Another uniform on display is a testament to the unspeakable experiences of one man - Frank Augustin. For years, Frank worked at our country house in upstate New York, a quiet World War II veteran who staunchly refrained from discussing his service. Frank's silence was finally broken by necessity, when he reached out for financial help. In exchange for assistance, he revealed his wartime past, not through a letter as requested, but through the poignant delivery of his service uniform. This garment speaks volumes about Frank's history - he was the first American soldier to approach the Nordhausen concentration camp after the Nazis fled. Frank encountered the aftermath of horrific atrocities, including human beings reduced to living skeletons. In a heartbreaking turn, his initial attempts to help by sharing his rations resulted in tragic fatalities due to the extreme starvation of the survivors. Frank's experience was an immense burden, one that haunted his sleep for years. This display represents his relief and catharsis; his wife reported that after his story was shared and his uniform displayed, he finally found peace.
