Early Life and Family
Harry Vernon Bieri was born on June 29, 1913, on a farm southeast of Bern, Kansas, to Sheriff Pete Bieri and Mathilda (Schupbach) Bieri. Raised in a close-knit Swiss-American family, Harry grew up alongside his siblings: an older brother Reuben and two sisters, Opal and Ann. He graduated with honors from Bern High School in 1931 and, following a sense of duty and adventure, enlisted in the United States Navy in April 1932.
Naval Career
Harry began his naval service during the peacetime years of the early 1930s and steadily advanced through the ranks. By 1941, he had risen to Chief Fire Controlman, three grades above ordinary seaman. His duties included assisting gun crews as a “spotter,” and his total pay, including bonuses, amounted to $101.42 per month.
He served aboard the USS Hammann, a new destroyer known for its speed and maneuverability. The Hammann could travel at 45 miles per hour and was capable of reversing in just 22 seconds. Over the course of his decade-long career, Harry witnessed a Navy in transition—from peace to the precipice of war.
In May 1941, Harry was on leave visiting his parents in Seneca, Kansas, before reporting back to Mare Island, California. At that time, he described his duties as “exacting” and preferred the rigors of battle to the unending routine aboard ship. He was deeply committed to his work and to the men he served with.
Throughout 1940 and 1941, Harry’s ship was frequently repositioned: from the East Coast to Pearl Harbor, and then from San Diego to Mare Island and New York. His correspondence home in mid-1941 hinted at the increasing secrecy and censorship within the Navy—a reflection of the nation’s growing involvement in global conflict.
By late 1941, Harry was serving on sea duty aboard what newspapers described as “one of Uncle Sam’s newest cruisers.” This ship, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for tracking submarines, was instrumental in America’s efforts against German U-boats in the Atlantic.
Final Deployment and the Battle of Midway
In early 1942, Harry and fellow sailor Alvin Gugelman were stationed together aboard the USS Hammann in the Pacific. On June 6, 1942, during the climactic final day of the Battle of Midway, the Hammann was torpedoed while assisting the disabled aircraft carrier USS Yorktown.
The Hammann had been tethered to the Yorktown, supplying power and possibly fuel. When a Japanese submarine struck with multiple torpedoes, the Hammann had no chance to evade. She sank in just two minutes. While most of the crew escaped the immediate blast, tragedy struck moments later when either her depth charges or powder magazine exploded underwater, killing or injuring many of the survivors.
Harry was among those pulled from the sea. Though given medical attention aboard another ship, he succumbed to internal injuries roughly 12 hours later. He was 28 years old—just three weeks shy of his 29th birthday.
He was buried at sea with traditional Navy rites.
Aftermath and Memorials
Harry Bieri’s death was the first combat fatality for the Bern and Seneca communities in World War II. Due to wartime censorship, his parents initially received only a terse telegram informing them that Harry had been killed in action. They later learned from Alvin Gugelman, who returned on furlough, that Harry’s injuries had resulted from the underwater explosion following the Hammann’s sinking.
The Navy’s official announcement naming the USS Hammann did not come until July 22, 1942. The loss was part of the larger battle narrative in which the Japanese suffered significant casualties—20 ships, 275 planes, and four carriers destroyed, with an estimated 4,800 men lost.
A memorial service was held at the Bieri family home on June 28, 1942, followed by a community tribute on June 29—the day that would have been Harry’s 29th birthday. Rev. Charles A. Richard and Rev. W. H. Nelson led the services, with participation by the Earl W. Taylor Post of the American Legion and a Masonic quartet. The Rev. Richard, referencing John 15:13, emphasized that Harry had laid down his life for his friends—not just his family and countrymen, but for all people who valued liberty, freedom, and justice.
Harry’s brother Reuben, also a chief fire controlman, was serving aboard the newly commissioned battleship USS Massachusetts at the time. His sisters Opal (Mrs. Wayne Hullett) and Ann (Mrs. Melvin Raab) supported the family through their grief.
The family would not expect Harry’s remains to be returned until the end of hostilities. For them—and for the community—his death symbolized the ultimate sacrifice in defense of democracy.
Legacy
Chief Fire Controlman Harry Vernon Bieri exemplified quiet courage, technical excellence, and unwavering dedication. From the wheat fields of Kansas to the vast Pacific Ocean, his life journey embodied the service and sacrifice of a generation. His name is etched into the legacy of the Battle of Midway, one of the turning points of World War II. His story endures as a reminder of the cost of freedom—and of the deep roots of service and patriotism in rural America.
SOURCES
Courier Tribune (Seneca, Kansas)
13 Jun 1940
page 2
Word of Reuben Bieri form High Authority
(last paragraph)
Harry Bieri, other navy son of the Bieri’s, formerly stationed on the east coast, was transferred to San Diego a month ago and is on the U.S.S. Hammann.
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Courier Tribune (Seneca, Kansas)
29 Jul 1940
His Ship Back from London
“Harry Bieri, a brother, is with the fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, at present.”
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Courier Tribune (Seneca, Kansas)
23 Jan 1941
page 3
More Nemaha county boys whom national defense measures are taking far form home: Alvin Gugelman and Donald Crofoot of Bern, Harry Bieri of Seneca. They are stationed on the U.S.S. Hammann, which left San Diego Jan. 14, for the Hawaiian Islands.
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Courier Tribune (Seneca, Kansas)
5 May 1941
page 5
Harry Bieri who is stationed on the U.S.S. Hamman at Mare Island, California, came home Friday evening to visit a couple of weeks with his parents, Sheriff and Mrs. Pete Bieri. Mr. Bieri met him in Omaha.
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The Sabetha Herald
14 May 1941
Page 5
Navy Duties Are More Exacting
What do the men of the fleet think? What do they say? Ask Harry Bieri, fire controlman first class, on leave to visit his parents, Sheriff and Mrs. Pete Bieri of Seneca. The sailor from the USS Destroyer Hammann will tell you the men are not talking much about the crisis except to say they would just as soon go to battle as to perform the exacting duty now required of them. It is one unending routine, Bieri says.
Bieri has served more than nine years in the navy and has risen three grades above ordinary seaman. In addition to the extra pay which goes with re-enlistment and his rating, he draws $5 extra per month as a “spotter,” to aid the gun crews. His total pay is $101.42 per month. A brother, Reuben Bieri, who enlisted only a short while after Harry, is also a fire controlman, first class. Just now Reuben is going to a special school for observers at the plant of the Ford Optical company, on Long Island.
Harry Bieri’s ship, the Hammann, is one of the fast new destroyers. Conveniently, Harry talks of its speed in miles per hour instead of knots. It will do 45. From full speed ahead, the ship is capable of going into reverse in 22 seconds.
Harry will visit his parents until May 13 when he will report in Omaha, stopping off in Cheyenne for two days’ visit with a sister then back to the naval base at Mare Island, California. —Seneca Courier-Tribune
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Courier Tribune (Seneca, Kansas
19 Jun 1941
page 1
Navy in Quick Moves, His Addresses Show
Sheriff Pete Bieri had The Courier Tribune sent to Harry Bieri, on the U.S.S. Hamman, a light cruiser, to San Diego address three weeks ago. The address was changed this week to New York City, from which the navy mail is distributed along the east coast. Harry had written form Philadelphia. His letter home stated he was not able to say where his vessel was going or for how long but that he would drop postcards, so the censor would have not trouble. This indication of censorship is the first that has appeared that mail form Uncle Sam’s forces is being inspected. It is a war move.
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Courier Tribune (Seneca, Kansas)
6 Nov 1941
page 1
Reuben Bieri Rates in Class of 44
“Harry Bieri, Reuben’s brother is on sea duty in one of Uncle Sam’s newest cruisers. This boat is equipped with the most modern devices to combat submarines and there is no doubt but Harry is in the thick of the sea war against German raiders. His ship has instruments which are capable of tracing the course of subs and of determining the depth to which they are submerged. Sheriff Bieri believes the U.S. Navy men are delivering mighty wallops at the German subs though of course he has no proof of it.
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The Sabetha Herald
24 Dec 1941
Page 7
The day was especially enjoyed because a telephone call by Harry Bieri to his parents in Seneca on Sunday told them that Harry and Alvin were both safe and well.
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The Courier-Tribune (Seneca, Kansas)
12 March 1942
page 5
Bern
Mrs. Pete Bieri, Seneca, sent word to Mrs. Fred Gugelman that Alvin Gugelman is O.K. He is on the U.S. destroyer Hammann with Harry Bieri, who wrote both are well.
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Courier-Tribune (Seneca, Kansas0
22 Jun 1942
page 1
Report Harry Bieri Is Killed in Action
Was on Destroyer in the Pacific
Served in the Navy over 10 years
Telegram to his parents
Sheriff Mrs. Pete Bieri of Seneca
Harry Bieri, the son of Sheriff and Mrs. Pete Bieri, is first youth from Seneca and Bern communities to lose his life in World War II.
Mr. and Mrs. Bieri received a telegram Saturday morning from the Navy department at Washington, stating that Harry had been killed in action in the performance of duty and in the service of his country.
Harry ranked as a chief fire controlman on a destroyer. It had been in the Pacific since about the first of the year. Where the action took place in which Harry was lost, or the date, were not given in the telegram. There was also no word about the ship. The navy asked that to prevent possible aid to our enemies, that the name of the ship not be divulged.
If the ship was sunk, there has yet been no news release concerning it.
Chief Fire Controlman, Bieri was born Jule 29, 1913. He wold have been 29 years old Sunday. He had been in the navy 10 years last April, joining the year following his graduation from Bern high school.
Both sons of Mr. and Mrs. Bieri have followed the navy. Reuben, the older son is on the Massachusetts, recently commissioned battleship. Both sons have advanced step by step to be chief fire controlmen. Harry made this rating a year ago in June.
Their sisters are Opal, who is Mrs. Wayne Hullett, Leadville, Colo., and Ann, Mrs. Melvin Raab, Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The telegram to the parent leaves indefinite whether or not the body may be expected home in the near future. Evidently the wording of this part of the telegram is a form which could be used wherever the scene of action in which a sailor lost his life. It states that if not possible to send the body home, it will be interred temporarily in the locality where the action took place.
Mrs. Edwin Buehler, Red Cross chairman, is attempting to get more information for the parents.
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The Sabetha Herald
24 Jun 1942
Page 1
Harry Bieri Reported Killed In Action
Harry Bieri, the son of Sheriff and Mrs. Pete Bieri, is the second young man from this area to lose his life in World War II, unless Lt. Haley Skinner, reported missing in action last February, is still alive. Harry Bieri is one of two sons of Sheriff and Mrs. Pete Bieri, formerly of Bern.
Mr. and Mrs. Bieri received a telegram Saturday morning from the Navy department at Washington, stating that Harry had been killed in action in the performance of duty and in the service of his country.
Harry ranked as a chief fire controlman on a destroyer. It had been in the Pacific since about the first of the year. Where the action took place in which Harry was lost, or the date, were not given in the telegram. There was also no word about the ship. The navy asked that to prevent possible aid to our enemies, that the name of the ship not be divulged.
If the ship was sunk, there has yet been no news release concerning it.
Chief Fire Controlman Bieri was born June 29, 1913. He would have been 29 years old Sunday. He had been in the navy 10 years last April, joining the year following his graduation from Bern high school.
Both sons of Mr. and Mrs. Bieri have followed the navy. Reuben, the older son, is on the Massachusetts, recently commissioned battleship. Both sons have advanced step by step to be chief fire controlmen. Harry made this rating a year ago in June.
Their sisters are Opal, who is Mrs. Wayne Hullett, Leadville, Colo., and Ann, Mrs. Melvin Raab, Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The telegram to the parents leaves indefinite whether or not the body may be expected home in the near future. Evidently the wording of this part of the telegram is a form which could be used wherever the scene of action in which a sailor lost his life. It states that if not possible to send the body home, it will be interred temporarily in the locality where the action took place.
Mrs. Edwin Buehler, Red Cross chairman, is attempting to get more information for the parents.
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Courier Tribune (Seneca, Kansas)
25 Jun 1942
page 1
A Service for Harry Bieri
At the Home, Sunday Afternoon
A memorial service for Harry Bieri, U.S. Navy, Seneca’s first loss of the second world war, will be held at the residence of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Pete Bieri, Sunday afternoon at 2:30. Tribute will be paid by the Rev. Charles A. Richard and Earle W. Taylor post of the American Legion will participate. A Masonic quartet will furnish the music.
Nothing more has been learned since the first telegram from the navy telling of Harry’s death, except that Mrs. Buehler, service chairman of the Red Cross, seeking further information for the family, received a telegram stating that navy regulations require local interment of persons lost in action, pending cessation of hostilities. Harry’s body is not expected home, then, until the war is over. Plans were made for the memorial service after this word was received.
Mr. and Mrs. Bieri had not heard yesterday from their older son, Ruben, to whom they sent a telegram telling of Harry’s death. It is presumed he is on the sea, and perhaps while his ship could receive messages, it could not risk making its position known by returning messages.
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The Courier Tribune (Seneca, Kansas)
29 Jun 1942
page 1
In Tribute to Harry Bieri
He Gave His life for His Friends
The first memorial service of the community in this world war, was held yesterday for Harry Bieri, U.S. navy, the son of Sheriff and Mrs. Pete Bieri.
In the scripture reading by the Rev. W. H. Nelson of the Evangelical church of Bern, to which Harry belonged, was the verse from the 13th chapter of John, “Greater love hath no man than that he lay down his life for his friends.”
The verse formed the theme of the address by Rev. Charles A. Richard, Seneca. Asking who Harry’s friends were, rev. Richard declared they were not only the members of his family and every citizen of the United States but every person, everywhere, who loves liberty, freedom and justice. They shall have these things, stated the pastor, because our boys are not making this
sacrifice in vain. HE envisioned a world order in which all peoples shall have the liberties that have been cherished in America through the years.
Quoting form Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, the pastor asked for dedication to the task that lies before us.
The memorial service was in charge of Earl W. Taylor post of the American Legion, whose commander, George Springer, Jr., with Mrs. George Buser, president of the Auxiliary, took part in the service. Rev. Alex Eckert, Legion chaplain, gave prayer and benediction. A male quartet, D. Edward Taylor, Charles Jermane, Gordon Tate and Clifford Baldwin, with Mrs. Tate, accompanist sang, “Come Ye Disconsolate” “Benediction,” and “Now the Day Is Over.”
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Courier-Tribune (Seneca, Kansas)
13 Jul 1942
page 1
Was on Ship with Harry Bieri
Bern Sailor is Home on Furlough
Alvin Gugelman, fireman 1st class, U.S. Navy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gugelman of northeast of Bern, is home on a 15-day furlough.
Alvin was on the same ship as Harry Bieri, whose death in action was recently reported by the navy to his parents, Sheriff and Mrs. Pete Bieri of Seneca. the ship was lost. Alvin will be able to give the family some definite word of their son’s death.
Beyond that, at the present time at least, little is available because of censorship. The navy has not yet made any announcement in regard to the vessel. Hope of this newspaper is that announcement will be made while Alvin is home so that more of the story can be given.
A clean-cut young sailor, Gugelman has been with the navy two and a half years. He is a graduate of Bern high school joined the navy the year following his graduation.
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The Sabetha Herald
15 Jul 1942
Page 5
Was On Harry Bieri’s Ship
Alvin Gugelman, fireman 1st class, U.S. Navy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gugelman of northeast of Bern, is home on a 15-day furlough.
Alvin was on the same ship as Harry Bieri, whose death in action was recently reported by the Navy to his parents, Sheriff and Mrs. Pete Bieri of Seneca. The ship was lost. Alvin will be able to give the family some definite word of their son’s death.
Beyond that—at the present time at least, little is available because of censorship. The Navy has not yet made any announcement in regard to the vessel.
A clean-cut young sailor, Gugelman has been with the Navy two and a half years. He is a graduate of the Bern High School and joined the Navy the year following his graduation.
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Courier Tribune (Seneca, Kansas)
16 July 1942
page 1
His Death in Great Battle
Turned Jap Fleet
Navy Releases Story of Midway and Loss of the Destroyer Hammann
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The Sabetha Herald
22 Jul 1942
Page 1
Harry Bieri Was On Hammann.
The navy announced on Tuesday night considerable detail of a great naval engagement between United States and Jap forces in the Pacific, the battle of Midway. The announcement includes the loss of the U.S. Destroyer Hammann, sunk by a submarine. This was the first announcement naming the ship. It was in the sinking of the Hammann that Harry Bieri, chief firecontrolman, the son of Sheriff and Mrs. Pete Bieri, Seneca, lost his life. Most of the crew escaped, it was stated. Alvin Gugelman, Bern, now home on furlough, was one of those on the Hammann whose lives were spared.
The Hammann went down the afternoon of June 6. This was the last day of a four-day battle which began on June 3, when American air forces sighted a great number of Jap ships heading toward the island of Midway.
At the end of the four-day battle, the Jap fleet of eighty vessels was sent reeling back, its attempt on the island blocked, 20 of its vessels knocked out.
American losses are described as loss of the destroyer Hammann, and that the aircraft carrier Yorktown was “put out of action.” The loss of United States men was placed at 92 officers and 215 enlisted men. American forces lost a number of planes, including a squadron of 15 torpedo planes that…
…gave everything to soften the enemy. Not a one of the 15 returned; one man was saved. Figures on American planes were not given.
It was estimated the Japs lost in addition to the 20 ships, 275 airplanes destroyed or lost in the sea when their carriers were destroyed, so that they had no return bases; that the Japs lost 4,800 men.
—Seneca Courier-Tribune
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The Courier Tribune
23 Jul 1942
page 1
Learned Harry Bieri Was Buried at Sea
Men Killed by Explosion of the Hammann
Sheriff and Mrs. Pete Bieri, Seneca, who returned Sunday from a trip to South Carolina, have learned some of the circumstances of the death of their son, Harry V Bieri, fire controlman of the U.S. navy, who lost his life in the sinking of the U.S. Destroyer Hammann. The Hammann was lost int he battle of Midway, on June 5.
Harry Bieri was buried at sea, with the traditional rites of the U.S. Navy.
The Hammann was hit hard by two torpedoes. She went down in about two minutes.
Only some four or five men actually lost their lives with the ship. The others quickly abandoned the sinking vessel, grabbing their life belts and jumping to the sea. Rafts were cut loose from the side of the ship.
The major tragedy came after the ship had slid beneath the surface. Either depth bombs carried on the ship or her powder magazine exploded after she was no longer in view and it was this explosion from beneath that caught a number of men who were in the sea, killing or injuring them. Bieri was picked up and given medical treatment aboard another ship but his injury was fatal. He lived for some 12 hours after the sinking of the destroyer.
The only ship losses that the navy has reported from the battle of Midway are the loss of the Hammann and that the Aircraft Carrier Yorktown was put out of action.
The major action of the battle was over and some 20 Jap ships had been sunk when the torpedoes struck from a distant sub. It may have been several miles away.
The aircraft carrier had suffered some disablement. The Hammann was standing by and lines from its generators and perhaps fuel lines had been attached to the carrier. A few hours more and the Yorktown would have been under its own power and the two ships would have been proceeding separately.
Then came the torpedoes, spite of precautions.
Torpedoes can be seen coming and had the Hammann been free she would have had time to dodge. Standing by the carrier, however with lines to it, she had no chance to maneuver and caught the full force of two of the deadly torpedoes. It was tragic for the Hammann to be caught without chance after she had gone through two major battles, the Midway just ending, and earlier in the Coral sea.
In that earlier battle, too, the Hammann gave aid to an aircraft carrier. Items in daily newspapers have disclosed that the Hammann was one of the ships that picked up men from the carrier Lexington, when it was lost. The Hammann crowded some 450 to 500 men and took them to an undisclosed port. Frank Fangman, Seneca, who was on the Lexington, and was rescued, is believed to have been picked up the the Hammann.
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The Sabetha Herald
29 July 1942
Page 5
Learn Harry Bieri Was Buried At Sea
Sheriff and Mrs. Pete Bieri of Seneca, who returned Sunday from a trip to South Carolina, have learned some of the circumstances of the death of their son Harry V. Bieri, fire controlman of the U.S. Navy, who lost his life in the sinking of the U.S. Destroyer Hammann. The Hammann was lost in the battle of Midway, on June 5.
Harry Bieri was buried at sea, with the traditional rites of the U.S. Navy.
The Hammann was hit hard by two torpedoes. She went down in about two minutes.
Only some four or five men actually lost their lives with the ship. The others quickly abandoned the sinking vessel, grabbing their life belts and jumping into the sea. Rafts were cut loose from the side of the ship.
The major tragedy came after the ship had slid beneath the surface. Either her depth bombs carried on the ship or her powder magazine exploded after she was no longer in view and it was this explosion from beneath that caught a number of the men who were in the sea, killing or injuring them. Bieri was picked up and given medical treatment aboard another ship but his injury was fatal. He lived for some 12 hours after the sinking of the destroyer.
The only ship losses that the Navy has reported from the battle of Midway are the loss of the Hammann and that the Aircraft Carrier Yorktown was put out of action.
The major action of the battle was over and some 20 Jap ships had been sunk when the torpedoes struck from a distant sub. It may have been several miles away.
The aircraft carrier had suffered some disablement. The Hammann was standing by and lines ran from its generators and perhaps fuel lines had been attached to the carrier. A few hours more and the Yorktown would have been under its own power and the two ships could have proceeded separately.
Had not the torpedoes hit, the Hammann could have escaped. The torpedoes can be seen coming and had the Hammann been free, she could have had time to dodge. Standing by the carrier, however, with lines to it, she had no chance to maneuver and caught the full force of two of the deadly torpedoes. It was tragic for the Hammann to be caught without chance after she had gone through two major battles, that of Midway, just ending, and earlier in the Coral Sea.
In that earlier battle, too, the Hammann gave aid to an aircraft carrier. Items in daily newspapers have disclosed that the Hammann was one of the ships that had picked up men from the carrier Lexington when it was lost. The Hammann crowded some 450 to 500 men and took them to an undisclosed port. Frank Fangman, Seneca, who was on the Lexington, was one of those it is believed to have been picked up by the Hammann.
Another youth from this area was on the Hammann — Fireman, first class Alvin Gugelman, U.S. Navy, home on furlough, has brought to Bern first-hand experience of the battles in the Coral Sea and Midway. Alvin is recovering from his harrowing experience when his ship, the U.S.S. Hammann, was torpedoed near the end of the four-day Midway battle. Alvin escaped into the sea. An underwater explosion near the floating survivors was what caused the death of a former Bern boy, Chief Fire Controlman Harry Bieri. Alvin was stunned and said he could not have felt worse had he been hit by a sledge hammer.
Seaman first class Merlin Harshbarger of Marysville was another young man from this part of the country on the Hammann, and he is at his home also recovering from internal injuries. Alvin is known to everyone here as “Bud” — said he was on the water 63 days and he just acted queer when he was again on land. Alvin has two stars for the two battles in which he took part.
—Seneca Courier-Tribune
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The Sabetha Herald
23 May 2007
Page 10
By Patty Locher
Chief Fire Controlman Harry Bieri of the U.S. Navy, the son of Nemaha County Sheriff and Mrs. Pete Bieri, was serving as a director in the Pacific Theater of Operations when he was killed in action on June 6, 1942, just three weeks before his 29th birthday.
The Bern High School alumnus was the second young man from this area to die in the performance of duty and in the service of his country.
Lieutenant Haley Skinner of Sabetha, whose story was published in the May 31, 2006, issue of The Sabetha Herald, was killed in action on Feb. 27, 1942.
An article published in the July 22, 1942, issue of The Sabetha Herald (from the Seneca Courier-Tribune) carried the account of Harry Bieri’s death.
“The navy announced on Tuesday night the conclusion of a great naval engagement between United States and Japanese forces in the Pacific, the battle of Midway.
“The announcement includes the loss of the U.S. Destroyer Hammann, sunk by a submarine. This was the first announcement naming the ship. It was in the sinking of the Hammann that Harry Bieri…lost his life.
“Most of the crew escaped, it was stated. Alvin Gugelman of Bern, now home on furlough, was one of those on the Hammann whose lives were spared.
“The Hammann went down after the forenoon of June 6. This was the last day of a four-day battle which began on June 3, when the American air forces staged a great number of Japanese ship bombings toward the Island of Midway.
“At the end of the four-day battle, the Japanese fleet of 80 vessels was sent reeling back, its attempts on the island blocked, 26 of its vessels ‘knocked out.’
“Casualties on both sides were described as ‘heavy.’ The navy disclosed that the aircraft carrier Yorktown was ‘put out of action.’
“The loss of United States men was placed at 92 officers and 215 enlisted men. American forces lost a number of planes, including a squadron of 15 torpedo planes that gave everything to soften the enemy. Not a one of the 15 returned; one man was saved.
“It was estimated the Japanese lost in addition to the 20 ships, 275 airplanes destroyed or lost in the sea and four carriers were destroyed, so that they had no return bases; that the Japanese lost 4,800 men.”
An account from fellow shipmate and friend, Alvin “Bud” Gugelman of Bern (provided by family historian Anna Lang of DuBois, Neb.), gives the following version of Harry’s death:
“Harry Bieri served on the USS Battleship New York. In the battle of Midway Island on June 6, 1942, the New York had her generators hooked to a disabled ship when she was hit broadside by a torpedo.
“Harry was a strong swimmer and was among those swimming away from the ship. He was hanging in the water resting when his ship’s power supply exploded, crushing his lungs. He was rescued but died shortly and was buried at sea.”
Harry Vernon Bieri was born June 29, 1913, on a farm southeast of Bern. He moved to town with his parents, Pete and Mathilda Schupbach Bieri, and was graduated with honors with the class of 1931.
He had served in the Navy since April 1932. He had advanced to his current rating in June 1941.
Harry’s relatives and many friends watched his advancement in the Navy with interest, for he was a “likeable sort, of winning disposition, bright and alert, one who was bound to advance.”
Survivors besides his parents were a brother, Reuben, who also had the naval rank of chief fire controlman and was assigned to the recently commissioned battleship Massachusetts; two sisters, Opal (Mrs. Wayne Keith) of Lovelandville, Colo., and Mrs. Melvin Rasdall of Spartanburg, S.C.
A memorial service was held at the Evangelical church of Bern, to which Harry belonged.
The Rev. W. H. Nelson of the church and the Rev. Charles A. Richard of Seneca officiated.
The Earl W. Taylor Post of the American Legion was in charge of the service. Post Commander George Springer Jr. and Post Auxiliary President Mrs. George J. Buser took part in the service.