United States in July of 1919 and was Honorably Discharged on 13 August at Quantico, Virginia.

Upon his Discharge, Bernstein lived with his parents in Manhattan, working as a clothing salesman and attending college in the evenings (unknown institution- potentially Cornell). Bernstein became an attorney in the late 1920s- at one point, his office was at 112 W. 9^th St. in Los Angeles, California. In 1922, Bernstein married Beatrice Steinthal (1892-?), with her, having two children, David Brandon, Jr. (1925-2002) and Gordon Marvin (1930-1993). The family lived in Los Angeles, California at 411 W. 9^th St. into the 1940s; Bernstein was an active participant in several nonprofit and charity organizations, including the Los Angeles Orphans’ Home, Military Order of the Purple Heart (Department of California Commander) and American Institute of Fine Arts.

Bernstein may have continued his service into World War II, enlisting on 4 June 1942 and discharging on 26 November 1946- details regarding his branch affiliation, rank, and unit are unknown.

The couple separated and divorced before 1950; on 20 March 1952, Bernstein married Gerda Klara Eichbaum (1920-2007), with her, having two children, Alexander Brandon (1953-1999) and Diana Claire (1955-).