Laurence M. (Laury) Feldman: Battalion Clerk Has Its Privileges

Laurence (Laury) Feldman was born June 21, 1934 on the west side of Chicago as the oldest of three children. In April, 1954 Laury responded to a difficult breakup with his girlfriend (perhaps at her father’s suggestion), by pushing up his draft number at the draft board and enlisting in the Army at Fort Sheridan. He reported for Basic Training at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, home of the 5t​ h Armored Division. Elvis Presley would report to the renamed Fort Chaffee as part of his induction into the Army just four years later.

From Fort Chaffee, Laury was flown to the border of East and West Germany, not far from a checkpoint controlled by the Russians. Feldman had been prodded by his mother in high school to take a typing class. This skill proved invaluable in the Army, where Laury was appointed Battalion Clerk, serving as the Battalion

Colonel’s right hand man, because of his typing skills. The role of Battalion Clerk brought many privileges, including eating in the Officers’ mess and being able to arrange transport for himself and friends around the country. He recalls several trips to Stuttgart with friends and girlfriends which he was able to orchestrate as a result of his contacts.

While in Germany, Laury met a Russian woman who enjoyed his company. She was amazed with his ability to get coffee for her and her family, which was always in short supply. She referred to Laury as her “Schatzi,” which Laury learned many years later was German for “treasure.” His German girlfriend managed the PX (post exchange) on the base; between the two of them, there was very little that they could not manage to obtain.

Feldman was discharged in June, 1956 and returned to Chicago, settling in Skokie. He became a clerk for a law firm, married in 1957, and shortly thereafter joined a Contract Bonding Agency. Laury ultimately started his own Surety Bonding Agency where he served as president from 1976 until 2016. He married his current wife, Diane, in 1976 and has two daughters, Jenna and Lindsey and a son, Brian.

Laury Feldman, we thank you for your service to your country. Enjoy your Honor Flight!