Abraham Berman, 93, a longtime resident of Malden & Lake Worth, FL entered into eternal rest on August 24, 2007 at the Colony House Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Abington. He was the husband of the late Gertrude Berman who entered into rest in 2004.
Born in Johnstown, PA, the son of the late Robert & Rebecca (Shapiro) Berman, Abraham was raised & educated in PA. He enlisted in the United States Army on October 21, 1939 at Ft. MacArthur, CA & served with the 93rd Bombardment Squadron. Abraham served in the Philippine Islands, Southern Philippines, & Luzon. He was also a survivor of the "Bataan Death March" and was a Prisoner of War. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal with Clasp, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, Distinguished Unit Badge, the Philippine Defense Ribbon with 1 Bronze Service Star, & the American Theater Campaign Ribbon. He was also awarded the Air Medal for
"…meritorious achievement while participating in the first mass flight of B-17's from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Clark Field, Pampanga, Luzon, Philippine Islands, as a member of a combat crew, October – November 1941. This flight of the 19th Bombardment Group (H) from the United States across the Pacific Ocean to the Philippine Islands was performed at a time when the successful accomplishment of the mission proved to have direct bearing upon the security of the United States. Despite adverse weather, small airdromes, inadequate radio aids, & long over water flights with no alternative landing fields, the mission was accomplished within a short period of time. The performance of duty of each combat crew member resulted in the safe arrival of all airplanes involved on the flight. The services of Corporal Abraham Berman reflect highest credit to the Military Forces of the Unites States." He was honorably discharged with the rank of Technical Sergeant on May 3, 1946 at Ft. Devens, MA. Upon returning from military service, Abraham began his career as a lithographer. He was also an accomplished artist, & a member of the American Defenders of Bataan & Corregidor.
Abraham was the father of Robert M. Berman & his wife Martha of South Weymouth, & the late Edward H. Berman. He is also survived by Edward's wife, Andrea Brown Berman of Revere. He was the loving grandfather of Robert, Andrew, Allison, & the late Nicole Berman; & cherished great-grandfather of Ella Rose. Abraham was pre-deceased by his sister Jean Zide & brothers Harry & Joe Berman.
Graveside funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 26, 2007 in the Agudath Achim of Malden Cemetery, Rt. 99, Melrose. Rabbi Frank Waldorf, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Sinai will officiate. Memorial observance will be private. Those wishing to remember Abraham may do so through memorial donations to the American Defenders of Bataan & Corregidor, 9407 Fernglen, San Antonio, TX 78240. Arrangements entrusted to the care of the Torf Funeral Service of Chelsea.