Biography
Keith, Charles Lawrence (Kauffman, Charles [real name]); b. August 11, 1915 (August 10, 1911), Rutland, Vermont; POW; Father Jacob Kauffman (1880-1924), mother Catherine “Kate” Tetenbaum/Teitelbaum (1883-1922); After the death of his parents he and his brothers were placed in the Hebrew Orphan Asylum in NYC until 1933; Attended Townsend Harris High School in New York; Single; Common Law wife; Seaman and Ship’s steward (NMU); CP 1933, unit organizer; Received Passport# 85918 on April 5, 1934 which listed his address as 550 West 20th Street, and 104 East 17th Street, both NYC; Sailed September 1, 1937 aboard the Aquitania; Arrived in Spain via Setcases on September 13, 1937; Served with the XV BDE, Mackenzie-Papineau BN, Co. 3, Commissar; Served at Teruel, Segura de los Baños, and the Retreats; Later in Lincoln-Washington BN; Reported MIA Retreats, Captured at Gandesa; While at San Pedro he headed up "the Under Crust;" Exchanged April 22, 1939; Returned to the US on May 6, 1939 aboard the President Harding; WWII Merchant Marine serving on the Murmansk Run; d. February 15, 1978, NYC.Siblings: brothers Hyman/Hymie Kauffman (1908-?), Lionel Kauffman (1909-1911), Meyer/Michael Bernard Kauffman (1913-1994), Joseph Patrick “Pat” Kauffman (1918-1994), sisters Sillborn sister (1917-1917), Sylvia Clarice “Kay” Kauffman (1920-?), Catherine “Dolly” Orloff (1922-2013).
Source: Sail; Scope of Soviet Activity; Cadre; Figueres List; XV BDE; BN 58 Retreats; USSDA 2:0678, 56:0383; ALBA 061 Charles Keith Papers; POW; (obituary) "Charles Keith, Managed O'Dwyers Race in 73," New York Times. Code A
Photographs: Charles Lawrence Keith on release from the Hebrew Orphan Asylum 1933.
