Ambramson, Daniel, 1932-2012
Biographical Note: Daniel Abramson
Daniel Abramson was born April 8, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan into a family of Jewish immigrants from Hungary and Russia. He studied at San Diego State College.
He grew up during World War II and always thought he would follow in the footsteps of his uncles who served in the military. At the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, Daniel enlisted in the Air Force, having never been on an airplane. He was assigned to B-29 Rescue Crew #1 out of Guam, part of the USAF Air Rescue Service, and served as a gunner. There were 16 modified B-29's that were known as SB-29’s, nicknamed Super Dumbo, for Dumbo, the Disney character. These aircraft were for air sea rescue and were modified to carry droppable A-3 lifeboats. All defensive armament was also retained on the aircraft except for the forward lower gun turret. The aircraft carried a variety of radio equipment, provisions, survival kits, and extra crew. The all metal A-3 lifeboat, carried under the fuselage, contained a 30 day supply of food, water and clothing for 12 men. During his service, Abramson received a Purple Heart when he was injured by the A-3 lifeboat when it came unsecured while the crew, at battle ready alert, slept beneath their SB-29 in Okinawa.
After the Korean War, Daniel went to work for leading New York City ad agencies. He also became a successful artist, a vocation he continued after his retirement. He had married Leslea Steffel in Decemeber 1953 and they had three sons. He died September 5, 2012.