Bernard Michael Posey was born 10 September 1916, at Wessington Springs, South Dakota, to Guy H and Katherine (Kieffer) Posey. Siblings are Roscoe, Kenneth, Everett and Helen. Graduated Wessington Springs High School, 1934, attended l year at Wessington Springs Jr. College. Attended 1 year, Morningside College. Moved to Sioux City in 1936.
Was drafted and inducted into the U.S. Army, 26 March 1942, at Ft. Des Moines, Iowa. Trained at Camp Roberts, California, Kingman, Arizona, Grenada, Mississippi, and Westover Field, Massachussetts. Took basic training in Engineers and worked in suppy in the 877th Airborne Engineer Aviation Battalion - Hdqts. Co., rising to grade of Sergeant, 20 November 1943. Served as an enlisted man for 39 months prior to his appointment to officer Candidate School on 13 April 1945. He graduated 16 June 1945, was commissioned a 2nd Lt. and assigned to the 2836 Engineer Petroleum Distribution Company as a supply and maintenance officer.
Bernard left the United States with the 877th Battalion on 27 February 1944, arrived in England, 6 March 1944. Landed on Omaha Beach, 7 July 1944, which was D Day plus 31. The Germans were still very much present in the area. Served in England, Northern France, Germany and then southern France for a total of 20 months.
After arriving in France, the 877th Battalion Engineers built airfields. They built A-15 at Maupertus, France, which was the first field on the continent to base medium B-26 bombers and Black Widow night fighters. They were engaged in construction and maintenance of 66 air fields in France and Germany.
The 877th was ready to take part in the Wessel Mission when it was concelled. The gliders would have taken in men and equipment and supplies.
Bernard was very proud of his duties as a supply officer and always saw that his men were well supplied with food, clothing and equipment when it was available.
He was awarded the Glider Badge, European Theater ribbon with 3 battle stars, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon and World War II Victory Medal.
He served in France until 31 October 1945, arriving back in the United States, at Boston, Mass. on 8 November 1945. Discharged, from active duty, 11 December 1945. He then stayed in the Army Reserves until 1955, having attained the rank of 1st Lt.
Taught school, in South Dakota, 1 year. Machinist helper, and Iron Workers at Bureau of Engraving Printing in Washington, D.C.
Married, 17 November 1945, in Sioux City, to Dora Reed. They have a son, Guy H. He is a Medical Doctor. After his marriage to Dora, they returned to Washington, D.C. where he resumed his employment at the Federal Government, retiring in 1973. Lived in Washington, D.C., then Camp Springs, Maryland from 1946 to 1984, then we returned to Sioux City.
He was a 50 year member of the American Legion, and was a member of the V.F.W. Post 9376 in Clinton, Maryland.
Served as Post Commander, of V.F.W. 9376 and Post Commandeer of American Legion Post 697 in Sioux City.
Submitted by Dora Posey, his wife.
