Introduction
LIEUTENANT NATHANIEL KAPLAN — Distinguished Service Cross
A native of Camden, N.J., Lieutenant Kaplan was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in France. At St. Croix, leading elements of his company were under heavy enemy machine-gun fire. Six men in his platoon were wounded. Kaplan dashed across an exposed area to assist his men. Using his M-1 rifle, he occupied the enemy’s abandoned position under heavy fire.
Kaplan then spotted another well-concealed enemy position. Heavy automatic weapons fire from the enemy menaced him. Braving this barrage, he continued firing his rifle at the enemy. He killed five Germans, and forced the others to flee in disorder.
Kaplan reorganized his men, led them in clearing the sector of the town assigned to them. Suddenly, however, heavy machine-gun fire from three enemy tanks swept toward the advancing platoon. Kaplan led his men forward and directed the platoon’s fire. Three Germans were killed. The tanks were forced to withdraw.
Camden Courier-Post — June 15, 1933
Camden Courier-Post —
Hebrew School Marks Graduation
Three Graduated With High Honors at Beth El School
Beth-El School Honor Pupils
Three students were graduated last night at commencement exercises of Beth El School of the Congregation Beth El, Park Boulevard and Belleview Avenue.
Rabbi Nachmim S. Arnoff said the three were graduated with distinction in the Hebrew Department.
They are Nathaniel Kaplan, salutatorian; Celeina Seigle, valedictorian, and Edith Plasky, who read from the Second Chapter of Isaiah.
After the singing of “America” an address was given by Harry Berkowitz, chairman of the school committee. Four songs in Hebrew were followed by Hinneh Mah Tov and Dayenu. Sheldon Rose sang “On the Shores of Galilee” in Hebrew. The school gave Hebrew folks songs in English.
The diplomas were presented by Benjamin Natal and prizes distributed by Rabbi Arnoff. The address was by Louis E. Levinthal, followed by Hatikvoh.