Oscar Reiss

Obituary Stork Family Mortuary Obituary Oscar was born on May 6, 1921 and passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2019. Oscar was a resident of Colorado at the time of passing.

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-G5N4-SMNT?i=672&cc...

Nearly 70 years since his time as a soldier, World War II veteran Oscar Reiss on Wednesday was finally awarded his distinguished war medals, five of which he didn’t know he earned until earlier this year.

The 95-year-old Reiss filed a request with U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter’s office in April, asking a formal ceremony for the Silver Star and Purple Heart medals he earned in World War II but was never formally presented. While processing those honors, it was discovered Reiss was due five additional medals from his service unbeknownst to him.

The German-born Reiss moved to New York City in 1937 but was initially denied enlistment because he was not a U.S. citizen. However, he was drafted into the Army in 1944 and attended basic training, during which a court awarded him citizenship.

“I remember the colonel called me into his office and asked, ‘Do you know anything about the Constitution?’ And I pulled out and read my little constitution book like I saw on TV and said, ‘Yes, I’ve read it,’ ” Reiss said during Wednesday’s ceremony. “And he just looked at me and said, ‘Then you’re a citizen.’ ”

Soon after, Reiss was sent to France during the Battle of the Bulge and later was awarded the Silver Star, the third-highest military decoration for valor awarded in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Days later, Reiss was severely wounded by shrapnel and taken to a hospital in Belgium and awarded the Purple Heart, the oldest military award given to those wounded or killed while serving.

Reiss, who now lives in Lakewood, recalled the pack radio he was carrying when was injured and said it took the majority of the shrapnel, ultimately saving his life.

“The army’s concept of soldiers for life couldn’t be better represented than when you look around this room,” said Lt. Col. William Adams, noting the newly enlisted soldiers who were mixed in with the crowd of World War II veterans at Wednesday’s ceremony. “We are this way because of men like this — it’s a testament to the tenacity and heroism of our greatest generation. Once a soldier, always a soldier, and you still carry that rank today, sir.”

Longtime friend Patrick Meyers said though he’s surprised Reiss hadn’t received his medals for so long, he believes the timing could be used to address some of the national discourse surrounding immigration.

https://www.denverpost.com/2016/08/03/world-war-ii-veteran-awarded-...

https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1455

Oscar Kully Reiss United States National Register of Scientific and Technical Personnel Files, 1954-1970

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KLW3-K6M

My Name Is: Oscar Reiss https://arvadapress.com/stories/my-name-is-oscar-reiss,234079? Recipient of several World War II medals from Ed Perlmutter

Posted Monday, August 22, 2016 10:29 am Clarke Reader Editor’s Note: Dr. Oscar Reiss received his World War II medals at a ceremony arranged by Congressman Ed Perlmutter on Aug. 3. Perlmutter has held several medal ceremonies for local veterans who were never awarded or presented with the medals and honors they earned during their service. Reiss received the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct, European-African-Middle Easter Campaign, World War II Victory and Army of Occupation of Germany medals. About me Born in Rhineland, Germany, I moved to New York City in April of 1937. I eventually was certified in animal husbandry and creamery and became a herdsman of 40 Ayrshire cattle, delivering 250 gallons of milk. I wanted to volunteer for the military, but was unable to because I was not a U.S. citizen. In 1944, I was drafted into the Army and did my basic training at Ft. McLellan, in Alabama. As part of that process, I finally received my citizenship. My time in the service I was sent to Cherbourg, France, and was assigned to the 79th Infantry Division B. Company. In Alsace, also in France, we guarded the right flank during the Battle of the Bulge. In 1945, I was awarded the Silver Star Medal. Several days later, I was wounded by shrapnel and taken to a hospital in Liege, Belgium, and was later awarded the Purple Heart for these injuries. Life after the war I was admitted to the University of Chicago, where I studied for a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. More than 10 Nobel laureates were on campus at the time, and I am grateful for the GI bill that made my studies financially possible. After receiving my bachelor’s, I went on to receive a Ph.D in biochemistry. In 1959, I moved to Denver for a position at the Webb-Waring Lung Institute, which was associated with the University of Colorado Medical School. We did some of the early research on emphysema and smoking. I also worked with medical students during this time. Finally receiving my medals The medal ceremony congressman Perlmutter arranged was impressive, especially because there were 20 to 30 Army members there, in addition to friends and other family members. It was just tremendous — and overwhelming. It was so overwhelming that after it was over, I went home and went right to bed. If you have suggestions for My Name Is ..., contact Clarke Reader at creader@coloradocommunitymedia.com.