TOMS RIVER, N.J., June 20, 1953 (UP) -- Michael Rosenberg, 10, knew his parents were going to die. He knew they would be executed before the sun went down. But he helped keep the news from his six-year-old brother, Robert.
Michael got the news as he sat watching a baseball game on television yesterday afternoon in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Bach, with whom the Rosenberg youngsters have lived for the last 18 months.
Robert was painting with water colors on a side porch.
The game was interrupted with an announcement that President Eisenhower would not intervene in the Rosenberg case. Michael looked at Mrs. Bach.
"My Mommie and Daddy, that was their last chance," he said.
Later came an announcement that the executions were to take place before the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath at sundown. Michael slumped in the chair and said quietly, "That's it. That's it. Good-by. Good-by."
Michael kept the television on. He and Mrs. Bach agreed they would not tell Robert the news. When the younger brother came in asking for a glass of milk, Michael kept silent.
He sat still even when Robert said: "Sunday is Father's Day. Let's send my Daddy a card for Father's Day."
When the executions took place, the Bach home appeared to be deserted. State troopers said the children had been taken to a place of seclusion.
Bach had said earlier he would try to break the news to Robert today in "easy stages."
