Sam Sachs, WWII veteran feted on a hundred and fifth birthday, dies at 106

Sam Sachs, a World War II veteran who acquired 1000’s of playing cards after having to cancel his a hundred and fifth party as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, died Monday, in keeping with town of Lakewood. He died of pure causes, one month earlier than his 107th birthday.

A parade of individuals helped Sachs have a good time his a hundred and fifth birthday in April 2020 after they drove down his neighborhood road in automobiles, bikes and Los Angeles County sheriff’s autos. Some waved American flags as they handed by.

That day, miniature flags and banners embellished the garden in entrance of the assisted residing dwelling the place Sachs lived. Balloons, pink and blue stars, and banners with Sachs’ face adorned the entrance of the home.

Sachs had deliberate on celebrating the day with an enormous social gathering, however when it was canceled he recorded a video asking for birthday playing cards as a substitute.

“I’m wondering how many birthday cards I will get,” he mentioned within the video. “And I’m also asking our president to send me a card also. What a thrill that would be.”

He acquired greater than 6,000 playing cards from throughout the U.S., Lakewood officers mentioned, in addition to a letter from President Trump.

Sachs lived in Lakewood in his later years and have become an energetic member of the group. He would communicate throughout metropolis occasions, comparable to Memorial Day observances.

Sachs joined the Army in 1931 and served at posts in California, Arkansas, Georgia and Louisiana, in keeping with Lakewood’s Veterans History Project. He was an Army paratrooper who landed behind enemy traces as a part of the 1944 Allied D-Day invasion of Europe, the veterans venture mentioned.

“I said, ‘I’m Jewish and I’m not going to be taken prisoner,’” Sachs mentioned in a video interview with Lakewood CityTV. “Luckily things worked out fine.”

Sachs, who attained the rank of lieutenant colonel, later led troops in liberating prisoners from a Nazi focus camp.

“I saw the horrors of the concentration camp, which you cannot believe unless you actually see,” he informed Lakewood CityTV. “We’d have the Nazis marching through the streets of Lakewood today if it weren’t for what we did.”

When he returned to civilian life, he grew to become a instructor.

Sachs was injured when he was hit by a automotive final yr whereas taking his every day stroll across the block. He recovered at a long-term care facility in Bell Gardens earlier than settling right into a senior facility in Seal Beach, Lakewood officers mentioned.

The Lakewood City Council despatched a message providing condolences to Sachs’ household, calling him “a representative of what has aptly been called the Greatest Generation.”

“We thank you for sharing Sam with us for the years that he lived in Lakewood. He honored us with his presence and involvement in our community, and we were honored and privileged to have the opportunity to thank him in return,” the City Council mentioned.

The council mentioned it will adjourn its Tuesday assembly in Sachs’ reminiscence as a ultimate tribute.