The following was published in the August 5, 1943, issue of The Mountain Eagle:

J. W. Berry of Jackhorn Receive Notice That Son is Missing

Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Berry of Jackhorn, received the following telegram from the War Department regarding their son:

WESTERN UNION
1 MK J 42 GVT WASHINGTON
DC JUNE 22 1943 122AM. ........
J. W. Berry
Jackhorn, Ky.

I regret to inform you that the Commanding General European Area reports your son, Technical Sgt. Edward H. Berry is missing in action since thirteenth June. If further details or other information of his status are received you will be promptly notified.

ULIO
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL,
8 A.M.

-v-

Copy of Letter From
MAJOR E. LEDOUX
England,
July 4, 1943.

Dear Mr. Berry,

Your letter requesting information with respect to your son, Sgt. Edward H. Berry of my Squadron was received by me to-day.

Sgt. Berry was a crew member of one of our Planes which was seen going down crippled over enemy territory, and our reports indicate that the plane while apparently crippled was definitely under control, and there is every reason to believe that the Pilot was able to land the plane without crashing and thereby not seriously injuring members of the crew. It is a well known fact that many Allied Nations Airmen have been able to evade capture and return safely to England. Those who are not so fortunate as to escape capture, we are informed are well treated by the Germans. In addition, the International Red Cross has a remarkably fine service whereby Military personnel, after capture, are sent food parcels weekly. These parcels contain sufficient food to keep the boys well nourished, even if food served in the German prison camps is unpalatable or insufficient in quantity.

With the ratio of German prisoners fortunately increasing in rapid tempo, we believe that the treatment the Germans give our boys will improve over that which exists now.

I am sorry that these meager facts are all that we can give you as a matter of fact they are all we actually possess, but you may be sure that you will be promptly notified as soon as any further information is obtained. There is certainly ample grounds for believing that Sgt. Berry is well and uninjured, and is not at all improbable that he has been able to evade capture and is now on his way to rejoin us.

Sgt. Berry was one of the finest men in my Squadron, and was universally liked, admired, and respected by all his fellow men, as well as the Officers of our Group. His loss, which I sincerely hope is temporary, is a real personal loss to me, as well as to so many of his personal friends in our Group.

I want you to know how much we all sympathize with you and how sincerely we have enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity of knowing Sgt. Berry, and of his serving with me. He was a grand person and Gentleman.

If it is at all possible I will find the pictures mentioned and send them with other personal effects of his.

Yours very truly,
MAJOR E. LEDOUX.

-v-

According to Sgt. Berry's parents he was born on Christmas Day and would have been twenty years old on his next birthday. He was well known in the county, having worked for a dairy and calling on the trade of the county he became acquainted with many people prior to his enlistment in the Air Corps.

Besides Sgt. Berry, Mr. and Mrs. Berry also have two other sons in the service along With three son-in-laws. The sons are: Sgt. William M. Berry, Fort Meade, Md.; Corp. Robert E. Berry, Fort Dix, N.J.; the son-in-laws are: Sgt. Andrew Goodwin, Camp Cooke, Cal.; Pfc. Olin Burrows, Coffee Mills, Kans.; and M. Sgt. Curtis Justice, Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Mo.

Mr. and Mrs. Berry came to Letcher County, 28 years ago and have reared a large family here. They have lived in Haymond most of the time.

Readers of the Eagle will recall that the missing Sgt. Berry wrote interesting letters to The Eagle telling of his experiences.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The following was published in the August 12, 1943, issue of The Mountain Eagle:

Sgt. Edward H. Berry Killed In Action

Telegram
2 NK J
Washington, D.C.,
Aug. 8, 1943
2:05 A.M.

J. W. Berry,
Jackhorn, Ky.

Report received from the German Government through the International Red Cross states your son, Tech. Sergeant Ed. H. Berry who was previously reported missing on thirteenth June was killed in action on thirteenth June in European Area. The Secretary of War extends his deep sympathy. Letter follows.

ULIO
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
12:50 P.M.

-V-

Last week The Eagle reported the story of Sgt. Ed. H. Berry, missing in action since June 13th. This week it is with much regret that we learn that young Berry was killed while in action over enemy territory.

Young Berry was born Dec. 25, 1923 and died on Sunday, June 13, 1943. He was the idol of his parents who called him their Christmas child.

Edward was a former student of Fleming High School and was loved and admired by hundreds of citizens throughout the county. We do not know what the last thoughts or words young Berry spoke before his death, but could he speak today we feel he would say in similar words to those of Lieut-Col. John McCrae who died in France during World War I: "To you from falling hands we throw the torch; Be yours to hold it high."

It remains for us to resolve that men like young Berry who gave their all for the liberation of mankind shall not have died in vain. Our deepest sympathies go out to the relatives, friends and loved ones in their great hour of sorrow.

Mr. and Mrs. Berry received the following letter from their son just a short time before his death. It reads:

Mr. J. W. Berry,
Jackhorn, Ky., U. S. A.
S Sgt. E. H. Berry,
509. Sqd. 351 Grp.
APO 634, c_o P. M.
New York, N. Y.
May 25, 1943.

Dearest Mother and Dad:

On this happy day, I want to thank you both sincerely for all you have done for me. I feel helpless to repay you. You both labored and toiled for me both night and day. You worked hard to make me happy and give me the best in life. Everything I am I owe to you my beloved parents. I shall never forget the things you did for me.

If I die remember that I go not for the love of it But for something far greater than myself. If I go, feel proud that you gave a son for Freedom and Peace.

Your Son,
EDDIE.