I had the opportunity to interview Guy Stern several years ago for my column in the Detroit Jewish News. This remarkable man passed away recently at the age of 101, just before his 102nd birthday. He came to the United States to stay with an uncle and escape Nazi Germany, hoping his family would follow. Unfortunately, his family perished in the Holocaust.
Guy Stern was honored as the “Veteran of the Game,” at the University of Michigan in October, 2018. This photo appeared in the December 21, 2023 edition the Detroit Jewish News. Michigan photography
His fluency in German and his intellectual prowess enabled him to be part of an elite intelligence unit called the Ritchie Boys. He was trained as a prisoner of war interrogator. In my interview, he relayed a chilling story about interviewing a member of his athletic team as a youngster. He disguised his voice and then asked questions revealing names of friends and family. The prisoner was astonished and frightened. He received the Bronze star for his service.
Since I was a language major from Wayne State University, we spoke about language and authors. He was a distinguished professor at Wayne State University in German literature and culture and an expert in the influential German writer Goethe.
His obituaries in the Detroit Jewish News and the New York Times tell of his illustrious life, numerous awards, charitable work and appearance on 60 minutes. Please click here to read the fascinating obituary by Detroiter Alan Muskovitz in the Detroit Jewish News.
Motown Savvy 