Birth: Apr. 7, 1919
Springfield
Clark County
Ohio, USA
Death: Dec. 1, 1943, Germany

Daily News, Springfield, Ohio on Friday, January 14, 1944

Staff Sergt. Harry E. BYERMAN, has given his life for his country, it was disclosed Thursday night. Sergt. BYERMAN, previously reported as missing in action, was killed December 1, according to word received by his wife, Mrs. Harriet F. (Baker) BYERMAN of Selma rd. Notification of his disappearance reached Mrs. Byerman on Dec. 13, and notification of his death came in a telegram dated Jan 5.
The subsequent letter from the Adjutant General, dated Jan. 11, read in part: "Information has now been received from the German government through the International Red Cross stating that he was killed in action on Dec. 1, 1943.
This would indicate that he was killed in action on the date he was previously reported missing in action, and it has been so recorded on the records of the War Department.
"I realize the burden of anxiety that has been yours since he was reported missing in action and deeply regret the sorrow this message brings you. May the knowledge that he made the supreme sacrifice for his home and country be a source of sustaining comfort for you."

Sergt. BYERMAN was trained at the Las Vegas, Nevada Gunnery School, and had been overseas since June 1, where he served with the Eighth Air Force as a tail gunner on a Liberator bomber B-24D.
He was with the 329th Bomber Squadron 93rd Bomber Group, attached to the RAF Hardwick England group.
He attended Springfield High School and was formerly employed by Robbins and Myers, Inc.
He is survived by his widow; his parents, Harry BYERMAN, Sr. (1892-7/31/1958) and Josephine Byerman (Born 1895) of 1516 N. Belmont Avenue; a nine month old son, Jack Edward; a three year old daughter, Judy Lee Byerman (b 6/22/1940), a brother, Russell C. of Camp Haan, CA (8/2/1920-4/27/1993).; and two sisters, Verna Mae BYERMAN (b 4/2/1926) and Mrs. Martha Josephine MOSHIER (1916-1973), both of Springfield, Ohio.

A/C 769-X, Lt Ketchum, Pilot, was seen to leave the formation and turn back toward England at 1137 hours at 5043N 0638E. One Engine was smoking heavily. This was the last time the aircraft was seen. Moderate, inaccurate heavy flak was encountered 1130 to 1132 hours but no enemy aircraft opposition had been encountered. All crewmembers bailed out except the tail gunner. Harry was too badly wounded to get out of his turret according to the crewmembers from the rear of the ship. The tail turret received many direct hits from the machine guns of the enemy fighters. The waist gunner reported that he saw Byerman slump over his guns, evidently dead.
A German officer at Dulag Luft told a crewmember that his remains were found in the airplane when it crashed.

He received the Air Medal with Oak leaf Cluster and the Purple Heart


Family links:
Parents:
Harry E Byerman (1891 - 1958)
Josephine "Josie" Byerman (1894 - 1979)

Note: Entered the service from Ohio.

Burial:
Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial
Margraten
Eijsden-Margraten Municipality
Limburg, Netherlands
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SISTER

BAXTER (Byerman), Verna May Passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2015.
Born April 2nd, 1926 in Springfield, Ohio, Verna or "Vernie" was the youngest daughter of Harry and Josephine Byerman.
Graduating in the class of 1944 from Springfield High School, she worked for the Soil Conservation Office (at "The Kingdom"), and Nilson/Bone Florists in Xenia, OH.
Verna married her sweetheart, Cecil Richard Baxter on May 18, 1946.
They lived in Springfield and Xenia, Ohio before moving to San Bernardino, California with their only child, Carol Ann in 1957.
When Dick retired, Verna and their two dogs crossed the country in their Carriage Travel trailer and enjoyed spending time with friends.

Married a total of 68 years, Verna was proceeded in death by Dick in July of 2014.

Verna May is survived by her daughter, Carol Ann Ward (husband Jim),
Grandchildren Christopher Ward (wife Debbie) and Bonnie Ward Chamberlain (husband Steven), and Great-Grandchildren Aaron Ward, Jordan Chamberlain, Madison Ward and Kathryn Chamberlain.

Additional family include Marguerite Wolf of Xenia, Ohio and Betty Lou Jack of Nappanee, IN. Funeral services will be held 1:30 PM Monday April 6, 2015 at the McColaugh Funeral Home Inc. 826 N. Detroit St. Xenia, Ohio 45385.
The family will receive friends Monday April 6, 2015 from 12:30 PM until 1:30 PM at the McColaugh Funeral Home Inc. 826 N. Detroit St. Xenia, Ohio 45385.

Interment will follow the service at the Valley View Memorial Gardens Xenia, Ohio. (Greene County)

Online condolences can be made at www.mccolaughfuneralhome.com



Published in Springfield News-Sun on Apr. 2, 2015
Clark County.