Son of Harry and Bella Hurwitz of Montreal, QC. Grew up with 11 siblings - 5 sisters and 6 brothers. Awarded the Military Medal (4/11/44) and the Distinguished Conduct Medal (13/01/45) for gallant and distinguished conduct in the field at Philippine and Cintheaux. His platoon-mates called him quick-witted, organized and decisive in action. He led his platoon with a firm hand, and was reported as saying "they knew geezly well that I'd beat the stuffing out of them if they weren't good."
Sgt Hurwitz was reported missing from base on Oct 24, 1944 and was confirmed to have died of his wounds two days later, as a prisoner of war. In the days immediately following his death, the details surrounding his disappearance were unclear. Later, a member of his platoon who was there when their tank was hit by enemy fire said Sergeant Hurwitz was shot through the right lung. He was evacuated to a German field hospital, but died without having been officially listed as a POW. After his remains were eventually located, he was reburied at the Bergen-Op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery in Holland.
"This Regiment, more even, this Canadian Army, never had another like him and it is doubtful that we who were luckier than he will ever know another like him. Many wonderful stories are told of him. Many are thrilling, some are sad, all display a strain of courage and steadfastness and human-ness (to coin a word) that put to shame the tinsel heroes of the silver screen, and renew us in our wavering belief in the future of the human race that can number such men in its ranks."
- An exerpt from Some Never Die by Major Ivan P. Phelan, M.C., from "The '52 Natural' Canadian Grenadier Guards" official publication.
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