A very young Ned Lawrence Levey near the beginning of his service during WWII, in this hand-tinted image.
Ned Levey, flew the hump during WWII, and was also an aerial photographer. He transported the movie stars, and transported Lily Pons and photographed her.
Ned Levey, ASN #13115881, enlisted into the Army Air Corps at Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania on August 19, 1942, the government listing his occupation as an actor at the time.
According to his daughter, Ned Levey lied about his age so he could join the army so there is a discrepancy in his actual age according to the military (Army). He was born June 3, 1925 although the military lists 1924. He was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA. His daughter was told that he was a aerial photographer, flew the hump and flew the entertainment movie stars to their entertainment sites. He was dashing so he got to know all the stars! He said the missions were extremely dangerous and they would follow the path of the wrecked downed aircraft scattered on the ground below. He was glad that he survived his missions.
He was the recipient of two Air Medals, three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart, and his squad received a presidential citation for their extraordinary service while flying “The Hump.”
After the war, Ned married Elaine Weisberger on November 3, 1946, in a small ceremony in the home of a local reverend. Throughout his life, Ned was highly active in his local community, and in his local synagogue. He passed away in 2006.
Comments
Obituary
Ned L. Levey, 82, of North Ocean Boulevard, Pompano Beach, Fla., died Friday, July 28, 2006, in North Ridge Medical Center, Ft Lauderdale, Fla.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, Tuesday, June 3, 1924, he was a son of the late Edward and Audrey (Hawkins) Levey. He was a graduate of Meyers High School, Wilkes-Barre, and he enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. While serving his country, Ned was the recipient of two Air Medals, three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart, and his squad received a presidential citation for their extraordinary service while flying “The Hump” In Burma.
With his wife, Elaine, Ned owned and operated the Elaine’s women’s apparel store in Pittston, and he was chairman of the Pittston Chamber of Commerce. He also served for many years as vice president of the Parliament House Condominium Owners Association. Mr. Levey was an Eternal Life member of Temple Israel Synagogue, a member of the Jewish Community Center, the Jewish War Veterans and other civic and religious organizations.
Ned was preceded in death by his brother, Lt. Commander James Levey.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 60 years, the former Elaine Weisberger, Pompano Beach; son Marc Levey and his wife, Janie, Weston, Conn.; daughter Lynn Weiss and her husband, James, Potomac, Md.; seven loving grandchildren, Mikael Levey, Matthew Levey, Andrew Levey, Adam Rosenberg, Corey Rosenberg, Allana Kelly and her husband, Michael, and Tessa Weiss. He is also survived by brother Merle Levey, Atlanta, Ga.
The funeral will be held today, July 30, 2006, at 1 p.m. at the Rosenberg Funeral Chapel, 348 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre, with Rabbi Larry Kaplan and Cantor Ahron Abraham officiating. Interment will be in Agudas Achim Cemetery, West Pittston.
Shiva will be observed at the home of Susan and Judd Shoval, 46 E. Dorrance St., Kingston, tonight from 7-9 p.m., and at the home of Gladys and Daniel Weisberger, 382 Stanley Drive, Kingston, Monday and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Jewish Federation.
Condolences may be emailed to rosenberg@epix.net .