World War II Veteran Reflects on Childhood Patch Collection
Robert Rodowsky, an 88-year-old veteran, recently shared the story of his childhood patch collection from the early 1940s, filled with U.S. Army, Army Air Forces, Navy, and Marine Corps patches. Rodowsky’s collection, stored in a worn scrapbook, holds memories of a bygone era that few today can recall.
As a young boy living in Walpole, Massachusetts, Rodowsky began collecting patches at the age of 6 while traveling on a train with his mother to visit his father stationed at Camp Lee in Virginia. GIs on the train would trade patches with Rodowsky in exchange for a cigarette, creating a unique and cherished collection.
One particular memory that stands out for Rodowsky is the sight of the French ocean liner S.S. Normandie, later renamed USS Lafayette, lying on its side in New York Harbor. The ship’s fate, a casualty of World War II, left a lasting impression on the young boy.
Rodowsky’s father, Arthur Rodowsky, served in the Army during the war, eventually guarding German POWs at Camp Lee. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of wartime, the Rodowsky family maintained a strong connection through letters and keepsakes.
Uncle Merle, a D-Day veteran, sent Rodowsky German and French currency, while Uncle Tom shared stories of his service under General George S. Patton in North Africa and Europe. These letters and mementos served as a lifeline for the family during a time of separation and uncertainty.
After the war, Rodowsky followed in his father’s footsteps, joining the National Guard and later the Air Force. Despite an injury that cut short his military career, Rodowsky’s dedication to service continued through his daughter Sharon, who served in the Air Force for 20 years.
Today, Rodowsky keeps his childhood patch collection and wartime mementos in a plastic bag, unsure of what to do with them. The memories they hold, of family, sacrifice, and service, are a testament to a generation that faced unimaginable challenges with courage and resilience.
As Rodowsky reflects on his past, he hopes to find a way to display his collection, honoring not only his own journey but also the sacrifices of those who came before him. In a world that often forgets the lessons of history, stories like Rodowsky’s serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of those who served in times of war and peace.