Bernard G. Ehrlich

Ehrlich was drafted for military service during the Korean War and joined the United States Army in January 1952. After completing his initial training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he was selected to attend Officer Candidate School. He received his commission as a second lieutenant of Infantry in March 1953 and remained on active duty with the 9th Infantry Division at Fort Dix until receiving his discharge in March 1954. He was assigned to the United States Army Reserve from April to September 1954, when he joined the New York Army National Guard.

Ehrlich advanced through the ranks in staff and command assignments during the Cold War and commanded an Infantry platoon and Cavalry troop before being assigned to command 1st Battalion, 71st Infantry Regiment in the mid-1970s as a lieutenant colonel. He served as New York's assistant adjutant general for army after receiving promotion to brigadier general in 1982. In October 1985, Ehrlich was promoted to major general and in January 1986 he was assigned as commander of the 42nd Infantry Division. He served until October 1986, when he was relieved of command, succeeded by Martin E. Lind, and retired.

At the time of his relief from command, Ehrlich, Biaggi, and several others were under investigation for crimes associated with the Wedtech scandal. He was convicted of racketeering and other crimes, and received a sentence of six years in federal prison and a fine of $220,000.

Ehrlich was disbarred as a result of his involvement with Wedtech. He subsequently operated companies that provided health care services including ambulettes to hospitals in and around New York City. Ehrlich's businesses made news in 2008 and 2009 when Anthony S. Seminerio, a member of the New York State Assembly, pleaded guilty to taking bribes disguised as consulting fees to assist medical service companies, including those owned by Ehrlich. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Awards Ehrlich's federal awards included:

Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal Army Good Conduct Medal National Defense Service Medal Armed Forces Reserve Medal Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal

Ehrlich's state awards included: Captain, c. 1960 Major, 17 December 1965 Lieutenant Colonel, 13 April 1972. Colonel, 10 March 1978 Major General, October 1985