WWII Veteran-Herb Muskin
At the end of 2022, it was estimated that only about 168,000 Second World War veterans were still living. Among them, at age 101, Herbert “Herb” Mushkin eagerly shared his story of serving in the U.S. Army and his journey to becoming a dentist.
In 1943, Herb was in his second year at Temple University’s dental school in Philadelphia. The war was raging overseas, and his older brother Eddie was serving in the Navy on a destroyer in the Pacific. Eddie’s ship had been struck by a kamikaze plane, but he survived.
Paying for college was a constant struggle, so when the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) was established in late 1942, Herb was intrigued. The program was designed to recruit medical and dental students into military service to address a critical shortage of doctors and dentists. Herb saw it as both an opportunity to serve his country and a way to continue his education. The program proved highly successful, with nearly 18,000 dentists reportedly serving during World War II.
Herb completed basic training at Camp Haan in Riverside, California, where he was assigned to provide dental care to the prison population housed there. Soon after, he was deployed to the European Theater, serving in England, France, and Germany.
Being Jewish, Herb was deeply interested in the Nuremberg Trials, which he was able to attend while stationed in Germany. His family roots gave this experience added weight—his father, Hyman Muskin, was a Russian Jewish immigrant who worked as a furrier, and his mother, May, was active in New York real estate. Together, they raised four children in Brooklyn, where Herb graduated from Samuel J. Tilden High School before enrolling at Temple University.
After returning to civilian life in 1947, Herb established an orthodontic practice in Philadelphia. Several years later, while walking down the street, he saw a young woman with her mother, who immediately caught his attention—and his heart. That woman was Sherry Goldberg, who would become his “best friend” and the love of his life. They married in 1956 and went on to share 67 years, raising three children: May (deceased), Drew, and Jonathan.
Even after retiring from dentistry, Herb remained active and curious. In his eighties, he became a certified acupuncturist. In 2003, Herb and Sherry relocated to Las Vegas, where they built a new circle of friends. Herb continues to enjoy outings to the casinos and time spent relaxing with Sherry and their neighbors.
Herb Muskin – A Lasting Legacy: My Reflections
I met Herb and his wife, Sherry, in January of 2023 when I had the privilege of photographing him for a book about his life and military service. From the moment I entered their home, I felt welcomed as though I were an old friend. Their smiles lit up the room, and even after 67 years of marriage, they carried the energy and affection of newlyweds.
Listening to Herb’s story was both humbling and inspiring. As a dentist during World War II, his service might not be the first role that comes to mind, but it was vital. He spoke of traveling from city to city, helping to establish dental offices and providing care for troops, prisoners, and allies. His work ensured the health and readiness of countless men who served, a reminder that every contribution—seen or unseen—was essential to the war effort.
Tragically, not long after our meeting, Herb and Sherry were involved in a high-speed car accident when their vehicle was struck by a suspect fleeing the police. While Sherry survived, Herb passed away just weeks later.
Herb’s devotion to his country, his profession, and most of all to his beloved Sherry and family leaves behind a powerful legacy. His warmth, energy, and love of life will be remembered not only by those who knew him but by the wider community that was touched by his service and spirit. Meeting Herb was an honor and a gift I will never forget.
