The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., August 11, 1944, page 1

DIES IN ACTION

     Word has been received that Fred Berrong, of Underwood, was killed in action.
     He was killed July 25 in Normandy fighting, a private first class in the infantry. He is survived by his wife, the former Juanita Miller, and two children. His parents live at Underwood.

The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, WA., August 17, 1944, page 1

FRED BERRONG KILLED IN FRANCE; WAS HERE

     Fred Berrong, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Berrong, of Underwood, was killed in action in France, according to an official announced received by his parents and wife last week. He had lived in Goldendale for a brief time several years ago, being employed at the Klickitat Pine Box Co.
     Berrong, who was an infantry private, had been in the armed forces nearly two years, and was with the troops which landed early in France. No details were given.
     His wife, the former Juanita Miller, of White Salmon, and two children now reside in White Salmon.

The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, WA., May 24, 1945, page 1

MEMORIAL SERVICES TO BE HELD HERE
Thomas D. Potwin, Editor Of Yakima Herald, Will Speak At Morning Program At 10:30 In High School Auditorium

     Memorial services will be held in Goldendale Memorial Day, Wednesday, May 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the high school auditorium. As in the past, the program and services are in charge of Louis Leidl Post No. 116, American Legion. Thomas D. Potwin, editor of the Yakima Herald will deliver the message at the high school. Potwin is said to be an able speaker, and the largest crowd ever to attend Memorial services is expected to turn out to hear the Yakima editor.
     Following the program at the high school, members of the Legion will hold a brief ceremony at the graves of veterans of both World War I and II. A firing squad will fire a salute in recognition of their departed comrades.
     E.C. Kaiser, commander of the American Legion, invites and urges all residents to join in the services, which will pay tribute to the men who have lost their lives in both wars.
     Following is a list of men from this county who paid the supreme sacrifice in World War II: E.C. Allison, Wm. Becker, Fred Berrong, Marion Bolio, Homer Bilyeu, Jim Brashear, Robert Brown, Chas. Byrkett, David Cochran, Paul Cochran, John Dickey, Francis Ford, Alvin Ganguin, Don Heuton, John Hunsaker, Robert Hutchins, Harry Jones, Harold Lehman, Philip Lynch, Chas. Lowers, Dan Roe, Oren Sanders, George Shurtz, Harry Smith, Marion Scheel, Eugene White, Thomas Tradewell, Jim Trowbridge, Edward Thege and David Woodruff.

The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., February 23, 1945, page 3

DEAR FRED

This is to tell you my feelings,
That's buried deep in my heart,
Though fate has decreed to keep us,
Forever and ever apart.
I'll never forget your sweet kisses
Or the life that was yours and mine,
I'll never forget your worship of me,
For it was so pure and devine.

A new life is starting before me,
I'll miss you as never before,
But life is a matter of living,
We know not what lies in store,
Yes, you were a page in its living,
A part I will never forget,
For that very small time I am thankful,
So glad and I am, that we met.

You left behind a fortune,
A love, and your children dear,
My life will be built around them,
To keep me from despair.
I must build for the children's future,
And let the past the the past,
Let time it be the healer of the aching,
Your memory will always last.

Mistakes I will make and plenty,
But courage will carry me through,
I'll never forget that courage,
Because my thoughts are of you.
So goodby and farewell, my darling,
Thanks for a part of your life,
There's a spot in my heart heart for you always,
Thanks for being your wife.

Written by Juanita F. Berrong and dedicated to her husband, Private Frederick A. Berrong, whose life was given for his country on July 25th, 1944.

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©  Jeffrey L. Elmer