On April 21, 1914 the UnitedSates invaded the port city of Vera Cruz, Mexico. This action was theculmination of tensions between the USA and Mexico following the famous April9, 1914 Tampico Affair. The Tampico Affair involved U.S. Sailors being illegallyheld by Mexican authorities under the leader ship of Mexican dictator Victoriano Huerta.The subsequent U.S. occupation of Vera Cruz last until November 23, 1914.
History notes that U.S. PresidentWoodrow Wilson wanted to block a shipment of arms from Germany to Mexico.Wilson also wanted to protect America’s interests in Mexico following the 1913 coupd'etat and assassination of Mexican President Francisco Madero during theMexican Revolution. Wilson appears to have jumped the gun while waiting for thefinal nod from Congress and authorized the U.S. Navy’s invasion of Vera Cruz. Somehistorians suggest that this action was a prelude to the United Statesinvolvement in World War One.
The action on April 21st resulted in the deaths of 22 U.S. Sailors and Marines. According to my research the causalities were 21 service members killed, 74 wounded and 1 drowned. Many of sailors and marines disembarked from the U.S. Navy auxiliary cruiser, USS Prairie.
Among those from the USS Prairie who were killed in action on April 21, 1914 was Samuel Meisenberg (born 1894), a young Jewish U.S. Marine who arrived from Russia with his parents in Chicago, Illinois in 1907. Meisenberg enlisted in the Marine Corps under the name of Sammy Marten May 17, 1913.
The United States action in Mexico was seen in a very positive light among many Americans. Respect and patriotism abounded from our populace when the remains of those killed in this military action were returned to America soil.
On May 11, 1914 a procession was held in New York City before the National Memorial Service in honor of the sailors and marines who were killed in Vera Cruz. Thousands lined the streets of NYC to view the flag draped caissons carrying the remains of the fallen. Among the many dignitaries in attendance were President Woodrow Wilson and Assistant Secretary of the Navy and future U.S. President, Franklin D. Roosevelt.
A second procession was held specifically for “Sammie” Meisenberg in Chicago on Thursday May 14, 1914. “One thousand soldiers and sailors in uniform led the way from the undertaking establishment to the Anse Kneseth Israel Synagogue, where the funeral services were held.” Thousands lined the streets of Chicago to view the funeral procession and to pay their respects to Samuel Meisenberg their fallen hero of Vera Cruz. One of the speakers was Illinois Governor Edward Dunne.
Dunne served as the 24th Governor of Illinois. He was governor during the U.S. invasion of Vera Cruz. He had previously served as the 38th mayor of Chicago. In Sullivan's 1916 biography of Dunne, titled Dunne-Judge, Mayor, Governor, there is a two-page reprint of the May 14, 1914 speech he delivered at the Chicago funeral for Meisenberg. His words are great praise for Meisenberg and for the Jewish people. A seldom seen copy of this book, a black memorial ribbon worn by dignitaries at the Chicago funeral and a piece of sheet music titled “He Died at Vera Cruz” along with many other artifacts can be found in the Philipson collection.
Samuel Meisenberg came to America as an immigrant fleeing the persecution of Jews in Russia. Seeking a better life for himself and his family he was prepared to defend his adopted country at all costs. His death at an early age is yet another story of the sacrifice American Jews have paid while in service to our great nation.
This article was originally written for Jewish War Veterans' Austin, TX Post 757.