T-Sgt Bernard M. Ver Meer
Born: July 31, 1919, at Sioux Center, Iowa.
Died in action, Chelveston, England, October 5, 1943
Son of Henry W. and Johanna Rozeboom Ver meer.
Source: [Note presented at the memorial service.]
T-Sgt Bernard M. Ver Meer Dies In European Area Oct 5
The symathy of the community goes to the family of Henry W. Ver Meer whose son, T. Sgt. Bernard M. Ver Meer died somewhere in the European area according to the message received from the War Department last week Thursday afternoon, the message read: The secretary of the War asks that I assure you of his deep sympathy in the loss of your son, Tech. Sgt. Bernard M. Ver Meer. Report received states that he died October 3, 1943, in the European area. Letter follows," signed Adjutant General Uilo.
Letters which have arrived here since give no indication that he was ill and as of yet no further word has been received from the War Department. His last letter, dated Oct 1st arrived here this week. Bernard entered the Air Corps. August 17, 1942. Graduated from the school for Radio Operators and Mechanics in Chicago, attended gunnery school in Harlingten, Texas, and completing that course received more training in Salt Lake City and Blythe, Calif. and then on to Delhart, Texas, where he received his wings and was promoted to Tech. Sgt. His last furlough he spent at home was last July. He left the states by plane last August 13th, and arrived in England the next day. After being station there a few weeks he was sent out on bombing missions over Europe to a B-17 bomber on which he was the radio operator and gunner.
Surviving Bernard are his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Henry W. Ver Meer, and five brothers and two sisters, Henry and Elmer of Grand Rapids, Mich., John of Orange City, Gerald, Janeva, Kenneth, and Helen, at home.
Source: Sioux Center News, October 14, 1943
Vermeer Receive Few Details Of Sons Death
Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Vermeer this week received a few facts confirming the death of their son S. Sgt. Bernard M. Vermeer who was reported as having died Oct. 5 in the European area. This week the War Department wrote them stating that Bernard had died from injuries received in a parachute jump. Location was not given nor was the nature of his injuries revealed. Following are the main parts of the letter received this week:
"I regret to inform you that no information is available beyond that contained in the official report from the Commanding General of that area which sites that his death occurred as a result of injuries received in a parachute jump.
I sincerely regret that this message must carry so much sorrow into your home. In time to come may you find pride and comfort in knowing that he served bravely in his country's defense at the time of our gravest crises".
J.A. Ulio,
Adj. Genl.
Source: Local newspaper, Oct. 21, 1943
Bernard M. Ver Meer is buried in Memory Gardens Sioux Center Cemetery, Sioux Center, IA.
Source: ancestry.com
