Description:
Allen Saltzman was born on December 14, 1945, in New York City to Simon and Esther Saltzman, whose families were of Polish Jewish heritage. He spent his childhood in the South Bronx before moving to Brooklyn in 1958. Growing up in diverse urban neighborhoods, he developed a love for sports, especially baseball, and became captain of his high school fencing team. He also cultivated a lifelong passion for jazz music, playing trumpet and regularly attending New York City jazz clubs.
After graduating from Wingate High School, Saltzman attended Brooklyn College while working for Chicago Title Insurance Company. Unsure of his long-term career path, he studied liberal arts and geology before his education was interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War in 1965.
Following basic training at Fort Dix and advanced artillery training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Saltzman deployed to Vietnam in 1966 with the 1st Battalion, 83rd Artillery. Serving as a battalion clerk, he supported artillery operations while also participating in patrols, guard duty, and other field responsibilities. He experienced combat firsthand, survived repeated enemy attacks, and was wounded by mortar shrapnel during a nighttime assault, earning the Purple Heart. His year in Vietnam exposed him to the harsh realities of war, including casualties, physical danger, and the long-term effects of combat.
After returning home in 1967, Saltzman completed a marketing degree at Baruch College and built a successful career in the title insurance industry, eventually establishing his own business and becoming a respected expert in Manhattan real estate title examination. He married in 1973, raised a son and daughter, and settled in New Jersey.
Throughout his life, Saltzman has reflected deeply on his military service. While proud of serving his country, he became increasingly critical of war after witnessing its human costs. Despite lasting health challenges linked to his service, including combat wounds, post-traumatic stress, tinnitus, and Agent Orange exposure, he remains committed to preserving the experiences of veterans and honoring those who served.
The Rutgers Oral History Archives received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. In the 2025-2026 cycle, this grant assisted the ROHA staff in making this oral history available to you for your use.