Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Oceanside resident Herbert Alberg, a 97-year-old World War II veteran and original crewmember of the USS Midway, was honored with a special plaque during halftime at Oceanside High School’s football game on Oct. 18.
The school’s Patriot Club bestowed the recognition upon Alberg, celebrating his distinguished service in the U.S. Navy.
Born in Middle Village, Queens in 1927, Alberg enlisted in the Navy at just 17 years old, during the height of World War II. He celebrated his 18th birthday in boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois, a memory he recalls vividly due to the harsh winter winds that swept off Lake Michigan.
Serving aboard the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier that played a critical role in the Pacific Theater, Alberg was part of significant naval battles, including military operations near Japan.
“I was an original member of the crew,” he said, holding the distinction of being what is known as a “plank owner.” That title is given to original crewmembers of a ship and is a source of great pride for Alberg, who still cherishes the Plank Owner Award given to the original crewmembers of the ship received commemorating their service.
The Navy was more than a duty for him — it was a defining period that shaped his life, filled with stories, camaraderie and memories.
While serving on the Midway, Alberg operated as part of the ship’s radar unit, ensuring crucial communications during missions. He often found ways to capture the moments around him, sneaking in photos with a camera his brother sent him from overseas.
“Not too many people had cameras on the ship, other than the officers,” Alberg recalled. “I used to sort of hide it and take pictures without much fanfare, like planes taking off and sometimes plane crashes.”
After being honorably discharged in 1946, Alberg attended technical school and pursued a career as a surveyor. Later, he joined his cousin’s sprinkler business before landing a government job at Governors Island, which was at the time home to Army headquarters.
Alberg spent 37 years working as a post engineer, even remaining on Governors Island when the Coast Guard took over operations after the Army’s departure in the 1960s.
“I was there when they closed the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Governors Island,” Alberg said. “The Coast Guard took over and established their headquarters there.”
Alberg continued working on Governors Island until he retired at the age of 80. A member of a family with a strong work ethic, Alberg shared that his brother didn’t retire until he was 93. His family’s longevity is something he also touched upon, noting that his father, brother and sisters all lived well into their 90s.
Throughout his life, Alberg has maintained his connection to his military service. He donated much of his memorabilia, including photos he took during the war, to the USS Midway for future display in the ship’s museum. He also remains active in the Jewish War Veterans, attending meetings at the Friedberg JCC, where the group continues to discuss topics important to veterans and host events for them.
Alberg admitted that the recognition he received during halftime of the high school game was one of the few times he’s been honored for his service.
“I think that’s the first time,” he said, reflecting on the plaque he received.
The halftime ceremony, which took place after the school’s dance team and band performed, was a touching moment for Alberg, who was seated at field level. He expressed his gratitude to Oceanside High School and the Patriot Club for the honor.
“It was a very nice plaque,” he said. “I knew what was going on because I spoke to some of the people who had participated in previous years.”
The 97-year-old now spends his days visiting the Oceanside Library and the JCC, and reflecting on a life filled with memories, including surviving a childhood accident that nearly kept him out of the Navy.
“I was hit by a car when I was 8 years old,” Alberg said, recalling the accident that left him with a double compound fracture of his arm and put him in the hospital for a month. His mother feared he could have been killed if not for a quick-thinking police officer, who used his handkerchief to create a tourniquet, saving Alberg’s arm — and perhaps his future military career.
Despite the challenges, Alberg’s injury did not prevent him from enlisting. “I showed my arm to the doctors during my physical, and they said, ‘It’s okay, you’re good to go.’ There was a war on, after all.”
His family was supportive, though understandably worried, especially since his older brother had already been serving in the Army since 1941.
Looking back, Alberg is at peace with his life and his contributions.
“As far as I’m concerned, everything turned out all right,” he said. “I survived, I came home, went to school, and resumed my life.”
