Brig. General James H. Berge, USMC, Ret.

Brigadier General James H. (Hal) Berge, USMC, Ret., passed away peacefully on Monday, September 19, 2011, at the age of 88. He was surrounded by his wife of 67 years, Ruth Grace Berge, his daughter Wendy Shalita and her husband Anthony, his daughter Barbara Berge, and his grandson Bob Stanley. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, grandson Robert Stanley and his wife Elina and two great-grandchildren, Katya and Benjamin Stanley. He is also survived by two sisters, Sabra Ann Bushnell and Melinda Berge and a brother, William Berge, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Hal Berge was born on July 21, 1923, in Seattle, Washington where he grew up enjoying all that the great Northwest offered. He rose to Eagle Scout and enjoyed mountain climbing. He became a Naval Aviator in 1944 and served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He served in England as an exchange pilot with the Royal Air Force (Tiger Squadron) Fighter Squadron 74. He was Commander of Squadron 242 in Cherry Point, NC. Transferred to the Far East, Hal served as Deputy G-3 (Air Operations), Headquarters, III Marine Amphibious Force, from July 1967 until March 1968, then served as Commanding Officer, MAG-13, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, until September 1968. After receiving his Masters Degree in Political Science at the National War College he was promoted to Brigadier General in 1970. He was assigned as Commanding General, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing/Marine Air Reserve Training Command, Glenview, IL.

General Berge was awarded the Legion of Merit for Valor for his contributions in Southeast Asia, and subsequently was awarded First and Second Gold Star devices for this decoration, 4th through 12th Air Medals, and the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation. General Berge was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for meritorious achievement in aerial flights in Korea.

After his retirement Hal served as Vice President of Canteen Corporation in Chicago, Illinois where he devoted much of his time to finding work for the 1980 Winter Olympic athletes allowing them time to practice their craft while still earning a small salary. Later, Hal became part of the TIA and EIA family in Arlington, VA and retired as a Vice President of EIA Association.

He enjoyed traveling, reading and being part of his local Church and outreach programs. Hal was adored by all and he is now resting peacefully in God’s hands.

Funeral will be Thursday, December 29, 2011, 1:00pm in the Old Post Chapel at Ft. Myer and burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes contributions in his name be made to the Virginia Veterans Care Center 4550 Shenandoah Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24017 or to The Gentle Shepherd Hospice Care at 6045 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA 24019-4029.