• Home
  • Archives
    • USMA Leaders Through History
    • The Vietnam War
    • Combatting Terrorism
    • Soldier to Citizen: Life After the Service
    • Honor And Integrity
    • Brent Scowcroft Series in Military History
    • Iraq and Afghanistan War Archive
  • Interviews
  • About
    • About the Center
    • Center News
    • Our Supporters
    • Our Leadership
    • Contact Us
The West Point Center for Oral History
  • Home
  • Archives
    • USMA Leaders Through History
    • The Vietnam War
    • Combatting Terrorism
    • Soldier to Citizen: Life After the Service
    • Honor And Integrity
    • Brent Scowcroft Series in Military History
    • Iraq and Afghanistan War Archive
  • Interviews
  • About
    • About the Center
    • Center News
    • Our Supporters
    • Our Leadership
    • Contact Us

“Nobody Expected A War”: Fighting The Nazis With The Soviets As A Polish Jew “Giving Back Everything I Received”:

Bernhard Storch

Description

Bernhard Storch grew up near Krakow, Poland with his four brothers in a Jewish family. His mother was a housewife, and his father, a businessman, had been wounded in 1917 while serving as an Officer in the Austrian Army during WWI. The Nazis invaded in 1939, and burned down Bernhard’s synagogue. When the Russians invaded, he found himself on the Soviet side of the lines. He was taken to Siberia, and volunteered to fight for the Soviets in a Polish Division. He started out in an 82mm Mortar Company, but eventually ended up serving on a 122mm Howitzer. His first engagement was in October, 1943, at the Battle of Borodino, in which his howitzer destroyed two German tanks. As the Soviet Armies advanced, Bernhard’s unit liberated several concentration camps. Eventually, he crossed the Oder River and entered Berlin. When the war ended, he entered a Displaced Persons Camp in Munich, eventually making his way to the United States with his wife and entered the fashion industry. In this interview, Bernhard talks about growing up in Poland, the beginning of the war, and being interned by the Soviets. He discusses joining the Soviet Army, and serving in a Polish unit. He describes liberating concentration camps, and his feelings as a Polish Jew. Finally, he recounts his experiences coming to America and starting a new life with his wife in New York.

Video Details Interview Date:15-Jul-16
Interviewer:David Siry
Biographical Details Name:Bernhard Storch
Branch:Field Artillery
Additional Resources
The West Point Center for Oral History Logo

About
Contact

How You Can Help

The West Point Center for Oral History is a privately funded organization that relies on the generosity of donors. When you click on the link below, you will be taken to the West Point Association of Graduates website and instructions on how to give to the Center. We appreciate your generosity! Support The Center

Stay Informed

Be the first to know! Sign up now to get updates and email alerts when new interviews are released. Join the West Point Center for Oral History's Pipeline Alert.

"*" indicates required fields

© 2026 · West Point Center for Oral History   |   West Point Department of History   |   U.S. Military Academy   |   U.S. Army