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Separation record
Separation record

Separation record

Not on view
Date1946-01-11
Mediumpaper
Dimensionswhole: 10 x 8 1/2 in.; 25.4 x 21.59 cm
ClassificationsDocument
Credit LineGift of Rosalyn R. Copleman
Object number2000.A.824
Object DescriptionUS Army separation qualification record of Hyman B. Copleman, entered active service June 19, 1942, date of separation 11 January 1946. Civilian occupation job summary: private practice general medicine. Military service: medical officer, general surgery in North Africa, Tunisia, Sicily, Normandy, northern France, and Rhineland. Awards for gallantry in action and meritorious service. POW for two months. Lists decorations.
Keywords
  • English
  • Armies-US
  • Jews-Allied Armies
  • Medicine
  • Fort Dix
NotesDr. Hyman Benjamin Copleman (1910-1986) was born in New Brunswick, NJ to Jacob and Mollie Copleman, both of whom immigrated to the United States. Copleman completed high school in 1925, at the age of 15, and then started a bachelor's degree at Rutgers University. He went on to medical training at Rush Medical College in Chicago (now Rush University Medical College) and interned at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, then returned to New Jersey to intern at Middlesex General Hospital. He opened a private practice in New Brunswick in 1935. He ultimately became the team doctor for all Rutgers teams, serving in that capacity for 50 years. He was elected to the Rutgers University Football and Basketball Halls of Fame. He is also known as the "dean of sports medicine in the state of New Jersey," "Copey," and "the living legend." Dr. Copleman entered the U.S. Medical Corps on 19 June1942 at the rank of Lieutenant. He served with the 9th Division in the European Theater of Operations, seeing action in North Africa, Sicily, France, and the Rhineland. Dr. Copleman was wounded in action and, towards the end of the War, taken POW for 2 months. During his captivity, Copleman was put in charge of a POW hospital. Learning that the Germans were going to evacuate the hospital and murder the prisoners rather than let them be captured by advancing Allied troops, Copleman faked an epidemic thereby saving hundreds of lives. The Germans, fearing contamination, left the POWs behind and they were soon liberated. This act earned Copleman the Legion of Merit. Copleman had previously won 3 bronze stars, 2 silver stars (one for treating wounded under direct fire and the other for walking through a minefield to rescue an injured soldier on whom he then performed a leg amputation by flashlight), and 2 purple hearts. After liberation he returned to active duty. Dr. Copleman was released from active duty on 11 January 1946 at the rank of captain (a certificate of thanks lists the dates of service to include March 31, 1947 but this may include time in the reserves). After the war, Dr. Copleman continued to serve in the Army Reserve, eventually being promoted to the rank of major. With the war over, Dr. Copleman returned to his practice in New Brunswick, NJ, completing post-graduate study in surgery at the University of Pennsylvania.

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