Unveiling of Bernie Friedenberg WW II Memorial in Atlantic City

In remembrance of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy, the Bernie Friedenberg World War II Memorial statue will be unveiled in O'Donnell Memorial Park in Atlantic City today.

The Unveiling of a Memorial to a Local World War II Hero

Bernard I. “Bernie” Friedenberg grew up in Atlantic City and attended area schools.

In 1941, Friedenberg attempted to enlist in the military services (Marines, Navy, and Army) but was rejected by all three services due to poor vision.

Undeterred, Friedenberg persisted and was eventually inducted into the Army as a Medic; attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Friedenberg was deployed in many major battles of the War, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

Friedenberg received a Silver Star for his heroism on Omaha Beach on D-Day. Friedenberg, without regard for his safety, entered a minefield five separate times, retrieving a wounded soldier each time.

Friedenberg's wartime service was recognized by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine in 2009, and again at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2016. Friedenberg died in 2018.

Bernie Friedenberg's Advocacy for Veterans

After returning home to Atlantic City following the war, Friedenberg became a staunch advocate for veterans’ matters.

Friedenberg served on the Atlantic County Veterans Advisory Board and as the Commander of a Jewish War Veterans Post for many years. Friedenberg also regularly spoke at secondary and post-secondary institutions on the perils of war and the true cost of freedom.

The Memorial Ceremony in Honor of Bernie Friedenberg

The ceremony for the unveiling of the Bernie Friedenberg World War II Memorial will happen at noon Thursday at O' Donnell Memorial Park, 3501 Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City.

The ceremony will feature remarks from Susan Friedenberg, Berbie's daughter, Major General John Hussey, U.S. Army retired, and Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small.

There will be a military flyover by the NJ National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing and a posting of the Colors.