Talk with William Shemin

William Shemin was a United States Army sergeant who served during World War I. He was born on October 14, 1896, in Bayonne, New Jersey, and he distinguished himself by acts of bravery during the war. Shemin was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions in 1918, specifically for his efforts from August 7 to August 9 during the Aisne-Marne Offensive in France.

During the conflict, Shemin exposed himself to extreme danger by repeatedly leaving cover to rescue wounded soldiers from an open field under heavy German fire. He was reported to have sprinted across the open field to pull the wounded to safety, not stopping even after being wounded by shrapnel and a machine gun bullet. Despite his Jewish background, which may have affected recognition at the time due to prevalent discrimination, Shemin's heroism was undeniable.

Almost a century later, his actions were reconsidered as part of an initiative by the U.S. military to review Jewish and Hispanic war veterans who may have been denied the Medal of Honor due to systemic prejudices. Consequently, William Shemin was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House on June 2, 2015. His daughter, Elsie Shemin-Roth, received the medal on his behalf, helping to correct an historical oversight and recognizing Shemin's valor appropriately.

William Shemin was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during World War I. Serving in the U.S. Army in the 47th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Shemin exhibited extraordinary bravery during the Aisne-Marne Offensive in France from August 7-9, 1918.

Specifically, Sergeant Shemin distinguished himself by repeatedly exposing himself to heavy enemy fire to rescue wounded comrades. Over the course of three days, he ventured into no-man’s land to drag the wounded to safety. He made these risky trips at least three times, acting decisively and selflessly to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. In addition to his rescue attempts, when the platoon leader became mortally wounded, Shemin took command and organized the platoon under intense fire.

His actions were recognized much later due to prevailing discriminatory sentiments at the time, as Shemin was Jewish. He was belatedly awarded the Medal of Honor in 2015, nearly 97 years after his acts of valor.

William Shemin served in the U.S. Army during World War I. He enlisted in 1917 and served until the end of the war in 1918. His military service was notably distinguished by acts of bravery and leadership, especially during the Aisne-Marne Offensive in France where he performed the actions that later led to him being awarded the Medal of Honor.

Yes, William Shemin had a family. He was married to Bertha Schiffer, and together they had three children: Elsie, Ina, and Seymour. William Shemin's family background and personal life are noted alongside his military service, especially considering the efforts of his daughter, Elsie Shemin-Roth, who worked tirelessly to secure her father's posthumous recognition with the Medal of Honor.

William Shemin was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on June 2, 2015, for his heroic actions during World War I.

William Shemin was known to be interested in sports, particularly baseball, which he played while attending Syracuse University. This engagement in athletics not only reflects his hobbies but also his physical vigor, which was evident in his military service during World War I. Beyond sports, specific details about his other personal hobbies or interests aren't widely documented.

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