Lautenberg delivers - Sam Brummer accepts - Bronze Star awarded

Lautenberg awarded Sam Brummer Behind every great man is a woman; Rona Brummer is the living proof! This was proven when US Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) learned from Rona that Sam, her husband, had never received the Bronze Star medal for his bravery during WW II. Lautenberg researched it and on August 22nd 2006 delivered that medal to this veteran at his place of business, Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant, 32 Branford Place in Newark.
At times while accepting, Brummer had to hesitate while he wiped away tears of joy. Lautenberg, himself a WW II veteran, stood by offering moral support. It was extremely emotional not only for Sam, but also for the many friends and relatives who had gathered there for the presentation. It was also media madness as members of the 4th estate vied for positions that would give former PFC Brummer his best exposure.

Brummer’s sons, Marc & Michael, pointed to cases against the wall of salamis that were to be loaded on a waiting US mail truck to be sent to the soldiers overseas. Operation Salami Drop has shipped over 18 tons of this durable delight to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sam had recounted how he had shared the salamis sent to him from home cutting off a ‘schtickel’ with his bayonet for his fellow soldiers. His sons took up the inspiration.

It was especially emotional because Brummer, Lautenberg and I were in the ETO (European Theater of Operations) and may have crossed paths at one time or another.

Mazel tov Sam Brummer!