[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 9 (Tuesday, February 10, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S589-S590]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO ISIDORE SCHWARTZ

 Mr. MOYNIHAN. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to Isidore 
Schwartz, a Polish immigrant to the United States and World War II 
veteran who is reported to have been the first man to repair mechanical 
watches in combat during his four years of dedicated service to the 
United States Army.
  Mr. Schwartz learned the trade of watch repair through a Work 
Progress Administration program during the Depression, a skill which he 
later used to assist the United States military. Upon induction into 
the army, Isidore Schwartz, wishing to use all of his talents to help 
the war effort, brought the necessary instruments for repairing 
mechanical watches. Originally, he merely intended to perform favors 
for the men with whom he served. His ability to repair military 
mechanical watches in combat developed into a skill recognized and 
sought after by the Army.
  Mr. Schwartz's talent was discovered during an inspection tour of an 
infantry company. The Commanding Officer of the Company asked Mr. 
Schwartz's Commanding Officer if he had a watchmaker. The Commanding 
Officer called Mr. Schwartz over and presented him with several 
malfunctioning military watches. Working out of a modified bus, Isidore 
Schwartz successfully repaired the watches. Word spread to the War 
Department that Private Schwartz had the ability to perform the 
important function of military watch repair in combat. Had it not been 
for Mr. Schwartz's initiative during his service, these military 
watches would have been shipped for repair under hazardous war time 
conditions.
  Isidore Schwartz's contribution to the war effort was not limited to 
the repair of mechanical watches in combat as he used his ingenuity to 
perform similar important tasks. One accomplishment was the repair of a 
lieutenant's eyeglasses which were severely bent out of shape. In the 
process of straightening the frame, hinges broke on both sides making 
the glasses unwearable. Despite lacking the necessary parts to perform 
the repair, Mr. Schwartz, using a small brass rod and a jeweler's file 
created the necessary hinges thus successfully completing the repair. 
It is this creativity and dedication to helping fellow soldiers and the 
United States Army which makes the actions of Private Schwartz 
deserving of recognition and commendation.
  Through our recognition of Mr. Schwartz's achievements, we are 
reminded of the tremendous contribution immigrants have made in the 
shaping of our nation. This diverse group of extraordinary, 
enterprising, and self-sufficient individuals have continuously served 
to strengthen the United States. The great desire of America's 
immigrants to contribute combined with a passion to improve their new 
home has allowed the United States to assume the position of world 
leader. We are forever grateful for their strength and courage.
  The quiet, yet significant actions of Isidore Schwartz during his 
four years

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of military service in Northern Ireland and North Africa exemplify his 
commitment and dedication to the United States of America. It is with 
great pleasure that I join his many friends in the Bronx who will be 
honoring Mr. Schwartz this summer for being the first man to repair 
mechanical watches in combat.

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