PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — At 100 years old, Ben Berry still has pep in his step and stories to tell. His greatest accomplishment? Serving in the United States Army.
As a teenager, Berry was one of just a handful of Black Quartermasters — officers who provided rations and clothing — fighting in the Battle of the Bulge in Northern France.
“It was the coldest season at that part of the country,” Berry explained. “Of course, it had snowed, and it was pretty cold. We had on our olive uniforms and the Germans had their white camouflage uniforms.”
He says he and the other soldiers were given specific instructions and they did what they had to do: “simply followed through with everything they had.”
“They gave us ammunition. They said, ‘Go out there and show some resistance.’”
He says despite all the time that’s passed since that battle, he’s still reminded that his service is greatly appreciated.
“This period of Veterans Day — handshakes, kisses … worth it all!” he said.