San Antonio Light; June 10, 1945
The Trodlier story was emblematic of so many Jewish families settling in San Antonio. Nathan Trodlier was born in Russa and migrated to the US in 1910; Meeting Minnie Heifetz in New York in 1919, they moved to San Antonio and married here. He then brought his mother, two sisters and a brother to America. “Nathan was the beloved father of three children,” the Books of Reminiscence tell us, “Zona Weiss and husband Henry; Harry Trodlier and wife Dorothy; and Bill Trodlier a Lt. in the United States Army, who gave his life so that we may be free.” Like so many in San Antonio, Bill and his siblings attended Thomas Jefferson High School; Bill was class of 1941 and enrolled in Texas A&M, enlisting in the US Army at the same time. In winter 1945, he was awarded a degree in Mechanical Engineering and received his officers’ commission. Jewish Servicemen were more likely to fight the War in the Pacific; by Spring ’45, Europe’s war was winding down. Dispatched to Luzon, in the Philippines, Bill was described as “An inspiring leader and an outstanding soldier. His tireless devotion to duty and great loyalty to his comrades won him the respect and admiration of all who knew him. “His cool fearlessness and conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy left no doubt in the minds of his men that he was their leader who could be depended upon implicity, even under the most trying circumstances.
The Battle of Luzon was one of the most significant and decisive battles during World War II in the Pacific. The battle holds immense historical importance for several reasons: It marked the beginning of the campaign to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation. Luzon, being the largest and most populous island in the Philippines, held significant strategic importance for both the Allies and the Japanese. Its capture was vital for establishing airfields and bases that would facilitate further operations in the Pacific, including the planned invasion of the Japanese home islands. The battle had significant humanitarian consequences. The heavy fighting, combined with Japanese atrocities and the ravages of war, resulted in the loss of numerous civilian lives and widespread destruction. The liberation of Luzon brought relief and hope to the Filipino population, though it came at a high cost. Bill was leading his platoon on a combat patrol near the town of Bay, Luzon, on 29 March 1945, when he and his men were fired upon by a large number of the enemy. In an unselfish and heroic attempt to rescue one of his wounded men, Bill was shot and died instantly. All who knew him remember him for his love of Judaism, his love of his family, his interest in his fellow man and his unselfish devotion to his country. The Battle of Luzon stands as a testament to the determination and sacrifices made by the Allied forces and the Filipino people in their struggle against Japanese imperialism. Its successful outcome played a crucial role in reshaping the balance of power in the Pacific and paved the way for the ultimate defeat of Japan in World War II. HIS MEMORY IS A CONSTANT BLESSING TO HIS LOVED ONES. A squad leader points out a suspected Japanese position at the edge of Balete Pass, where troops of the 25th Infantry Division are in fierce combat with Japanese forces.
riDKI 1DH 4*h5 THIS PAGE :- OFTHE BOOK CF REMINISCENCES OF THE HEBREW FREE LOAN ASSOCIATION IS DEDICATED IN MEMORY OF AARON and SARAH TRODLIER BY THEIRCHILDREN Mr. and Mrs. N. Trodlier Ida Muravin and Rose Charles FATH ER Born 1845 Died September 19th 1920 MOTHER Born , 1867 Died November 16th 1937 DECEMBER 25, 1939 SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
I, Minnie Trodlier, Hereby Dedicate This Memorial Page To The Memory Of My Beloved Husband Nathan Trodlier Nathan Trodlier was devoted to the service of the Jewish Community, as well as being devoted to his family and loved ones. He was responsible in bringing a mother, two sisters, and one brother to America. Nathan was born in Russia and migrated to the United States in 1910. He met Minnie Heifetz in New York in 1919. Both moved to San Antonio and were married in San Antonio on the 13th day of July, 1919. Nathan was the beloved father of three children: Zona Weiss and husband, Henry Harry Trodlier and wife, Dorothy Bill Trodlier, a Lt. in the United States Army, who gave his life so that we may be free. Nathan passed away in September of 1972 and is survived by his beloved wife, Minnie, two children, Zona and Harry, and four grandchildren, Marsha Small, Charlotte Weiss, Billy Trodlier, and Billy Weiss. May Nathan’s Soul Rest In Peace
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