by Kathleen Sullivan
Hurleyville is the hometown of World War II hero, William Silberman. William grew up here with another hero, Medal of Honor recipient, Francis Currey.
He served as Private First Class, U.S. Army in the 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division. On April 12, 1945, just a short time before the war in Europe ended, William was leading a patrol in Gargano, Italy. He stood up bravely to give a warning to the members of his platoon and was killed by German soldiers.
William was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star. The Bronze Star is awarded to a person who, while serving with or in the United States Army after December 6, 1941, distinguishes himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service in military operations against an armed enemy.
William was also posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States, who after April 5, 1917 have been wounded or killed in action against an enemy of the United States or an opposing armed force.
William’s body has not been recovered. He is commemorated in perpetuity in the Tablets of the Missing at Florence American Cemetery in Impruneta, Italy.
It was long overdue, but in July of 2010, William was honored by his hometown for his heroism. Mongaup Road was renamed William Silberman Street. William’s sisters, Sonia Weinstein and Seckie Dole, along with Francis Currey and other veterans, joined in the community celebration that paid tribute to his bravery.
William is one of Hurleyville’s many special…and heroic…treasures.
Visit www.hurleyvilleny.com to find more treasures in Hurleyville.