Contributions of Jewish-Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces

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The Contributions of Jewish-Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces

presented by

Captain Marc D. Herwitz, MSC, USN

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

8:00pm Eastern | 5:00pm Pacific

Jews have a long history of military service, often serving in disproportionately high numbers relative to their population. In the U.S., they have served in every major conflict since 1654, with 550,000 serving in World War II alone. Despite facing antisemitism, Jewish soldiers have earned significant honors, including the Medal of Honor, and have served as a vital part of Allied forces and as defenders in ancient and modern history.

For more than 250 years, Jewish Americans have made significant contributions to science, music, the economy, and many other fields. Captain Marc D. Herwitz of the U.S. Navy will introduce a number of outstanding Jewish Americans—from the colonial era to the present day—and share insights into their extraordinary roles in pivotal battles and political life.

Captain Marc D. Herwitz, MSC, USN
A Chicago native, Captain Marc D. Herwitz received his commission as a Medical Service Corps Officer in the United States Navy, August 2001, and reported for duty to Naval Hospital Great Lakes, North Chicago, Illinois, where he provided eye care services and served as the Department Head of Optometry. Subsequent assignments include Director of Clinical Support Services, Naval Hospital Lemoore, California; Officer-In-Charge, Naval Branch Health Clinic Brunswick, Maine; Clinic Head of the USS Red Rover, Branch Health Clinic 1523, Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, North Chicago, Illinois; Executive Officer, Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity (NOSTRA) and Training Officer of the Tri-Service Optician School, Yorktown, Virginia; Chief Ancillary Informatics Officer and Deputy Director, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), Falls Church, Virginia.

In August 2019, he reported as Commanding Officer, Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity where he directed the Tri-Service combat and ophthalmic eye wear program for more than 1.9M Department of Defense beneficiaries. In August 2021, he returned to BUMED to serve as the Director of Education and Training. In June 2022 he was appointed as BUMED’s first Director of Maritime Headquarters, overseeing all of the Navy Surgeon General’s Title X responsibilities to include manpower (active duty and reserve), medical logistics, information technology, training and financial resources.