Jose Menachem Weill was a language Interpreter for the U.S. Air Force (1948-1968).

Born August 21, 1928 in Harlem, New York City, Weill spent his formative years in New York City until his parents divorced. His father took three children home to Basil Switzerland, where Weill lived for thirteen years, speaking only French and German. The Second World War forced his siblings into an orphanage while his father worked in New York City. After the war, Weill was drafted into the Swiss Army but instead fled to Paris, France. He was repatriated to the United States and joined the U.S. Air Force. 

Weill served in the U.S. Air Force for twenty years. He began his service Frankfurt, Germany, completed his basic training at Marburg, Germany and was assigned to the counter intelligence corps. While stationed in Berlin, Weill had to relearn English. During his eighteen months in Berlin, the Berlin Airlift was taking place. The Big Lift of 1948 continued as Weill moved to Miami, Florida. In February of 1949, he enrolled in the University of Miami, taking French and German courses. However, this would be delayed, as his Swiss schooling was not accepted. Weill enrolled in night school for six months to receive his high school diploma. Upon graduation, Weill planned to teach languages courses, however, his financial situation forced him to remain in the Air Force. 

Weill moved to Monterey, California to learn Russian and served in the Korean War as a Russian Interpreter for the United Nations Army of occupation. As a Master Sergeant, Weill earned the Air Force Commendation Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for his service as Chief Clerk, Directorate of Logistic Plans, Deputy Chief of Staff of Materiel, Headquarters Aerospace Defense Command, Ent Air Force Base, Colorado from March 1967 to August 1968. Weill earned his Masters of Arts in German from San Diego State College in 1970.

Jose Weill passed away April 19, 2016 in San Diego, California at the aged of 88 years old.

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