Lemke, Otto Ernest.

Biography

Lemke, Otto Ernest. (Lembe); b. July 21, 1909, NYC; POW; Education through the 7th grade; Single; Seaman (ship’s carpenter), Longshoreman, and Building Construction; CP April 1936; Received Passport# 434382 on June 5, 1937 which listed his address as 315 East 5th Street, NYC (519 W. 178th Street, NYC); Sailed June 12, 1937 aboard the Georgic; Arrived in Spain via Setcases on July 2, 1937; Joined the Brigade on August 10, 1937; Served with the XV BDE, Mackenzie-Papineau BN; Noted as having deserted to Barcelona on September 15, 1937, was in the city for 10 days before reporting to the IB Delegation and was returned to Brigade under guard; Later served with 15th Corps, Special MG BN; Rank Sargento; Served at Quinto, Belchite, Fuentes de Ebro, Teruel, Segura de los Baños, and Retreats; Captured. Exchanged April 22, 1939; Returned to the US on May 6, 1939 aboard the President Harding; d. March 27, 1973.
Sources: Sail; Scope of Soviet Activity; Cadre; Figueres List; Mac-Paps; RGASPI Fond 545, Opis 6, Delo 849, ll. 4, Special List for Personnel Service, Deserters List of Those Now in Spain, January 16, 1938; Pacific NW. Code A