Henry Elkind was one of the many Americans who answered the call to serve his country during a defining period of the twentieth century. Although public records about his personal life are limited, the information that has been preserved offers valuable insight into his military service, family background, and lasting legacy. His story reminds us that history is not made only by famous generals or political leaders. It is also shaped by ordinary men and women whose dedication helped support their nation during difficult times.
Today, people search for Henry Elkind for many reasons. Some are researching their family history, while others are interested in U.S. military veterans or historical cemetery records. His memorial records confirm that he served in the United States Army, held the rank of Technician Third Grade (TEC 3), and was laid to rest at Bay Pines National Cemetery in Florida. These verified details provide a foundation for understanding his life while respecting the fact that many personal aspects remain private or undocumented.
This article explores everything that is publicly known about Henry Elkind, including his early years, military career, family, religious heritage, and final resting place. It also explains the historical context surrounding his Army service so readers can better appreciate the role he played during an important chapter in American history.
Henry Elkind At A Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Henry Elkind |
| Date Of Birth | February 19, 1915 |
| Date Of Death | November 22, 1987 |
| Age At Death | 72 Years |
| Nationality | American |
| Military Branch | United States Army |
| Military Rank | Technician Third Grade (TEC 3) |
| Veteran Status | U.S. Army Veteran |
| Religious Symbol | Star Of David |
| Parents | William Elkind And Clara Rabinowitz Elkind |
| Spouse | Esther C. Elkind |
| Burial Cemetery | Bay Pines National Cemetery |
| County | Pinellas County, Florida |
| Cemetery Section | Section 52 |
| Row | 9 |
| Site | 20 |
| Memorial ID | 3969147 |
Who Was Henry Elkind?
Henry Elkind was an American military veteran who served in the United States Army during the era of World War II. According to verified memorial records, he was born on February 19, 1915, and passed away on November 22, 1987, at the age of 72. While his life has not been widely documented in books or newspapers, the official records that remain help preserve his place in history.
Like many veterans of his generation, Henry Elkind did not become a public figure. Instead, his legacy is reflected through his military service and the recognition he received after his death. His burial in a national veterans cemetery confirms his honorable connection to the U.S. Armed Forces and ensures that future generations can remember his contribution.
Researchers often discover Henry Elkind through genealogy databases or military memorial records. Although these sources provide only a limited picture of his life, they offer reliable facts that can be verified. Rather than filling the gaps with speculation, it is important to rely on confirmed information while acknowledging where historical records are incomplete.
Henry Elkind’s story also highlights the importance of preserving military records. Every veteran, whether famous or unknown, contributed to the nation’s history. Their records provide valuable connections between families, historians, and future generations seeking to understand the past.
Henry Elkind’s Early Life And Family Background
Henry Elkind was born on February 19, 1915, during a period when the United States was experiencing rapid social and economic change. His childhood came before both the Great Depression and World War II, meaning he grew up during an era that would eventually shape his adult life and military service.
Available records identify his parents as William Elkind, who lived from 1887 to 1952, and Clara Rabinowitz Elkind, who lived from 1890 to 1967. Their names suggest a family with Jewish heritage, a conclusion supported by the Star of David displayed on Henry Elkind’s military headstone.
Unfortunately, publicly available historical records do not reveal many details about Henry Elkind’s early education, occupation before military service, or childhood experiences. This is not unusual. Many Americans born during the early twentieth century left behind only limited public documentation unless they held prominent public positions.
Even with these limitations, the available family information provides meaningful context. Genealogical records help establish family connections and preserve the identities of individuals whose lives might otherwise be forgotten. For descendants and researchers alike, knowing the names of Henry Elkind’s parents offers an important starting point for further family history research.
The lack of extensive personal records should not diminish the value of his story. Countless veterans from this generation lived quiet lives, focusing on family, work, and service rather than public recognition.
Military Service In The U.S. Army
Henry Elkind served in the United States Army, one of the country’s largest military branches. His memorial identifies him as holding the rank of Technician Third Grade (TEC 3), a position used during the World War II era for soldiers with specialized technical skills.
Although surviving public records do not specify his exact unit, military occupation, deployment, or campaigns, the rank itself tells us something meaningful about his responsibilities. The Army relied heavily on technically trained soldiers to maintain equipment, repair vehicles, operate communications systems, manage logistics, and perform other specialized duties that kept military operations functioning effectively.
During World War II, victory depended on much more than combat troops alone. Every successful military campaign required mechanics, engineers, communication specialists, medical technicians, supply personnel, and countless other skilled professionals. Soldiers holding technician ranks often possessed expertise that made them essential members of their units.
Henry Elkind belonged to this important group of military personnel. While his individual assignments have not been publicly documented, his rank demonstrates that he served in a role requiring technical knowledge and practical skills.
His military service ultimately earned him burial in a national veterans cemetery, an honor reserved for eligible veterans who served their country. This lasting recognition reflects the respect given to those who answered the nation’s call to serve.
What Did The Rank TEC 3 Mean?
One of the most interesting aspects of Henry Elkind’s military record is his rank of Technician Third Grade, commonly abbreviated as TEC 3. This rank existed during World War II and was designed for enlisted soldiers who possessed specialized technical abilities.
The U.S. Army introduced technician ranks because modern warfare increasingly depended on advanced equipment and skilled personnel. Not every soldier served on the front lines. Many worked behind the scenes operating complex machinery, maintaining vehicles, repairing communications equipment, preparing engineering projects, or supporting medical operations.
A Technician Third Grade held a pay grade equivalent to a Staff Sergeant but followed a different leadership structure. While technicians possessed valuable technical expertise, they were generally appointed because of their specialized skills rather than traditional command responsibilities. This system allowed the Army to recognize technical excellence without requiring every specialist to become a combat leader.
The technician rank insignia featured the standard Staff Sergeant stripes with a distinctive letter “T” underneath, making it easy to identify soldiers serving in technical positions.
Following World War II, the Army reorganized its enlisted rank structure, and technician ranks were eventually discontinued. Today, TEC 3 remains an important part of military history because it reflects how the Army adapted to the growing need for skilled specialists during one of history’s largest conflicts.
Understanding Henry Elkind’s rank helps readers appreciate that military service extends far beyond battlefield combat. Modern armies depend on thousands of experts working together in technical, logistical, medical, engineering, and communication roles. These professionals help ensure that every mission can succeed safely and efficiently.
For Henry Elkind, serving as a Technician Third Grade represented both responsibility and expertise. Although the specific details of his daily duties have not survived in public records, his rank clearly indicates that he contributed valuable technical skills to the United States Army during an important period in American military history.
Henry Elkind’s Marriage And Family Life
Beyond his military service, Henry Elkind was also a family man. Public memorial records identify his wife as Esther C. Elkind, who was born in 1919 and passed away in 1997. Although little information has been published about their marriage, their memorial records show that they shared an important part of each other’s lives.
At this time, no verified public records identify whether Henry and Esther Elkind had children. Likewise, there is little publicly available information about their home life, occupations, or personal interests. This is common for many families from the early and mid-twentieth century, especially those who lived private lives outside the public eye.
Henry Elkind’s parents, William Elkind and Clara Rabinowitz Elkind, are also identified in memorial records. Their inclusion helps preserve the family’s history and provides valuable information for future genealogical research. Although only a small amount of information has survived, these documented family relationships ensure that Henry Elkind remains connected to a broader family story that spans several generations.
His Religious Heritage And The Star Of David On His Headstone
One meaningful detail about Henry Elkind’s memorial is the Star of David engraved on his government-issued military headstone. This symbol is widely recognized as representing the Jewish faith and has long been used on military grave markers for veterans who identified as Jewish.
The presence of the Star of David suggests that Henry Elkind belonged to the Jewish community or wished to be remembered according to Jewish tradition. His mother’s maiden name, Rabinowitz, is also consistent with Jewish family heritage, although religious identity should always be understood through verified records rather than assumptions.
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs allows eligible veterans and their families to choose an approved religious emblem for government-furnished headstones. These symbols recognize the diverse faith traditions represented by those who have served in the nation’s armed forces.
For many families, the religious emblem is more than a decorative feature. It reflects personal beliefs, family traditions, and a lasting connection to faith. In Henry Elkind’s case, the Star of David adds another important piece to the historical record and helps readers better understand his background.
Final Years, Death, And Burial
Henry Elkind passed away on November 22, 1987, at the age of 72. While public records do not identify the cause of his death or describe his final years, his burial honors his military service and preserves his memory for future generations.
He was laid to rest at Bay Pines National Cemetery in Pinellas County, Florida. His grave is located in Section 52, Row 9, Site 20. National cemeteries are reserved primarily for eligible military veterans and certain family members, making burial there a lasting tribute to honorable service.
Each grave in a national cemetery is carefully maintained, ensuring that veterans continue to be remembered long after their passing. Visitors, relatives, historians, and researchers can locate Henry Elkind’s memorial through publicly available cemetery records, helping preserve both personal and national history.
His memorial serves as a reminder that military service continues to be honored long after a veteran’s lifetime. Even when few personal details survive, official records ensure that service and sacrifice are never forgotten.
Bay Pines National Cemetery: Why It Matters
Bay Pines National Cemetery is one of the United States’ respected national veterans cemeteries. Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast in Pinellas County, it provides a dignified resting place for thousands of veterans from different branches of the military.
The cemetery reflects the nation’s commitment to honoring those who served. Beautifully maintained grounds, uniform headstones, and carefully preserved records create an environment of respect and remembrance.
Veterans buried at Bay Pines represent many generations of American history, including those who served during World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and later conflicts. Henry Elkind is among these honored individuals whose military service earned them a place in this national cemetery.
For family historians, cemeteries like Bay Pines also serve as valuable historical resources. They preserve verified dates, military ranks, family connections, and memorial information that may not exist elsewhere.
What Historical Records Tell Us About Henry Elkind
Although Henry Elkind was not a public celebrity, the available historical records provide several important and reliable facts about his life.
Verified records confirm his birth on February 19, 1915, his death on November 22, 1987, his service in the United States Army, and his rank of Technician Third Grade (TEC 3). They also identify his parents, his wife, his burial location, and the religious symbol displayed on his military headstone.
At the same time, many details remain unknown. Publicly available sources do not describe where he was born, where he lived throughout his life, his civilian career, his education, or the specific duties he performed during military service.
These gaps are common when researching individuals who lived private lives before the digital age. Many government and family records were never widely published, while others may remain available only through archival collections or family documents.
Responsible historical writing means distinguishing between verified facts and information that has not been confirmed. Rather than making assumptions, it is better to acknowledge the limits of the available evidence while appreciating the valuable information that has survived.
Lesser-Known Facts About Henry Elkind
Henry Elkind’s story may appear simple at first, but several interesting details help make his history meaningful.
His Technician Third Grade rank shows that he likely possessed valuable technical skills during his Army service, highlighting the important role specialists played during World War II.
His burial with the Star of David reflects America’s religious diversity within the armed forces and demonstrates how military memorials recognize individual faith traditions.
His parents’ names have been preserved alongside his own, helping future generations trace family history through reliable genealogical records.
His burial in a national cemetery ensures that his military service will continue to be recognized and remembered. Even decades after his passing, visitors can locate his grave and learn about his service through official records.
Perhaps the most meaningful fact is that Henry Elkind represents thousands of veterans whose contributions helped shape history without bringing public fame. Their stories deserve to be remembered because every military role contributed to the nation’s success.
Conclusion
Henry Elkind may not be widely known today, but the records that remain tell the story of a man who served his country with honor during an important period in American history. His military rank, family connections, Jewish heritage, and burial in Bay Pines National Cemetery provide a respectful and meaningful picture of his life.
While many personal details have been lost over time, the verified information available today allows historians, genealogists, and family members to remember his contribution. His story also reminds us that history is built not only by famous individuals but also by countless veterans whose dedication supported their communities and their nation.
As research resources continue to expand, additional records about Henry Elkind may one day become available. Until then, the preserved military and memorial records ensure that his service and legacy remain part of the historical record for future generations.
FAQs About Henry Elkind
Who Was Henry Elkind?
Henry Elkind was an American U.S. Army veteran born on February 19, 1915. He served as a Technician Third Grade (TEC 3) and passed away on November 22, 1987. He is buried at Bay Pines National Cemetery in Florida.
What Was Henry Elkind’s Military Rank?
Henry Elkind held the rank of Technician Third Grade (TEC 3) in the United States Army. This World War II-era rank was assigned to enlisted soldiers with specialized technical skills.
When Was Henry Elkind Born?
According to verified memorial records, Henry Elkind was born on February 19, 1915.
Where Is Henry Elkind Buried?
Henry Elkind is buried at Bay Pines National Cemetery in Pinellas County, Florida, in Section 52, Row 9, Site 20.
Who Were Henry Elkind’s Parents?
Historical memorial records identify his parents as William Elkind (1887–1952) and Clara Rabinowitz Elkind (1890–1967).
Who Was Henry Elkind’s Wife?
Henry Elkind was married to Esther C. Elkind (1919–1997). Beyond this, very little verified public information about their family life has been published.
Was Henry Elkind A World War II Veteran?
Although his memorial records do not specifically state the conflicts in which he served, the Technician Third Grade (TEC 3) rank was used by the U.S. Army during the World War II era. This strongly indicates that his military service took place during that period, though specific service records would be needed to confirm his exact assignments.
Why Is Henry Elkind Remembered Today?
Henry Elkind is remembered for his service in the United States Army and for the historical records that preserve his life, family connections, and military legacy. His burial in a national veterans cemetery ensures that his contribution to the nation continues to be honored.
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