Milton Birnbaum was born 10 June 1915, in New York City. His parents are Max & Helena A. (Israel) Birnbaum of Marion, Ohio. Milton’s family is Jewish and he had two brothers who were also serving during World War Two, 2nd Lt. Isadore Birnbaum and Staff Sergeant Sam Birnbaum. Milton graduated from Harding High School in 1933. He attended Ohio State University, for 2 years and was employed with the State Highway Department, from 1939 until he entered service.

Milton Birnbaum entered service on 9 January 1942, at Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio. He was overseas for 10 months, serving with the 19th Engineer Combat Regiment. Milton attained the rank of Technician Fifth Grade (Tech5). While in Italy he would report the capture of Sergeant (Sgt.) Dale Greenland of Marion, by the Germans near the Anzio Beachhead. Sgt. Dale Greenland would later make his escape from the Germans and return not only to the Allied lines, but survive the war and return to Marion.

Tech5 Milton Birnbaum was killed in action on 11 October 1944, while serving in Italy. Birnbaum is buried in the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial, Florence, Città Metropolitana di Firenze, Toscana, Italy.

Milton Birnbaum is remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Veterans Memorial Park, in Marion, Ohio; on the west wall of the Marion County Courthouse; and on the World War II Veterans Memorial Wall, at the Marion Cemetery.