Wall museum honors NJ WWII soldier who defeated Germans, captured flag
Eighty years ago, Lt. John Markowitz, of Carteret, led his team into the Nazi-occupied French port Saint-Malo, which they overtook
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The Military Technology Museum in Wall Township has a new exhibit honoring the World War II contribution of a local soldier whose legacy is stitching together families across the nation.
Eighty years ago, Lt. John Markowitz, of Carteret, led his team into the Nazi-occupied French port Saint-Malo, which they overtook. The unit captured and signed the Nazi Germany flag, which is providing answers for families of U.S. Army Company K decades later.
“I was asked, ‘What did your great uncle do to get the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart?’” said Lt. Markowitz’s great-niece, Lyn Rutkoski. “I didn’t know. I didn’t have an answer, and I felt really embarrassed.”
The newest addition to the Military Technology Museum of New Jersey has had quite the journey. After victory in the 1944 Battle of Saint-Malo, Lt. Markowitz sent the signed flag home to Carteret, where it hung in his family’s tavern and later the nearby firehouse.
Unfurled again 80 years later, the flag’s museum quality stands out.
“It’s in amazing shape,” Rutkoski said.
“It’s a naval flag, actually,” said Lt. Markowitz’s nephew, also named John. “Primarily from a submarine. Even the signatures are just pristine.
The signatures of the survivors. Contrasted against the symbols of hate they defeated, the Markowitz family says they represent honor and sacrifice.
“It was a brutal battle,” Markowitz said.
“They lost so many people out there,” Rutkoski said.
Each name on the flag has its own story. Some were able to meet up at recent functions, including Sunday in Wall.
Although Company K had soldiers from all across the map, several came from the tri-state area - led to victory by Carteret’s commander.
“I don’t know how much kids today know about World War II,” Rutkoski said. “This is what the hometown boy did. This is his flag.”
