Plotkin in front of the 32nd ITB Recreation Hall at Camp Croft

Russian born Philip Plotkin came to America in 1930, settling in New York City (Brooklyn) and worked as a commercial artist and illustrator. He was drafted into service on 9 July 1941 and inducted at Camp Upton, NY before being sent to Camp Croft for basic training where he remained as part of the 32nd ITB headquarters detachment until late 1943. While at Croft, Philip was an "entertainment specialist" which included editing two of the camp newspapers, "The 26th Div. Daily," and "The 32nd Informer," as well as running the 32nd's recreation hall.  He also painted murals for the rec hall and officer's quarters.  After Croft, he was sent overseas with the 116th Infantry Division where,  according to his discharge papers, he fought in Normandy, North France, and the Rhineland. [Webmaster's note: The 116th, part of the 29th Division (the "Blue and Gray") was a D-Day spearhead force when Operation Overlord commenced with the invasion of Europe.] He was discharged at Fort Dix, NJ on 28 September 1945.  After service Philip resumed his career in graphic arts and passed away in April 1990. Thanks to his son, Elliot Plotkin, for submitting this information and photos!

Mural at "Rec" Hall, Camp Croft, 1942.	Mural at "Rec" Hall (described in article below)
Article about Plotkin at Camp from unidentified source.	Article about Plotkin that appeared in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, Dec. 21, 1941. Click on the image to enlarg

Illustration entitled "Keep 'em Frying" from the 32nd Battalion newsletter

which also appeared in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, Feb. 11, 1942.

Thanks Phil!