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Martin Shlanger - March 4, 1983

Another reunion with your brother then after 10 years?

After 15 years, another reunion. And then the second time I went back, in 1970, I think it was `70 or `71, uh, I went to a trial to the city of Trier. I had a lawsuit with the German government for compensation for the injuries I suffered in the concentration camp.

Were they trying to reduce the amount?

Yes, yes. In 1963, I was recognized for 80% disability, then in 1969, it was reduced to 50% and I appealed.

Did you win the case?

I did win, yes. I did win and I made an error, I should have sued the German government for 100% disability, but in the appeal I demanded that I should be restored for 80%. Therefore, they agreed to give me back 80%.

There have been changes in your life in that period hadn't there? You were reclassified in a way is what you told me?

Yes, I was reclassified. Well, originally I was classified 80% then it was reduced to 50% and I appealed. And it was restored to 80%.

Based on your....

Yes, and I was reclassified because by that time, I had a BA and I was considered not as office helper but an office manager, or something in that order so my pension was higher than the previous 80%.

You had gone to Wayne University of Detroit?

I uh, had some college background for many years since the 1950's. And in 1962, pardon me, `72, I went back to school to get a bachelor's degree. I was at Oakland University for 2 years. And then I transferred to Wayne State and I got my masters at Wayne State.

In what field?

Economics.