Carl Manoogian: One of the last Legion Post 510 WWII veterans

by Tina Cole-Mullins

As the years and decades fade away, few WWII veterans remain. Carl Manoogian, of Gregory and the American Legion Post 510 in Stockbridge, is one who served his country during the dark days of the Second World War.

Manoogian was drafted just before his 18th birthday in November 1944. After a brief stop in Chicago, the young men received their haircuts. Then the soldiers boarded a train for their long journey west to Fort Lewis in Washington state. After completing basic training, the men boarded a ship headed toward the unknown.

After a long seasick journey overseas, Manoogian was stationed in Regensburg, Germany, where he was quartered “in normal houses in rows, just like these.”

“We didn’t get put in battle; our time came near the end of Hitler’s reign,” Manoogian said. “I was trained as a field medic.”

Manoogian said he did not see any battles or combat. Refraining from graphic or traumatic stories, he did share one recollection of a time he toured a makeshift morgue.

“All I could think about were these young boys my age and their mothers. What would she think of seeing her son like this?” he said, as if thinking of his own mother at the time.

During his time in Germany, he recalled having the opportunity to tour Hitler’s vacation home, The Berghof (Eagle’s Nest) located in the Bavarian Alps. “We went up an elevator 300 feet to the home with an overlooking view,” Manoogian said.

“I remember looking around and thinking – how can someone be so mean, have so much and take everything from everyone else and leave them with nothing?” Manoogian said, as his face went somber.

“You know this is where he kept one of his women — Eva!” he said, referencing German photographer Eva Braun, one of Hitler’s longtime companions who later became his wife and was concealed at his mountain hideaway.

Upon his discharge, Manoogian returned to Detroit for a few short years, joining the manufacturing workforce. During this time, he met his wife Dorothy.

“Meeting her is where my story truly starts. Make sure you put that in there!” he adoringly adds, with a gesture toward his wife. “We’ve been married 71years. That’s something to be proud of.”

The Manoogians began coming to the Gregory/Unadilla area in the mid ’50s, camping on the hill above Williamsville Lake.

When the property began to be divided off into parcel lots for sale, they selected the site where their home is now. Several more years were spent camping before their home was completed.

The couple still live in the house and have been long-term members of the community.

As a member of the Greatest Generation, Manoogian answered his country’s call while still a teenager, not knowing what the future would bring. We are all grateful for his service and thank him and all veterans this Veterans Day.

Carl and Dorothy Manoogian purchased this lakefront property in the 1950s upon their move to Gregory/Unadilla. Photo credit Tina Cole-Mullins

Carl Manoogian holds a photo of himself from his time in the service. Photo credit Tina Cole-Mullins

Carl Manoogian shortly after his return from Germany. Photo provided by Carl Manoogian

Carl Manoogian in 1944 after being drafted. Photo provided by Carl Manoogian