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In Memory

LaMar Berrey - Class of 1933

Corporal Vernon LaMar Berrey, 29, of the field artillery, killed in action in Germany, April 11, 1945. Within a period of 19 days two brothers, sons of Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Berrey of Montpelier, died half-way across the world from each other, one in Germany, the other in the Pacific, while in the service of their country. As far as is known, this is the first and only double death casualty to have come to a Montpelier or Bear Lake family.

Berreys Lose Sons On Both Battle Fronts
The most dreaded of all news came this and last week to the A. L. Berrey family of Montpelier, when information was received that two sons were killed in the service of their country while in action on widely separated fronts.

First word was received recently of the death of Corporal Vernon LaMar Berrey, 29, which occurred somewhere in Germany, April 11 [1945]. Then yesterday another telegram from the adjutant general stated that S/Sgt. Zane Richard (Dick) Berrey, 20, was killed in action on Morotai, April 30 [1945]. Just received by the parents this week under date of April 17 [1945] was a letter (appearing elsewhere in this issue) from General George Kenney stating that S/Sgt. Zane R. Berrey was recently decorated with the Air Medal.

Both young men starred in athletics while attending Montpelier High School.

Corporal Berrey was born in Montpelier on July 28, 1915, and received his education in the Montpelier schools before attending the University of Idaho at Moscow two years. He was affiliated with Delta Chi fraternity.

Corporal Berrey and Zoe Vee Gephart were married in Denver in November, 1940, where they made their home until he enlisted in the armed forces in January, 1943. He received his military training at Camp Howze, Texas, Camp Livingston, Shreveport, Louisiana, and Camp San Luis Obispo, California. He left for overseas duty February 1, 1945 with the 86th Division Field Artillery, serving somewhere in France.