VA San Diego Honors Two Centenarian Veterans from “The Greatest Generation”
Two Veterans in San Diego County, who served in the “War to end all Wars” have reached the 100-year milestone – and have received special recognition from both VA San Diego Leadership and Secretary of the VA Denis McDonough.
Making it to the century mark is a feat itself, but it’s an even more unique achievement for those who served in World War II.
Erwin “Bud” Streiff was drafted into the service after graduating high school and chose to enter the Navy. Military tests showed he had an aptitude for submarine duty, so he entered training to become an electrician – holding the rank of EM3 (Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class) during his time in the service.
Streiff was stationed aboard the USS Bergall submarine – based in Perth, Australia (from 1944 to 1945). While submerged in the Pacific Ocean on patrol through the Gulf of Siam, an event happened that he will always remember. A moment where he thought he wouldn’t live another 10 seconds, much less to the age of 100.
“We were hit by an eight-inch shell from a Japanese warship – it went clear thought the ship and opened us up on both sides,” Streiff said. He still can’t believe what happened next. “It didn’t explode and we got out of the area. It was still a tense moment,” he recalled. “We were unable to dive. The captain was ordered to scuttle the sub, but he refused and decided to take the sub as far as he could. With the help of another submarine, the captain took us back to Australia. We never lost a crew member, ever.”
At 100 years young, Streiff remembers these events from 78 years ago as though they happened yesterday and is honored to share them with many others. A recorded history of these events was transcribed and saved thanks to help from Streiff’s home-based primary care team at VA San Diego.
Streiff was also able to participate in a virtual birthday celebration where he was thanked for his service by VA San Diego Healthcare System Director, Dr. Frank Pearson.
“You truly are a member of the greatest generation,” said Dr. Pearson. “The selflessness you showed to protect freedom not only for our nation, but the world, is something we will never forget. We are honored to care for you.”
When reflecting on his outlook on life after 100 years, Streiff said with a chuckle: “I think about what I always tell the grandkids before they leave the house: "Have fun!" and "Don't take any wooden nickels."
The second honored centenarian is Arthur Levine. Levine was drafted into the Army at age 18 and reached the rank of E-5 Sergeant. He held a rather unique position, serving in “special services” where he helped manage entertainment for troops.
Following his three years of service from 1943 to 1946, Levine developed and owned his own business called “Conflict Solvers” where he served as a mediator. He then went on to work as an executive designer for women’s clothes, a publisher for magazines, and an usher for Paramount Theaters. Throughout his life, he understood the value of entertainment to enrich lives and in some cases act as an important method of stress relief.
Both Streiff and Levine received a framed and hand-signed note of appreciation from Secretary of the VA, Denis McDonough. The frame contains a special VA challenge coin. In his note, Secretary McDonough wrote, “Our Nation is grateful to you and to your generation for helping defend democracy and shape the world we live in today. Americans enjoy the blessings of peace and liberty because of patriots like you who answered the call to defend our Nation.”