PFC Charles and 2nd Lt. Aaron Kogan


Next page is 1st Lt. Eli Levin

St. Lo, France July 30, 1944 - The North Sea, March 20, 1945 are the dates that serve to memorialize the death of these two brothers; casualties within 8 months of one another.
 
Charles Kogan was working at the Broadway Fruit Shop in Detroit when he entered the service. He was a graduate of a technical school in Grodno, Poland where he displayed special talents in mechanics and desired to become an engineer. After enlisting, Charles spent nine months in the infantry and became a decorated soldier earning The Presidential Unit Citation, Purple Heart, Arrowhead and the Battle Star. He died in the American devastation of St. Lo, France, one of the fiercest battles of the entire European campaign. He was 32 years of age at the time of his death.
 

Aaron Kogan was a window designer for the Gratiot Linen Company when he entered the service. He attended Wayne State University and graduated from Hamtramck High School. Interested in art, sculpture, painting and drawing, he planned to become an artist or designer. A Second Lieutenant Navigator and radar operator on a B-24 in the US Air Force, Aaron spent 3 years in the service and became a decorated soldier. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Presidential Citation, Air Medal With Cluster, and a Distinguished Flying Cross. Although Aaron had met his quota, he volunteered for a flight over Germany in March, 1945 during which he was killed at the age of 25. His body was not recovered. Aaron is memorialized at The Netherlands American Cemetery.
 
The Kogan Post 510 was organized in November 1946 and was the first Detroit post to be named after two individuals. The installation of the post occurred on November 24, 1946 at the JWV Auxiliary Hall - 8212 12th Street in Detroit, MI. At this ceremony, Mrs. Kogan was presented with a plaque to honor the devotion of her sons in the line of duty, as well as her active role as a Gold Star Parent.
 
Charles Kogan's remains were returned to America and buried with full military honors on May 23, 1948.